Daly River To Katherine Scenic Drive

This 200-kilometre drive from the Daly River to Katherine is a quintessential Northern Territory road trip, threading through rugged outback landscapes, pockets of tropical savannah, and the cultural heartland of the Jawoyn people. It’s a journey that rewards those who take their time — stopping at river crossings, exploring historic homesteads, and dipping into the region’s Indigenous heritage. The route is sealed except for a short gravel section near the river, so a 2WD is fine in the dry season, but check conditions before heading out.

Highlights & What to See

• Daly River Crossing & Boat Ramp – A prime spot for barramundi fishing; locals gather here at sunset to cast a line and share stories.
• Daly River Pub – An iconic outback pub with cold beer, hearty meals, and a verandah overlooking the river. Try the barra burger.
• Florina Station – A working cattle station offering guided tours of its historic homestead and a glimpse into station life.
• Pine Creek – A former gold-rush town with a well-preserved main street, the historic Railway Station Museum, and the annual Gold Rush Festival.
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) – The grand finale: a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Take a boat cruise, hire a canoe, or walk the rim trails.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park – A limestone cave system with guided tours revealing stalactites, stalagmites, and rare blind cave creatures.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day for the drive itself, but two days is ideal to enjoy stops and side trips. Start early from the Daly River area, spend the morning exploring the river and pub, then head towards Pine Creek for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Katherine, with time for a short walk at the gorge or a cave tour. If you have a second day, devote it to Nitmiluk National Park — take a morning boat cruise and an afternoon walk to the lookout.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine – The regional hub with a vibrant arts centre, the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum, and the famous Katherine Hot Springs.
• Nitmiluk National Park – Extend your stay with multi-day canoe trips or the Jatbula Trail (a 5-day hike).
• Leliyn (Edith Falls) – A stunning series of waterfalls and swimming holes just north of Katherine, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Mataranka Hot Springs – A 90-minute drive from Katherine, these thermal pools are surrounded by palm forest and are a blissful stop on the way to Darwin.
• Douglas Daly Region – South of the Daly River, this area offers off-grid camping, birdwatching, and the Douglas Hot Springs.

Please check official sources for current details.