Katherine Region

Come to where the outback meets the tropics and discover a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures.

Nature comes alive at Katherine Gorge as you cruise, canoe or fly along the Gorge by helicopter. Take a more challenging route and hike the Jatbula Trail, or soak it up in luxury at Cicada Lodge.

Learn from the land at Tom Curtain’s Katherine Outback Experience or get a hands-on perspective of indigenous culture with the Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience; both just minutes from the centre of Katherine.

Things to see & do around Katherine

Inspiration for your Katherine trip

Drive the NT: Alice Springs to Darwin

There’s nothing more appealing than an open road trip, especially one that stretches almost 1,500km from Australia’s spiritual and physical heart, Alice Springs and the Red Centre, to tropical Darwin.

Top 10 things to do around Katherine

The Outback meets the tropics in Katherine, a big country town three hours’ drive south of Darwin. Straddling Katherine River, the jewel of this area is the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, but there’s so much more to see and do. Here are 10 things to do around the Katherine region.

How to get your own Territory experience. For Real. (hint: it’s not on your screen)

Gripped by the Territory streaming on your screen? Now you want your own Territory adventure, right? Territory (the series) was filmed on locations across the Top End. Here’s how you can see the best of the Territory. For Real.

Top End Local’s Tips: Darwin to Katherine

In case you haven’t heard: travelling like a tourist is out, and living like a local is in. Where better to develop a sense of place than a weekend trip to Katherine, where the outback meets the tropics?

The ultimate Katherine & Surrounds accommodation guide

A trip through the Northern Territory isn’t complete without visiting Katherine and the glorious Nitmiluk National Park, including Leliyn (Edith Falls) and Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. But where to stay?

A local’s bucket list for Katherine

While the Northern Territory’s world-renowned wonders, wilderness and wildlife are significant drawcards for visitors, to truly experience its heartbeat, discover what the locals love doing.

From Darwin to Uluru Taking the world’s longest pub crawl

It’s thirsty work exploring the Northern Territory. Make the most of your outback trip by stopping in at these iconic waterholes between Darwin and Uluru. Explore, stop, rest and spend some time meeting new people, swapping stories and forging that legendary ‘Aussie mateship’.

Barunga Festival a cultural celebration

Celebrate with the community of Barunga through Aboriginal culture, music and sport at the annual Barunga Festival, held over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June.

Top free things to do in Katherine & Surrounds

Katherine is where the tropics meet the Outback of Australia, access is via a sealed road, about 4 hours’ drive (300km) south of Darwin. The perfect destination for a road trip with plenty of free activities throughout the region.

Katherine & Surrounds Signature Dishes

Katherine, known for it’s spectacular gorge, crystal clear hot springs, outback cattle farms and now... a handful of the Northern Territory’s Signature Dishes.

NT Guide: The Savannah Way in 14 days

Discover the Savannah Way in this 14-day itinerary, travelling westwards from the NT/QLD border to the NT/WA border crossing through some of the Territory's most remote country between the towns of Borroloola and Timber Creek.

Nature’s Way in 7 days 7-day itinerary

Turn up for spring sunshine on an epic Top End road trip from Darwin along Nature’s Way. Discover the national park trifecta of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk to see the best of nature in the Top End.

Top End lodge adventure 6-day self-drive itinerary

Looking for luxury with a twist of adventure? Discover these Top End lodges where you’ll find yourself immersed in nature without giving up the indulgence and comfort of a true getaway. Top End Lodges offer the perfect balance of escape and luxury for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Top End: Aboriginal culture itinerary

Discover extraordinary Aboriginal cultural experiences in the Top End, including Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine. All are within reach on a 7-day long road trip starting from Darwin and the Stuart Highway.

Katherine & Surrounds 3-day itinerary

This 3-day itinerary explores local gorges, waterholes, waterfalls and thermal springs, showing that this region is a perfect holiday destination for travellers with a thirst for adventure.

The Explorers Way 14-day itinerary

If you love adventure, you can’t beat a trip along Explorers Way, one of the great Australian road trips.

Katherine & Nitmiluk Gorge explorer 4-day drive itinerary

Give yourself a long weekend to explore the popular and spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge and the Katherine region. With lots to do, you’ll want to stay longer, as Katherine will surely steal your heart.

Katherine & Surrounds 7-day itinerary

With 7 days to discover the beauty of Katherine and surrounds, you’ll see how this region is prime adventure territory. Discover gorges, waterholes, waterfalls and thermal springs and learn about the traditional owners on a cultural tour.

Adelaide to Darwin on the Explorers Way 17-day drive itinerary

One of the great Australian road trips without a doubt is from Adelaide to Darwin, along the Explorers Way. You’ll take in some of Australia’s favourite natural icons, including Uluru, Kings Canyon, the MacDonnell Ranges, the Devils Marbles, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.

The Savannah Way 20-day itinerary

Pack up the four-wheel drive with camping and fishing gear, and hit the Savannah Way. This journey of a lifetime will take you from Cairns in Queensland through the savannah landscapes of the Northern Territory and on to Broome in the West.

NT essentials 14-day itinerary

Follow the trail and embark on a self-drive holiday that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Katherine to Keep River National Park 5-day drive itinerary

If you’re after something a little different that allows you to see picturesque escarpments, river systems, waterfalls and outback Australia, then heading west from Katherine to explore the Victoria River region is where you need to be.