The adventure hub of the Lower Top End, Katherine is a remote town set on the banks of the Katherine River. It’s famed for its spectacular gorges and waterfalls that attract hikers and kayakers throughout the year, as well as a range of fascinating cultural sites.

Things to do

The main highlight of Katherine is the magnificent Katherine Gorge that carves through Nitmiluk National Park. Follow the walking trail that leads to the viewpoint above the gorge or explores the river floor by canoe when it floods during the wet season.

On the road to Katherine Gorge lies the Top Didj Cultural Experience where you can see authentic Aboriginal crafts, such as boomerangs, clap sticks and carvings and participate in cultural talks. Learn about life growing up in the bush and tribal traditions or sit down with one of the resident artists to create your own dot painting.

Visit the Katherine School of the Air, where the curriculum is delivered via a high-frequency radio. Watch as students participate in lessons and gain better insight into this historic means of education in the Outback.

Visit Katherine Art Gallery, featuring a collection of artwork by local Indigenous artists. Learn about the cultural diversity of the Jawoyn, Warlpiri and Dagoman Aboriginal people through their art, and admire artwork by other artists in Arnhem Land and the Central Western Desert.

Getting around

Katherine is three hours’ drive south of Darwin and is a stop on The Ghan train route. You can easily walk around the tiny town center, but having your own vehicle is best for visiting Nitmiluk National Park and the Katherine Gorge.