Explore the tropical savannah surrounding Katherine...
Katherine is one of the main tourist destinations for anyone travelling to the Northern Territory in Australia. As one of the only large towns between Darwin and Alice Springs, Katherine has a small town centre with shopping, restaurants, quaint accommodation, art galleries, and museums. However, most people travel to Katherine to see the tropical savannah, explore the national parks, breath-taking gorges, rainforests, and the unique habitat of birds and wildlife. Many of tours are available in and around Katherine, including nature tours, wilderness safaris, and canoe trips down the Katherine River. An award winning tour operater in Katherine who are highly recommend is; Gecko Tours.
KATHERINE TOURIST ACTIVITIES/DESTINATIONS: The Katherine Museum is housed in the original terminal for the Department of Aviation. The Museum houses an interesting assortment of photographs, artefacts, and historical items relevant to the Katherine Region.
The Springvale Homestead is the oldest stone building left standing in the Northern Territory. Located next to the Katherine River, the Homestead has survived flooding and neglect for 125 years. When you visit the Springvale Homestead, you take a historical tour led by volunteers in period dress.
The Katherine Gorge is one of Katherine's main attractions. Katherine Gorge isn't just one spectacular gorge, but consists of 13 gorges separated by rapids. There are some fantastic walking trails and swimming areas around the Katherine Gorge, although some can be dangerous during the wet season. You can explore the Katherine Gorge and the surrounding areas by bushwalking, canoeing, scenic flights, boat cruises, and much more!
The Katherine Hot Springs is a great place to relax. Located close to the Katherine River bed, the Katherine Hot Springs pumps warm water from deep within the earth into the various pools. The Hot Springs has a crystal clear appearance, making it the perfect place to swim in. There are also many shady spots and walking trails around Katherine Hot Springs.
The Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve is an ideal swimming location. The Reserve is also great for picnics and fishing. Visitors can follow the pathways around the Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve and look for birds and other kinds of wildlife.
Edith Falls is located 60 kilometres north of Katherine. The Falls consist of a series of cascading waterfalls and beautiful rock pools. There are also a number of good swimming areas at Edith Falls.
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park covers 1,499 hectares of limestone and caves close to Katherine. As the Northern Territory's only accessible tropical limestone cave, you can take a guided tour through the cavernous park. Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park also has a large variety of wildlife including the deadly brown tree snake and rare orange horseshoe bat.
The Roper River Region begins at the town of Mataranka, 106 kilometres south of Katherine. The Region has crystal clear springs, beautiful waterfalls and waterholes, great bushwalking, and offers excellent fishing.
WEATHER: Katherine has a sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet season and dry season. Katherine gets the most of its rainfall from the months of January to early March. The temperature in Katherine usually ranges from 25° to 35° C (77° to 95° F). Between November and December, temperatures can reach 40° C (104° F). Winter temperatures in the dry season are warm in the daytime, but can drop to 10° C (50° F) at night.
TRANSPORT: Katherine is located 134 kilometres south of Darwin, so you can easily hire a car and drive there. You can also get a bus, train, or plane to Katherine from Darwin. The best way to get around Katherine itself is by car or on an organized tour.
ACCOMODATION: Katherine has plenty of accommodation available. You can find serviced apartments, holiday houses, hotels, motels, lodges, and hostels in Katherine. The area also has caravan parks and camping sites.
