How to get there

Not sure where to start? Find inspiration below with our suggested itineraries, from 24 and 48-hour Katherine highlights to family-friendly adventures and an unforgettable 7-day journey through Katherine, Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.

24 Hours in Katherine

Whether you're travelling the Stuart Highway, exploring the Top End or embarking on an epic outback adventure, Katherine is much more than a convenient place to stop for supplies. Don’t just plan on a quick overnight stay, with spectacular gorges, rich Aboriginal culture, natural swimming spots and unforgettable outback experiences, it's a destination well worth slowing down for. Spend 24 hours exploring the region and discover why so many visitors end up wishing they had stayed longer.

To begin, settle in at one of Katherine's caravan parks, campgrounds or accommodation providers before exploring everything the region has to offer.

Morning

Start your day with breakfast at one of our many café options before heading to the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre to explore local art and exhibitions.

From there, make your way out along Gorge Road and visit the Katherine Museum, where you can learn about the region's fascinating history. Continue on to Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery and Cultural Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture, art and storytelling.

Lunch

Cool off with a swim at the Katherine Hot Springs, one of the town's most popular natural attractions.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park. Join a Katherine Gorge cruise and discover towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art and the cultural significance of this remarkable landscape.

Following your cruise, take the short walk to the Baruwei Lookout for panoramic views across Katherine Gorge as the afternoon light transforms the escarpment into shades of gold, orange and red.

Evening

Return to town and enjoy dinner at one of our restaurants. Relax, unwind and prepare for the next stage of your Northern Territory adventure.

48 Hours in Katherine

With two full days to explore, you'll have the opportunity to experience Katherine's rich history, vibrant culture and spectacular natural attractions. From cultural experiences and ancient landscapes to crystal-clear swimming holes and underground cave systems, Katherine offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Day 1

Begin your Katherine adventure with a visit to the Katherine Museum, where you'll discover fascinating stories of the region's pioneering history.

Continue along Gorge Road to the Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery and Cultural Experience. Learn about Aboriginal culture through storytelling, art, traditional practices and interactive demonstrations while gaining a deeper understanding of the region's First Nations history.

Head back into town and enjoy lunch at one of Katherine's many cafés or restaurants before preparing for an unforgettable afternoon in Nitmiluk National Park.

Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Katherine Gorge on a scenic cruise through Nitmiluk National Park. Towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art sites and stunning natural scenery make this one of the Northern Territory's most memorable experiences.

For those looking to make the experience even more spectacular, consider taking a scenic helicopter flight over the gorge system. The aerial views provide a unique perspective of the thirteen interconnected gorges and surrounding escarpment country.

Return to Katherine and enjoy dinner at one of the town's restaurants before settling in for a relaxing evening.

Day 2

Rise early and make the 45-minute drive north to Leliyn (Edith Falls), one of the Northern Territory's most beautiful swimming destinations. Stretch your legs on the walk to the Upper Pool, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views and a refreshing swim.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Edith Falls before making your way back towards Katherine.

Continue south through Katherine to Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, located approximately 30 kilometres south of town. Join a guided tour through the fascinating limestone cave system and discover the unique geology, wildlife and history hidden beneath the surface.

Finish your Katherine experience with a sunset swim at the Katherine Hot Springs. Relax in the warm, spring-fed waters beneath the shade of tropical trees before heading into town for dinner and reflecting on two unforgettable days exploring the Katherine region.

 

Family Fun in Katherine

Travelling with the little ones? Katherine offers plenty of family-friendly activities that combine adventure, learning and relaxation. From natural swimming spots to cave tours and outback experiences, there's something for all ages to enjoy.

Day 1

Start your Katherine adventure with breakfast at one of the town's cafés before heading to the Katherine Museum. Kids will enjoy exploring the displays and learning about the region's history, while parents can discover stories of Katherine's pioneering past.

Enjoy lunch in town before making your way to the Katherine Hot Springs.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Katherine Hot Springs. The clear, spring-fed pools are a favourite with local families and provide the perfect place to cool off during the warmer months.

Afterwards, head to the Low Level Nature Reserve and enjoy a walk along the Katherine River. The reserve is a great place for families to stretch their legs, spot local birdlife and take in the peaceful surroundings before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at one of Katherine's local restaurants and settle in for another day of adventure.

Day 2

Head out to Nitmiluk National Park and join a Katherine Gorge cruise. The stunning scenery, wildlife and stories of the Jawoyn people make this one of the region's must-do experiences for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre or pack a picnic to enjoy amongst the beautiful surroundings of the national park.

Spend the afternoon at the Katherine Outback Experience. Created by local entertainer and horseman Tom Curtain, this family-friendly show provides a genuine insight into life in the Australian outback. Watch horse starting demonstrations, working dogs in action and enjoy live music and storytelling that celebrates the spirit of the Territory.

Return to town for dinner and a relaxing evening with the family.

Day 3

Travel south to Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park and join a guided cave tour. The whole family will love exploring the underground limestone formations while learning about the cave's unique geology, wildlife and history.

Return to Katherine for lunch before spending the afternoon at your own pace.

Choose between another visit to the Katherine Hot Springs, some free time at your accommodation, or a visit to Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery and Cultural Experience to learn about Aboriginal culture through storytelling, art and interactive demonstrations.

Finish your Katherine stay with dinner at one of the town's local restaurants and reflect on three days of family-friendly adventures in the Katherine region.

7-Day Top End Adventure: Katherine, Litchfield & Kakadu

Discover the best of the Top End on this seven-day adventure through Katherine, Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park. From breathtaking gorges and waterfalls to Aboriginal cultural experiences and incredible wildlife, this itinerary showcases some of the Northern Territory's most iconic destinations.

Before heading off to Litchfield or Kakadu, it's always worth checking what attractions and roads are open. Up here in the Top End, a big wet season can change things quickly, with flooding and storm damage sometimes causing temporary or extended closures. A quick check before you travel will help you plan ahead and make the most of your adventure.

Day 1 - Discover Katherine

Start your day with breakfast at one of Katherine's local cafés before heading out to Nitmiluk National Park. Join a Katherine Gorge cruise and learn about the Jawoyn people while taking in the spectacular scenery of Nitmiluk's sandstone gorges.

Enjoy lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre or pack a picnic to enjoy within the national park.

Return to Katherine and spend some time exploring the Katherine Museum before cooling off at the Katherine Hot Springs.

Enjoy dinner at one of Katherine's local restaurants and prepare for another day of adventure.

Overnight: Katherine

Day 2 - Experience the Outback

Take a relaxed morning to explore Katherine at your own pace. Visit Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery and Cultural Experience or enjoy breakfast and coffee in town.

Enjoy lunch before heading to your afternoon activity.

Spend the afternoon at the Katherine Outback Experience. Watch horse starting demonstrations, working dogs in action and enjoy live music and storytelling that celebrates life in the Australian outback.

Before dinner, take a walk through the Low Level Nature Reserve. Follow the walking tracks along the Katherine River and keep an eye out for local birdlife and wildlife.

Return to town for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Katherine

Day 3 - Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Depart Katherine and make your way to Leliyn (Edith Falls), located within Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy a swim in the lower pool or take the walk to the Upper Pool for stunning views across the surrounding escarpment country.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Edith Falls before continuing your journey north.

Arrive in Litchfield National Park and spend the afternoon exploring some of the park's most popular attractions, including the Magnetic Termite Mounds, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. Cool off in the clear swimming holes and enjoy the tropical scenery.

Relax and enjoy your first evening in the Litchfield region.

Overnight: Litchfield Region

Day 4 - Explore Litchfield

Visit Wangi Falls and explore the surrounding walking tracks.

Enjoy a picnic lunch within the national park.

Continue exploring Litchfield's waterfalls, swimming holes and scenic lookouts.

Relax and enjoy another evening in the Litchfield region.

Overnight: Litchfield Region

Day 5 - Litchfield to Kakadu

Depart Litchfield and travel towards Kakadu National Park.

Stop for lunch before beginning your Kakadu adventure.

Explore Ubirr and discover some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal rock art galleries while learning about the area's rich cultural history. Wander through ancient sandstone shelters before climbing to the famous Ubirr lookout, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the Nadab Floodplain—one of Kakadu's most iconic sunset locations.

Continue to the Cahills Crossing Viewing Platform, where elevated boardwalks and lookouts provide a safe vantage point to observe massive saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat as they gather along the East Alligator River. This world-renowned crocodile viewing area also offers scenic rainforest walks and spectacular river views, making it a must-see stop in Kakadu.

Overnight: Kakadu National Park

Day 6 - Wetlands & Wildlife

Join a Yellow Water Cruise and discover Kakadu's incredible wildlife, including crocodiles, birdlife and native plants.

Enjoy lunch before continuing your exploration of the park.

Visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and explore the walking trails and ancient rock art sites.

Relax and enjoy another evening in Kakadu.

Overnight: Kakadu National Park

Day 7 - Explore More of Kakadu

Spend your final day exploring more of Kakadu's natural attractions. Depending on the season, visit Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk or one of the park's many scenic walking trails and lookouts.

Enjoy lunch while taking in the incredible landscapes that make Kakadu a World Heritage-listed destination.

Continue your journey towards Darwin or begin your trip home, taking with you memories of some of the Northern Territory's most spectacular landscapes, cultural experiences and wildlife encounters.