Katherine – In four days

DAY 1:

Katherine Gorge - Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park extends north to Kakadu National Park and is part of the magnificent Arnhem Land escarpment.

Katherine Gorge consists of 13 ancient sandstone gorges carved out by the Katherine River and it’s only half an hours’ drive from Katherine.

There are many ways to view the Gorge; boat cruises, canoe hire, hiking, plane and helicopter flights.

A unique experience is to see the Gorge change colour during sunset while partaking in fine dining on the Dinner Cruise.

Edith Falls - Nitmiluk National Park

The Northern end of Nitmiluk National Park is home to Edith Falls, which is popular for swimming, hiking and camping.

It’s roughly 45 minutes drive north of Katherine off the Stuart Highway.

This is a lovely place to spend the day swimming and relaxing with a picnic lunch by the rock pools.

Unpowered campsites are available with access to gas barbeques, toilets and showers.

There is also a kiosk where you can purchase hot or cold drinks and hot or cold meals,

one of which is our favourite: the Buffalo Burger.

DAY 2:

Katherine Outback Experience

A must-see, while you are in the region, is multiple Golden Guitar winner, Tom Curtain's ‘Katherine Outback Experience’.

His show celebrates life on the land through real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations, live music and humorous bush stories. 

Katherine Outback Experience won Tourism Northern Territory's Best Tourist Attraction in 2018 and 2019. 

Shows run in the dry-season between April and October. 

Katherine Hot Springs

The Katherine Hot Springs run alongside but separate to the Katherine River. This is a fantastic place to go to cool down and have a swim. There are several pools commencing with the very top pool which has the crater pouring out almost hot water from the ground. As the water pours down over the rock formations, lower pools and tree root systems, the water drops in temperature, getting cooler by the minute. There is a walking track that takes you from the Springs around to Low-Level Nature Reserve, which has lots of shady trees and picnic tables, spots to put a blanket and have a snack.

DAY 3:

Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery

Top Didj Art Gallery holds something for everyone. You can view and purchase some of the best Indigenous art and didgeridoo in the NT and feed and hold Agile wallabies. 

Katherine Museum 

Katherine Museum is a place full of history where you can experience our region through visual and audio interpretation.

The Museum site was the town's old aerodrome and was bombed 91 times on the 22 March 1943.

Displays feature Clyde Fenton’s Gypsy Moth, Overland Telegraph Line Display, 1998 Flood Movie, World War II Display, Russian Peanut Farmers,

One Man, Three Cultures, the Icon & many more. Open from 9 am – 4 pm daily (dry season)

Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve and Knotts Crossing

The Katherine Low Level Nature Park is a fantastic place for a picnic next to the river, with a children's playground and public BBQ's. The 105-hectare reserve got its name from the low-level bridge, it was designed to allow traffic to cross the Katherine River, the bridge stands only 6 feet above the dry season water level. Fishing is permitted, the rover holds barramundi, black bream and the northern snapping turtle. 

Knotts Crossing is another great place of you are a fishing enthusiast, looking for new places to explore. It is located next to the Katherine Hospital off Gorge Road. 

DAY 4:

Cutta Cutta Caves 

Travel 27 kilometres south of Katherine to the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park.

The Park covers 1,499 hectares of limestone landscape with the main feature being impressive limestone stalactites and stalagmites.

Formed millions of years ago, the caves are still growing today and are found about 15 metres below the surface.

Around 1900, a European stockman discovered the main cave entrance, and named the cave 'Smith's Cave'.

During World War II, servicemen visited the area and referred to it as '16 Mile Cave'.

Tours are conducted on the hour between 9am – 2pm, excluding 12 noon.

Mataranka and Bitter Springs

Mataranka is a small town just over an hours’ drive south along the Stuart Highway heading towards Tennant Creek.

Mataranka is known for its medicinal thermal springs, where you can swim or just chill out.

There are a number of WWII sites to see in the area.

Mataranka is also the location for filming movies such as “Jedda” and “We of the Never Never”.

The old Elsey Homestead replica which was used in the movie “We of the Never Never” still stands today,

reminding us of the early days and the hard life back then.

Bitter Springs is a short distance from Mataranka and is renowned for the resident turtles.

Make sure you bring your goggles and snorkel so you can get a close-up view of these incredible creatures!

Roam around the Katherine town centre,

browse through some unique shops and art galleries where you can pick up some unique locally hand crafted gift items or paintings.

While you’re looking, why not grab a coffee and sweet treat along the way.

Also check out the bridge on the way out of town, heading towards Darwin.

During the flood of 1998, the Katherine River peaked at 21.78m above sea level and you can stand on the footpath on one side of the bridge,

look across at the pylon and railway bridge, see where the water level points finish at 18,

then walk across to the railway line and stand in the very spot that was once completely immersed from flood waters.

It’s quite an immense feeling you are left with.....Nature!

Head back past the Information Centre and see the infamous local icon Sabu Sing, an Aboriginal stockman known for his sharp outback skills who became an Australian National cultural identity. His stunning statue stands proud and tall.

If you enjoy walking or walk to just like to stay fit, there are a number of walking trails in and around Katherine.

You can commence your walk at a variety of places,

with most people starting at the Information Centre and heading out along the Stuart Highway until they almost reach the Tindal Base.

If you are staying in town, you can commence your walk along River Terrace or on the Victoria Highway Road.

The paths are also ideal for cycling in case you travel with your own bicycles.

Grab your free copy of the Katherine map from the Visitor Information Centre.

For more information, please visit: www.visitkatherine.com.au or call into the Katherine Information Centre on the corner of Lindsay Street and Stuart Highway.

If you would like information mailed out, contact us at: (08) 8972 2650 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..