Discover Katherine and Surrounds
Located around 320 kilometres south of Darwin, Katherine is the perfect base for exploring the Northern Territory’s spectacular Big Rivers region. Whether you are travelling north to Darwin, west towards Kununurra, south to Alice Springs or east towards Mount Isa, there is plenty to discover along the way.
Make the Katherine Visitor Information Centre your first stop. Our friendly team can help you find local attractions, tours, accommodation, road information and memorable experiences throughout Katherine and the surrounding region.
Nitmiluk National Park
Just 30 kilometres from Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park is home to the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge—a dramatic landscape of sandstone cliffs, winding waterways and significant Jawoyn cultural sites.
Experience the gorge on a guided cruise, hire a canoe, explore the walking trails or take a scenic helicopter flight for an unforgettable view from above. Experiences operate throughout much of the year, with availability varying according to the season, weather and river conditions.
Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Located approximately 60 kilometres north of Katherine, Leliyn is a beautiful part of Nitmiluk National Park and a popular destination for swimming, bushwalking, picnicking and camping.
The area features picturesque waterfalls, scenic walking trails and designated swimming areas. Access and swimming conditions can change, so check current park information before travelling. An NT Parks Pass is required for interstate and international visitors.
Cultural Experiences
Connect with the region’s living culture through an authentic First Nations experience.
Senior Dalabon man Manuel Pamkal shares traditional knowledge through storytelling, didgeridoo playing, painting and hands-on cultural activities. Visitors can learn about Dalabon traditions while trying activities such as spear throwing and traditional painting. Experiences are seasonal, so bookings are recommended.
Aboriginal Art and Local Galleries
Explore Katherine’s galleries and discover Aboriginal art and handcrafted pieces representing Katherine, Central Australia, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley.
Several galleries are located close to the Katherine Visitor Information Centre, making it easy to browse paintings, carvings, didgeridoos and locally made gifts while learning more about the artists and stories behind the works.
Katherine Hot Springs
Cool off with a visit to the Katherine Hot Springs, a peaceful natural swimming area surrounded by native vegetation.
Despite the name, the water is pleasantly warm to cool, making it a refreshing place to swim and relax. Continue along the nearby walking paths or visit the Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve for a picnic beside the river.
Swimming access is subject to weather, flooding and local conditions.
Thank you to our local photographer Bek Tierney for this picture.
Mataranka and Bitter Springs
Travelling south? Allow time to visit Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park.
Surrounded by palms and tropical vegetation, these spring-fed pools are among the region’s most popular swimming spots. Access may be affected during the wet season, so always check current conditions before travelling.
Sabu Sing Statue
Standing beside the Katherine Visitor Information Centre, the bronze statue of Sabu Sing recognises one of the Top End’s respected stockmen and station managers.
Sabu Sing is depicted proudly seated on his stock horse, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about Katherine’s pastoral history and the people who helped shape the region.
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
Approximately 27 kilometres south of Katherine, Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park protects an impressive limestone cave system formed over millions of years.
Join a guided tour beneath the surface to see limestone formations, sparkling calcite crystals, columns, pillars and flowstones. Tours operate seasonally, and the caves may close because of weather or maintenance, so check availability before visiting.
Katherine Museum
Discover the people, events and industries that shaped Katherine at the Katherine Museum.
The museum’s collection includes early photographs, First Nations artefacts, pastoral and agricultural history, Second World War displays, information about pioneering flying doctor Dr Clyde Fenton, and photographs and footage from the devastating 1998 Katherine flood.
The museum is operated by volunteers and opening hours can change seasonally. Admission fees apply, and visitors should confirm current hours before arriving.
Katherine Outback Experience
Ever wondered how a young horse is trained or how working dogs learn to move cattle?
Created by Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain, Katherine Outback Experience provides an entertaining look at life on an Australian cattle station. The show combines horse-training and working-dog demonstrations with live music, bush stories and opportunities to meet the animals.
It is an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Places to Stay
Katherine offers accommodation to suit a variety of travel styles and budgets, including:
Caravan parks with powered and unpowered sites
Campgrounds
Backpacker and budget accommodation
Bed and breakfasts
Motels and hotels
Self-contained luxury cabins
Farm stays and outback properties
Accommodation can book out during the dry season and major events, so booking ahead is recommended
Events in Katherine
Katherine comes alive during the dry season with cultural celebrations, community events, agricultural shows, race days, festivals and fishing competitions.
Annual highlights may include the Barunga Festival, Katherine Show, Katherine Races and Katherine Festival. Event dates and programs can change each year, so visit our events page for the latest information.
Plan Your Katherine Adventure
There is much more to Katherine than a quick overnight stop. Stay a little longer and experience our spectacular landscapes, welcoming community, living cultures and rich outback history.
Visit the Katherine Visitor Information Centre for local advice, maps, tour and accommodation bookings, road information and help planning your journey through Katherine and the Big Rivers region.