But first…a little history.
Katherine, dubbed fondly as ‘K-Town’ by many of the locals, is the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory. Hugging the banks of the river that shares its name, Katherine is the Eastern Terminus of the Victoria Highway and marks the cross with the Stuart Highway. The northern leg of this intersection is the gorge road leading to Katherine’s pride and joy, the famed Katherine Gorge within Nitmiluk National Park.
Katherine was inhabited by the Dagoman people, and remains a cultural meeting place for local Aboriginal groups, including the Walpiri community. European exploration began in 1862 when John McDouall Stuart crossed the Katherine River and named it after the daughter of pastoralist James Chambers.
The town developed around the Katherine Telegraph Station established in 1872, benefiting from nearby gold discoveries and later the North Australia Railway. Between 1929 and 1960, Russian migrants settled in the area for peanut farming, although the industry largely failed by World War II.
Katherine has suffered multiple major floods, notably in 1998, 2006 and most recently in 2026, causing widespread damage and evacuations. Over time, Katherine has evolved into a regional hub supporting cattle, agriculture and of course tourism.
For many travellers, Katherine is a pit-stop en route to better known locations such as Kakadu, Litchfield or Darwin. Those that stay longer quickly realise just how much there is to uncover!
Here’s a place that is so steeped in history, millenniums breathe quietly within its deep ochre walls. The rock formations at Nitmiluk National Park were formed over 1.6 billion years ago. Scientists are still debating whether multicellular organisms existed around this time—that’s how ancient we are talking.
Nitmiluk is the heart of Jawoyn Country and people, and its sacred landscapes, ancient rock art and incredible water systems hold deep cultural significance.
While there’s plenty to explore around town, most journeys through Katherine naturally lead towards Nitmiluk National Park —best known for its vast gorge system. It’s also where some of the region’s most unique experiences begin, whether on foot, by boat, or from above.
Head to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre run by Nitmiluk Tours to understand the breadth of options that you have. It’s vital to do so if you haven’t already booked because your options depend greatly on the weather and the time of year that you are travelling. Broadly speaking however, trekking is a popular activity year-round and one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the gorge system. There are different walks to suit all preferences – remember that the escarpments are exposed and trap heat so it’s important to wear appropriate clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. The map provided by the Visitor Centre will indicate where you can top up your water bottle en route within the park. Nitmiluk Tours also operated boat trips of various durations that glide gently through the gorge system. Our favourite time to go is at dawn when your chances of seeing wildlife are the highest and the sandstone facades come alive bathed in first light. Check to see if you can trek one way and take a ferry back – this is a nice way to see the gorge from escarpment and water level.
Kayaking the gorge is a popular activity in the Dry only whereas you can count on the helicopter scenic and landing flights organised by North Horizon Heli Adventures all year-round.
Whilst most of the activity and hub of Nitmiluk National Park revolves around the Katherine Gorge itself, there’s a great deal more to see including Edith Falls, Southern Rockhole and Biddlecombe Cascades. Whereas you can drive to Edith Falls hese are only really viewable on the Jatbula Trail or from above by helicopter. The Jatbula Trail is an extended walk that usually takes 5-6 days – only a select few are able to hike the route per day, so it’s something you’d need to book the permissions for well in advance. More information can be found here. Alternatively, by helicopter, opt for the 17 Mile Valley or the Leliyn (Edith) Falls flight. The vastness of the park from above will quite literally take your breath away!
A mesmerizing limestone cave system just south of Katherine, offering guided tours through cool underground chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and unique wildlife like bats and rare insects. You can book via Nitmiluk Tours.
Insider Tip: Book ahead during peak season and wear sturdy shoes—the cave floors can be uneven, and it stays pleasantly cool inside year-round.
These are thermal pools sitting at around 25–30°C, so not overly hot but perfect for a relaxing dip. Bring your bathers, your noodles and a towel.
Insider Tips: If you like a run, there’s a Park Run in Katherine departing from the springs on Saturdays. Follow this up with a dip in the hot springs – what a way to start the day!
If you’re coming to Katherine in the Dry, Pop Rocket Café is a local favourite pop-up brunch-style café located near the parking of the hot springs. Their food is incredible as is the coffee! If you’re travelling in the Wet, make your way to Maiden’s Lane which is just 6 km up the road from the hot springs. Tucked away in Katherine’s industrial area, it’s the definition of a hidden gem and well off the usual tourist path. A true local favourite, it’s the kind of spot bush foodies can’t resist popping into whenever they make their regular trip into town.
Top Didj is an immersive Aboriginal cultural experience just outside Katherine, where you can learn traditional skills like spear throwing, fire lighting, and bush medicine in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
Insider Tip: Book the morning session if you can—it’s cooler, less crowded, and gives you more time to ask questions and explore at a slower pace.
If you’re keen to make a half-day of it, combine your visit with a stop at the Katherine Museum nearby for extra local history, or pack some snacks and enjoy a quiet picnic after your session surrounded by the natural bushland.
If you’re new to the NT and and want to soak up a little of that Territorian atmosphere, fishing is a wonderful way to while away a day or just an afternoon. North Horizon Heli Adventures has special permits to land in incredibly remote locations where the fishing is second to none! Enquire here to find out more.
If you’re looking to fish more locally, Rod & Rifle’s recommendations are very similar to ours but they’ve gone above and beyond in providing directions! Here’s the link to their page: Best Fishing Spots by Rod & Rifle in Katherine
Insider Tip: If you’re heading out for a day on the water, grab your supplies here first, then swing by the Katherine River or nearby billabongs fully prepared—it’s the kind of place where a quick stop can seriously improve your chances of landing a barra.
If you’re looking to splurge, Cicada Lodge offers a premium, nature-immersed experience. For a stylish mid-range option, the Contour Hotelprovides modern comfort right in town, while the Discovery cabins or Gorge View Bush Retreat’s glamping options are also great choices that balance comfort and value. Travellers on a budget will find Gorge View Bush Retreat’s safari tents a relaxed and affordable option that still captures the spirit of the outdoors.
Don’t forget to purchase that NT Parks Pass to enter Nitmiluk National Park. You can also use this at other national parks in the NT like Litchfield National Park.
Whether you’re here for a night or a few days, Katherine rewards those who take the time to explore a little deeper—on foot, on water, or from above.
