Katherine
Town
Population 5848
Katherine, on the south side of the Katherine River, has always been a busy and important area for local Aboriginal groups, who used the river and gorge as meeting places. Explorer John McDouall Stuart named the river on his way through in 1862 after the second daughter of James Chambers, one of his expedition sponsors. The town grew up around an Overland Telegraph station and was named after the river. Today its economic mainstays are pastural, tourism and the Tindal RAAF airbase.
Visitor Information
Cnr Katherine Tce (Stuart Hwy) and Lindsay St; (08) 8972 2650 or 1800 653 142
Nearby national parks
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Nitmiluk National Park
In Nitmiluk National Park, the powerful Katherine River, rising in Arnhem Land, has cut through the ancient sandstone to create a series of...more -
Elsey National Park
Elsey National Park is a gem. It sparkles with flowing creeks, small gushing waterfalls, welcoming thermal springs and limestone dams, and is...more -
Kakadu National Park
World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is a landscape of unsurpassed beauty, with world-renowned wetlands attracting extraordinary...more
Nearby towns
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Pine Creek
The town was named Pine Creek by Overland Telegraph workers because of the prolific pine trees growing along the banks of the tiny creek...more -
Mataranka
Visitors are lured to Mataranka for its thermal springs and its sense of literary history. Jeannie Gunn, author of We of the Never Never,...more -
Adelaide River
Adelaide River is a small town located midway between Darwin and Pine Creek. A settlement was established here as a base for...more
In Town
Katherine Museum: built as an air terminal in 1944–45, the museum houses artefacts, maps, photographs and farming displays. There is also memorabilia relating to Dr Clyde Fenton, who as a pioneer medical aviator and Katherine's Medical Officer between 1934 and 1937 serviced an area of 8 000 000 sq km in a second-hand Gypsy Moth he bought for £500. The plane is on display. Check opening times; Gorge Rd; (08) 8972 3945. Railway Station Museum: displays of the area's railway history with an old steam engine in nearby Ryan Park; check at the visitor centre for opening times; Railway Tce. School of the Air: see displays about the history of the school and listen in on lessons; open Apr–Oct, closed on weekends; Giles St. O'Keefe House: built during WW II and used as the officers' mess, it became home to Sister Olive O'Keefe, whose work with the Flying Doctor and Katherine Hospital from the 1930s to 1950s made her a NT identity. The house is one of the oldest in town and is a classic example of bush ingenuity, using local cypress pine, corrugated iron and flywire; open Mon–Fri May–Sept; Riverbank Dr. NT Rare Rocks: unusual rock and gem displays; Zimmin Dr; (08) 8971 0889. Self-guide walks: including Pioneer Walk and Arts and Crafts Trail; brochures from visitor centre.
Nearby
Nitmiluk National Park This 292 800 ha wilderness is owned by the Jawoyn people and managed jointly with NT Parks & Wildlife Commission. It is renowned for its 13 stunning gorges, carved from red sandstone over a period of 20 million years. The Katherine River flows through a broad valley that narrows dramatically between the high sandstone cliffs of the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge 29 km NE. High above the floodline, on the overhangs of the ancient rock walls, are Aboriginal paintings thousands of years old. The best way to explore the gorge is by flat-bottomed boat (daily cruises; bookings at visitor centre), but canoe hire is available. You can also swim in the pools or explore the 100-kilometre network of walking tracks. Another highlight of the park is Edith Falls (Leliyn) 66 km NE, which drops into a paperbark- and pandanus-fringed natural pool that is a popular swimming spot. There are signposted bushwalks, picnic areas and campsites. Fauna in Nitmiluk includes many reptile and amphibian species, kangaroos and wallabies in higher reaches and rare birds such as the hooded parrot and Gouldian finch. The countryside is at its best Nov–Mar although the weather is hot. Magnificent scenery can be enjoyed from helicopter tours, scenic flights and boat cruises; brochures at visitor centre; (08) 8972 2650; 29 km NE. Knotts Crossing: site of region’s first Overland Telegraph station (1870s) around which the original township of Katherine developed. By 1888 there was a hotel, store and police station. The hotel lost its licence in 1916 and the store was given a Gallon Licence. The Gallon Licence Store (now a private residence) operated until 1942; Giles St; 2 km E. Natural Hot Springs: on the banks of the Katherine River with picnic facilities and pleasant walking trails; Victoria Hwy; 3 km S. Low Level Nature Reserve: weir built by US soldiers during WWII, now a popular waterhole for picnicking and canoeing (bring own canoe). The river is teeming with barramundi, black bream and northern snapping turtles, so fishing is a common pastime; 3 km S. Springvale Homestead: originally the home of Alfred Giles, this is oldest remaining homestead in NT (1879). Accommodation, restaurant, swimming pool and camping; Shadforth Rd; 8 km W. Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: 1499 ha of the only accessible tropical limestone caves in the NT with fascinating formations 15 m underground; regular tours each day; (08) 8972 1940; 27 km SE. Manyallaluk Aboriginal Community: camping and Aboriginal cultural tours; bookings essential, (08) 8971 0877; 100 km NE. Flora River Nature Park: great campsites, interesting mineral formations, pools and cascades along the river; 122 km SW, of which 46 km is unsealed.
Fishing spots near town
Daly River 186 km
The Daly River is one of the most popular barramundi fishing destinations for Darwin anglers. The river is rightly famous for its spectacular runoff fishing at the end of the Wet, but produces barramundi year round. Some... Find out moreSouth Alligator River 214 km
Adventure is what the NT is about. Be prepared to go home with more than fishing memories. The flora and fauna are full of unexpected excitement too. In this raw environment, anything that swims, walks or flies –... Find out moreManton Dam 217 km
Queensland has received a lot of publicity about stocking lakes with barramundi, but since the mid- 1990s NT Fisheries has been doing similar work. More than 100 000 barramundi have been put into Manton Dam, a... Find out moreShady Camp 228 km
This barrage separates fresh and salt water and is a famous land-based fishing spot. It consists of a free camping area with a reasonably clean toilet block. There is no worry about dogs and cats getting into rubbish... Find out moreSwim Creek 234 km
After a long, hot day fishing for barramundi, the bar and dining area at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, just north of Mary River National Park, is a magnet for anglers. Thirsts are quenched, meals eaten and fish tales... Find out moreWildman River 239 km
In an untamed land, the name Wildman River is enough to stir the cockles of any adventure- loving angler. Being told the river is inaccessible by road and that it will take about two hours fast running in a boat to get... Find out moreEast Alligator River 240 km
One of the prime rivers in Kakadu is the East Alligator, which is at the eastern boundary of Kakadu. Access to the East Alligator is at Cahills Crossing. Turn left on to the Oenpelli road about 5 km before Jabiru. The... Find out moreTommycut Graveyard 241 km
After seeing so many healthy wetlands in the Territory, Tommycut Graveyard is a shock to the system. In the 1970s this was a thriving freshwater wetland system similar to Kakadu. However, it was all but destroyed by... Find out moreChambers Bay 249 km
The Mary River system is about three hours’ drive east of Darwin. The Mary River breaks up into a system of billabongs and creeks that would be called rivers in southern Australia. Two of the largest waterways are... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
This pleasant outback diner on Gorge Rd is just a short drive from the centre of town. A rustic building with views over a lake, Kumbidgee has a relaxed atmosphere and serves reasonably priced meals. Children have plenty... Find out more
The Carriage Stonegrill Restaurant & Bar
At the Paraway Motel, in the centre of town, the Carriage is renowned for its bountiful buffet and ‘stonegrill’ cuisine. Steak and kebabs are presented to diners on super-heated natural volcanic stones,... Find out moreCampsites around town
Knotts Crossing Resort Caravan Park 2 km
A 5-time winner of the Northern Territory Brolga Award for tourism, this resort has a range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites, and sites with ensuites. Set by the river at the corner of... Find out moreAll Seasons Resort Katherine 3 km
This resort on the Stuart Hwy at Katherine is a great base to springboard into Nitmiluk National Park. Its small camping area has powered and unpowered sites and there is a swimming pool. No fires are allowed.... Find out moreThis quiet spot just out of Katherine has great facilities. Take a short stroll to the river and do some fishing, or lounge in the pool. To get here, head out of Katherine towards Katherine Gorge for 6 km along Giles St,... Find out more
Springvale Homestead Tourist Park 5 km
Stay near the oldest standing homestead in the NT, Springvale Homestead, built in the 1880s. At 3pm most days there is a Devonshire tea and discussion of the homestead’s history. At night there’s also a... Find out moreNitmiluk Gorge Caravan and Camping Ground 24 km
Centrally positioned near the ranger station, walking tracks, canoe hire and the cruise boat, this privately run campsite has pretty much everything you need, including a pool, and is the main campsite in the park.... Find out moreDunlop Swamp (bush camping) 28 km
With no toilets and drinking water only available some of the year, this is a site for the experienced. It’s 9 km along the Smitt Rocks Walk.... Find out moreSmitt Rocks 29 km
Suitable for canoeists or hikers, this site is 11 km east of the visitor centre, and accessible by the Katherine River or the Smith Rocks Walk. There are toilets and drinking water.... Find out moreBiddlecombe Cascades 30 km
The seasonal cascades tumble 11 km along the Jatbula Trail from the visitor centre.... Find out moreSweetwater Pool 31 km
Sweetwater Pool is reached via the walking trail, 4 km east of the Leliyn camping ground, or near the end of the Jatbula Trail.... Find out moreEighth Gorge (bush camping) 32 km
A popular campsite among overnight canoeists, this site is 16 km east of the visitor centre via Eighth Gorge Walk. It has no toilets.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Knotts Crossing Resort Caravan Park 2 km
Take the road leading to the gorge to discover this very tidy, good quality park set in tropical surrounds. It has a range of accommodation and good facilities, including a fully licensed restaurant. All the caravan... Find out moreBIG4 Katherine Low Level Caravan Park 3 km
This is a quality park with nice shade trees. It has good facilities including a relaxed bistro under a spreading banyan tree. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreThis park is in a quite rural setting 6 km from Katherine. It has large shade trees and very good amenities. There is plenty of space for larger rigs. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more
Edith Falls Camp Ground 33 km
This is a good camping area within Nitmiluk National Park. It is reached along a 19-km sealed road; turn off the Stuart Highway 42 km north-west of Katherine. The base of the falls is a short walk from the camping... Find out moreTerritory Manor Caravan Park 100 km
This is a good quality, smaller park alongside a motel with tidy surrounds. It is close to the centre of town and a major daily attraction is feeding barramundi inside the grounds. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreMataranka Tourist Resort 106 km
This popular park is situated alongside the Mataranka Thermal Pool. Many people come here to swim in the hot, crystal-clear springs. There are good amenities, a licensed bistro and a well-stocked shop.... Find out moreGagudju Lodge Cooinda Caravan Park 175 km
Located close to the famous Yellow Water billabong, this park is just off the Kakadu Highway, 54 km south of Jabiru. It is a great choice, especially if you are planning a cruise on Yellow Water, as the cruise bus... Find out moreVictoria River Roadhouse Caravan Park 176 km
Victoria River Crossing is a key landmark on the Victoria Highway and this park is part of the roadhouse and accommodation complex on the banks of the Victoria River. It has shady sites, basic amenities and is ideal for... Find out moreMount Bundy Station 184 km
This is a unique riverfront farmstay camping area, 3 km from Adelaide River, with basic but good amenities. The station raises water buffaloes for export. The camping area is grassy and well shaded.... Find out moreThe Bark Hut Inn 184 km
This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
At the southern entrance to town, this hotel set among 4.5 hectares of landscaped grounds is an oasis in a harsh region. The swimming pool is large and inviting, rooms are large and spotless, the restaurant is good, and... Find out more
On the road leading to Katherine Gorge, a short walk from the centre of town, the resort has a range of accommodation and has won awards for its good mid-range facilities. There is an excellent restaurant with walls... Find out more
Only five minutes’ drive from Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge, and 15 minutes from the centre of Katherine, this is a quiet base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Situated on the banks of the... Find out more
At the junction of the Buntine and Buchanan highways, three hours south-west of Katherine, this rest stop has an awesome reputation as a colourful outback pub. Recently modernised, but without losing the rustic charm,... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Kakadu Culture Camp 186 km
This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated camp in the heart of Kakadu is 100 per cent solarpowered, including the bore pump. It has solar hot water and 40 solar panels providing electricity. From May to November you can stay in... Find out moreRest areas around town
King West Rest Area 30 km
31 km SW of Katherine (R) or 163 km NE of Victoria River (L) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S14 40.679 E132 05.196... Find out moreEdith Falls Camp Area 33 km
T/O 42 km N of Katherine (R) or 48 km S of Pine Creek (L) Small shady campground located 19 kilometres east of the highway on the edge of a large waterhole fringed by monsoon forest in Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)... Find out moreKing River Rest Area 44 km
57 km N of Mataranka (R) or 49 km S of Katherine (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S14 38.628 E132 37.923 ... Find out moreLimestone Creek Rest Area 55 km
57 km SW of Katherine (R) or 137 km NE of Victoria River (L) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S14 49.762 E131 55.035... Find out moreCopperfield Dam Camp Area 83 km
T/O 86 km N of Katherine (L) or 4 km S of Pine Creek (R) Small campground situated 3 kilometres west of the highway overlooking the dam. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S13 50.56 E131 49.05 ... Find out morePine Creek Park Area 85 km
Middle of town Small parking area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S13 49.344 E131 50.054 ... Find out moreHarriet Creek Rest Area 92 km
28 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 186 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S13 40.799 E131 59.138... Find out moreMathison Rest Area 97 km
102 km SW of Katherine (L) or 92 km NE of Victoria River (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S15 08.356 E1031 41.08 ... Find out moreMataranka Park Area 101 km
Middle of town Large area adjacent highway in the middle of town. Limited shade. GPS: S14 55.504 E133 04.142... Find out more12 Mile Yards Camp Area 116 km
T/O 70 km N of Larrimah (R) or 6 km S of Mataranka (L) Large campground located 16 kilometres east of the highway on the banks of the Roper River in a pleasant bush setting in Elsey National Park. Good facilities and... Find out moreDouglas Hot Springs Camp Area 118 km
T/O 6 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 51 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large open campground located 39 kilometres south-west of the highway on the banks of a creek that is fed by the hot springs. Shade is limited. GPS: S13... Find out moreWarloch Rest Area 125 km
40 km N of Larrimah (R) or 36 km S of Mataranka (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S15 14.159 E133 06.880 ... Find out moreGungurul Camp Area 130 km
T/O 109 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 105 km SW of Jabiru (R) Small campground surrounded by scrub 1 kilometre west of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S13 17.401 E132 20.195... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Tick Markets: Lindsay St; 1st Sat each month Apr–Sept.
Katherine Community Markets and Farmers' Market: 8am–12pm every Sat, Mar–Dec; Ryan Park.
Katherine Show: rodeo, exhibitions; July.
Katherine Cup: horseracing; May.
Katherine
Festival: community festival, theatre and music; Aug.
