Deep gorges, misty waterfalls, soothing thermal springs and ancient cultures hidden in the Outback. This is the magical Katherine region. Discover it by hiking along the rim of Nitmiluk Gorge. Examine ancient rock art and bathe in picturesque surroundings. Kayak the depths of the gorge on a multiday trip, or fly over it. Whatever you choose to put into the mix, you will be guaranteed the perfect blend of the Outback and the tropics.
Katherine is a big country town 320 kilometres southeast of Darwin, set on the Katherine River. It is a popular stopover between Darwin and/or Kakadu National Park in the Top End, and Alice Springs and/or Uluru in the Red Centre. Its two main attractions are the nearby Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and the Katherine hot springs. It is also home to a rich Indigenous culture.
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The diverse and spectacular landscape of Nitmiluk is where the Jawoyn people live. As the traditional owners of the land, they have been co-managing the park with the Australian Government. Nitmiluk is steeped in Jawoyn Aboriginal culture, which continues as Jawoyn people look after Nitmiluk’s diverse natural values and maintain and share their rich culture with the community and visitors. Jawoyn rock art sites dot the park and include some very ancient, as well as more recent, styles and motifs.
An influential Australian film, Jedda the Uncivilised (1955) was filmed in this region. This movie is significant because it was the first film to star two Aboriginal actors. It was also the first Australian feature film to be shot in colour.
Have your own slice of tropical paradise in Nitmiluk National Park. Imagine yourself completely alone in this remote place, often overlooked by visitors to the Top End. Located in the Northern Territory, 23 kilometres northeast of the town of Katherine. Its northern edge borders the famous Kakadu National Park. The park's biggest attraction is Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge).
Nitmiluk is a spectacular system of 13 gorges stretching for 12 kilometres. Carved through ancient sandstone by the mighty Katherine River over hundreds of years. This is some of the most stunning gorge scenery in the Northern Territory. There are two main sections to the park, with a 90 kilometres drive between them: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to the south and Leliyn (Edith Falls) to the north.
There are many activities to choose from in the Katherine region, all in stunning natural surroundings. Water based activities include bathing in hot springs, swimming in pristine waterholes, fishing for barramundi, cruising through the gorges on a boat tour and kayaking or canoeing down the Katherine River.
The latter can be done on a multiday trip where you get to sleep in a traditional Australian swag on the banks of the river under a canopy of stars. In the morning, be woken by the smells of a bush breakfast prepared by your guide. Other activities include bird watching, spotting native wildlife, stargazing, examining Aboriginal rock art, bushwalking and exploring one of the many trails.
Conquer the world famous 62 kilometre long Jatbula Trail. Follow the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn people between Nitmiluk and Leliyn in Nitmiluk National Park. It is a highly popular walk and it is advisable to book online well in advance. It takes between four to five days to complete, with stops at campsites near stunning waterfalls. Listed below are those falls that can also be reached on shorter walks.
Need to cool off after a hard day exploring the Katherine wilderness? Picture a stunning oasis – red cliffs, lush tropical forest, sparkling crystal clear water and the peaceful hum of a running waterfall. This is how you experience swimming in the waterholes of the Top End, without a croc in sight!
Sweetwater Pool is the last stop along the iconic Jatbula Trail in tranquil surroundings. Here you will find many pools to choose from to cool off and catch the stunning reflections across the still waters. Sweetwater Pool can also be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre day walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls.
This waterhole is a half day walk from the Nitmiluk Centre at Nitmiluk Gorge. It's a lovely lunch spot on the first day of the iconic Jatbula Trail. In the first half of the year, including the early Dry Season, you can bathe under a huge single drop waterfall.
Southern Rockhole is a seasonal waterfall, located near the top of the first gorge. The walk from the car park to the Rockhole is 4 kilometres (each way). Alternatively you can catch a ferry either one-way (with the option of walking one way) or return (seasonally available).
The ferry will drop you off within 150 metres of the Rockhole, where you are then required to walk the remainder. The track is not an artificial path, and involves rock hopping most of the way. As such, a moderate level of fitness and mobility is required.
Leliyn (Edith Falls) is a popular swimming spot for visitors and locals, located 60 kilometres north of Katherine accessed via the Stuart Highway via sealed road. The area is great for bushwalking with the 2.6 kilometre Leliyn Trail offering a challenging walk along a steep, rocky loop.
There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of Leliyn, halfway around the trail. You can also enjoy the longer 9 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool. Leliyn (Edith Falls) is the finishing point of the 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at the Gorge end of Nitmiluk National Park.
The Katherine region is nature's spa in the Outback. Relax and unwind in the beautifully warm waters surrounded by tropical plants and wildlife. Leave feeling completely rejuvenated, ready for another adventure in the Outback.
Just outside of Katherine, on the banks of the Katherine River, you can relax your muscles in the clear water of Katherine Hot Springs. There is a viewing platform up a walking path, from where you can see the source of the spring water. With a constant average of 32 degrees, the springs are perfect for swimming all year round.
A series of thermal pools await you at Elsey National Park, otherwise known as Mataranka thermal baths. The most famous is Mataranka Thermal Pool with a water temperature of 34 degrees year round. Enjoy a soothing dip while watching the birds and native wildlife that appear between the palms and tropical woodlands. The park is also popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts. Launch your canoe from one of the ramps for a day of exploring, paddling or fishing.
The park was named after the cattle station in which Jeannie Gunn’s acclaimed novel We of the Never Never was set. The film of the book was shot in nearby Mataranka.
Cutta Cutta Caves are a popular attraction in the Top End area of Australia's Northern Territory as one of Australia’s only tropical limestone cave systems. Just a short drive south of Katherine, you can take the winding boardwalk down through the caves and see fascinating stalactites of all shapes and sizes sprouting from the ceiling. The walls are adorned with crystals that look like spun sugar. The rare ghost bat and horseshoe bat shelter in the caves.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowKatherine has a tropical climate. The best time to visit the area is in the Dry season (May - September) when you can enjoy warm, sunny days. The downside is that it may be too hot for hiking or walking, but if you plan it well and leave at dawn, you can still enjoy these activities.
During the rainy season, the normally gentle river turns into a raging stream through the gorges, with wild waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. While this offers some stunning scenery, it may impede water based activities due to water levels being too high. It is also very hot and humid during this time of the year.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Katherine and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A unique spot to experience the hidden gems of Australia and meet the locals. This is the greatest way to discover Australia.
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