Katherine Holidays Guide
Northern Territory, Australia
As the gateway to the Outback, the Katherine region is a place for adventure, although visitors of all fitness levels can enjoy its rugged beauty. From the majestic Katherine Gorge, to Mataranka Thermal Springs and the vast remote areas of the Gulf Region and Gregory National Park, there is so much to see and explore in this area.
Map of Katherine Australia
Katherine Highlights
Katherine Holidays Planner
The small town of Katherine is 3 hours south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway, and is a convenient place to stock up on supplies. Only 29km east of Katherine is the region's main attraction, Katherine Gorge, located in Nitmiluk National Park. The Katherine River winds its way through thirteen spectacular gorges, and visitors can explore the area by boat cruise or canoe. Adventurous travellers can arrange multi-day canoe trips to explore the upper gorges, staying at bush camps along the way. The Jatbula Trail is a 5 day, 58km walking trail which begins at the gorge and ends at Leilyn (Edith Falls), a popular swimming hole.
Swimming at Mataranka Thermal pool, located 1 hours drive south of Katherine, with its warm (34°C) waters and setting amidst lush palms, is a rejuvenating experience. You can also visit historic Elsey Station, the setting for the famous Australian novel, 'We Of The Never Never.'
Two hours west of Katherine is the majestic Victoria River region, which marks the beginning of the Eastern Kimberley area. A drive through this area rewards visitors with magnificent vistas of red cliffs contrasted against green Spinifex bush and the famous bottle-shaped Boab trees common to north-western Australia. Those with 4WDs can get off-the-beaten track in the rugged Gregory National Park, just west of the Victoria River Crossing. Fishing for the famed Barramundi is a popular option on the Daly River, 200 km north of Katherine, with the 'Barra River Classic' fishing competition being held here in May.
Adventurous travellers can organise guided or self-drive tours of the remote Savannah Way, east of Katherine, which winds through the vast unpopulated Gulf region, towards Borroloola on the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Dry Season (May to September), is the best time to visit, with average daytime temperatures of 30°C (although night temperatures can drop to 10°C).
Katherine Accommodation Search
Accommodation in the Katherine region varies widely, from 4-star hotels and caravan parks in Katherine town itself to budget fishing shacks on the Daly River. The following Katherine hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Northern Territory – please search below for availability and get the very best room rates sourced from over 100 local and online booking agents: