Also known as ‘The Crossroads of the North’, Katherine lies 312km south-east of Darwin and is the Northern Territory’s fourth largest town. Due to its location, the town serves as a regional hub for all the surrounding communities from the Gulf of Carpentaria right through to the Western Australian border. Whether you are heading to Darwin, Kununarra, Alice Springs, Mt Isa or anywhere else, Katherine is a beautiful stopover with plenty of natural and cultural attractions to enjoy.
The town itself is a peaceful community with plenty of cycling trails, fishing spots, walking paths and recreational areas. Located on the Katherine River, it has a municipal population of more than 10,000 people with an additional 14,000 living in the surrounding region.
The entire Katherine Region covers a total of 336,674km2, which is almost as big as the entire State of Victoria. You can go canoeing through the spectacular Katherine Gorge; cool off with a dip at Edith Falls; explore the sparkling Cutta Cutta Caves; or lose yourself in one of the many museums and art galleries.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture through programs like the Top Didj Cultural Experience. Guides will teach you to throw a boomerang, start a fire with a couple of sticks, create your very own dot painting and much more.
Katherine is a charming destination to include as part of a journey through the outback. While some choose to have a quick pit stop and check out the must-see Katherine Gorge, others will be tempted to stay for longer and discover everything the region has to offer.
