Katherine & Katherine Gorge

A short drive from Katherine in the Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge is a string of gorges cut by the Katherine River through the Arnhem Land Plateau. A two-hour small boat cruise through the main gorges is the most popular guided tour, but, water levels permitting, there is a full day excursion which takes in five gorges.

There are several sites at the base of the sandstone escarpment where you can see Aboriginal rock art by the distant ancestors of the Jawoyn people. Canoes are available for hire, but stone bars separate the gorges and the upper reaches of the system involve difficult porterages. You can take to the sky in a helicopter and visit six gorges in a 15-minute flight and the whole system in 30. The views are spectacular. The best time to visit Katherine Gorge is between May and September as the river floods in the Wet season. Nitmiluk National Park covers about 290,000 hectares and has many marked walking trails, the longest of which takes five days! Camp sites are provided along walking trails and by the river for canoeists who want to camp out.

Katherine Attractions

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre: Located at Katherine Gorge, information displays explain the geology, landscape and Aboriginal history of the National Park.

Nitmiluk National Park Leilyn: Edith Falls is part of the Nitmiluk National Park but has a different access to Katherine Gorge. Close to the car park at the base of Edith Falls is a large pandanus fringed plunge pool a popular swimming area. There are also some interesting walks in the park

Cutta Cutta Caves: Located 27km south of Katherine, the park covers 1499 hectares of limestone (Karst) landscape. The main feature of the park is the Cutta Cutta Caves. Guided tours are available into the cave. Next to the car park is a short "Tropical Wonderland" walk has been constructed for visitors to experience.

Katherine Hot Springs: Located 5 minutes from the town centre, the springs consist of a number of crystal clear pools winding through the trees then out to the Katherine River. The pools are a constant 32 degrees C a perfect swimming temperature to soothe away those aches and pains from travelling.

Katherine Museum: The Museum is located at the original Katherine Aerodrome at nearby Knott's Crossing. The Museum displays are housed in the original terminal buildings and provide an insight into the early history of the Katherine Region. Displays include information about early pastoral activities, World War II and communication. The main exhibit features the original De Havilland Gypsy Moth flown by the first 'flying doctor', Dr. Clive Fenton, which he used in providing medical assistance to remote stations.

Katherine Barra Farm: Located on the way to Katherine Gorge, this small farm is set up for those wishing to catch that elusive barramundi. Fishing equipment and lessons are available on site as well as barbeques and an ablution block

Katherine School of the Air: The School of the Air is the World's largest classroom. Students are taught via radio and distance education material. Learn about education in remote areas of the Northern Territory and beyond.

Manyallaluk: Aboriginal owned and operated, this tourism business provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the aboriginal culture in a family type setting. The name Manyallaluk (Ma-yalla-look) means frog dreaming and refers to a site just east of the community. To reach the Manyallaluk community, from Katherine drive south for about 50 kms, take the Mayallaluk turn off on your left, drive for 15 kms, then left again for about 35 kms.