The Katherine Region stretches from Dunmarra in the south, to the Daly River region in the north. From east to west, it embraces both the Queensland and Western Australian borders and in total covers around 480,000 sq km.

The Katherine Region is Adventure Territory, boasting the magnificent Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. Around Katherine, you will discover such treasures as Borroloola and the Gulf Region across the Roper River – Elsey National Park, Mataranka Thermal Pools, the majestic scenery of the Victoria River Region, Pine Creek and the Douglas and Daly River areas.

Katherine is ideally positioned as a base from which to explore all the Top End has to offer. Located only a couple of hours from Kakadu, Litchfield and Gregory National Parks, the town of Katherine is the central hub of the region - an area the size of Victoria that welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year.

The third largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is also home to the first permanent running water encountered by travellers along the road north from Port Augusta.

The town is often referred to as the ‘Crossroads of the North’, as the Explorer’s Way and Savannah Way lead North, South, East and West from this point.

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park

The Katherine Gorge is located 29km from Katherine on a fully sealed road and consists of 13 natural gorges carved through sandstone by the Katherine River, with rocks and boulders separating each gorge.
There are a number of different ways to explore the Katherine River Gorge system, including:

Boat cruises operate through the gorge and offer guided commentary explaining its history and many features. There are a variety of cruise options, which vary depending on the season. During the tropical summer, abundant rainfall allows speed boats to travel through the high water levels at an exhilarating speed.

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre

The Nitmiluk Visitor Centre at the Katherine Gorge has informative displays outlining the geology, landscape and Aboriginal history of the National Park. The experienced staff can help you with tour enquiries and general information. Parks and Wildlife Rangers are on site at the centre to assist with all enquiries regarding walks, camping, fishing and boating, or call 8972 1886. The centre offers a souvenir shop, toilet facilities, a unique children’s playground and a kiosk overlooking the Katherine River.

Leliyn (Edith Falls)

Edith Falls is part of the Nitmiluk National Park and is accessed from the Stuart Highway, 42km north of Katherine. The car park is a further 19km from the turnoff.

Adjacent to the car park at the base of Edith Falls is a large pandanus fringed plunge pool, which is a popular swimming area. The park offers a variety of walking tracks, including the Leliyn Trail which is a 2.6km round trip that climbs to the top of the escarpment and then down to the upper pools. The walk offers fantastic views over the waterfalls and the Edith River and swimming is allowed in the beautiful Upper Pool. A longer 8.6km return walk will take you to Sweetwater Pool, a beautiful secluded swimming hole on the Edith River.

A picnic area and camp ground (non-powered sites only) are provided near the base of the falls. Both areas are well shaded and grassed. A kiosk offers food and drinks and accepts payment of camping fees. During the tropical summer rains, the plunge pool may be closed for swimming and access to the park may be restricted at these times.

Katherine Hot Springs

The Hot Springs are located just five minutes drive from the centre of Katherine. The hot springs consist of a number of crystal clear pools winding through the trees and then out to the Katherine River. The pools are a constant idyllic 32°C. The grassy banks and huge trees surrounding these pools make it a pleasant picnic spot, and a barbecue area is situated adjacent to the car park. Access is from the Victoria Highway or Riverbank Drive. Wheelchair access is available via Crocker Street. Please contact 1800 653 142 for the access code to gain entry.

Katherine Museum

The Museum is located at the original Katherine aerodrome, on Giles Street (Gorge Road). The museum displays are housed in the original terminal building and provide insight into the early history of the Katherine Region. The displays include interesting information about early pastoral activities, World War II and communication. The main exhibit is the original ‘De Havilland Gipsy Moth’ that was flown by the first Flying Doctor, Dr Clyde Fenton, to provide medical assistance to remote stations. The shady museum grounds house picnic facilities and toilets, and are home to a variety of birdlife and wallabies.

Katherine River

The Katherine River flows through the centre of town and is accessible at a number of different locations, including the Low Level Nature Reserve, the Katherine Hot Springs, under the High Level Bridge and at Knotts Crossing. For thousands of years the Katherine River has been of major significance to the people in the region, fulfilling food, recreation and spiritual needs. A cycle path runs between the Low Level Nature Reserve and Knotts Crossing on the southern side of the river, then along the northern side of the river between the Low Level Bridge and the High Level Bridge to complete the loop. This is a great way to sightsee and exercise at the same time. The river provides an ideal opportunity for other pursuits including fishing, bird watching, swimming and canoeing.