Katherine
Discover Katherine
Katherine is a town of 9,643 (2021) in the Lower Top End of the Northern Territory, most renowned for its eye-catching gorge. Katherine is the third largest settlement in the Northern Territory around 300 km south from Darwin. It has a population of around 10,000, and is a significant regional and tourism centre. The township is on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park). Katherine Gorge drawn large numbers of visitors in the peak (dry) season.
Taste of Katherine...
Working cattle stations are a unique way to experience the outback and all provide various accommodation and touring packages.Pungalina and Lorella Springs in the Gulf region and Bullo River Station in the west boast sandstone escarpments, rugged gorges, crystal clear rivers, natural springs and mysterious limestone caves. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found near Katherine rivers. Don't swim or camp near the waters edge. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. The Katherine River near the gorge is a crocodile management zone. Rangers attempt to trap and relocate any salt-water crocodiles that may have moved into the area in the wet out of the river. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised. Use insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing to protect from mosquito bites. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on. If you are exerting yourself outdoors, but walking for example, you will need one litre of water for every hour in very warm weather and avoid walking in the hottest part of the day. Snakes inhabit the bush, so be cautious and make noise when walking through long grass, and make sure you have sturdy shoes.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe quickest way to access Katherine is to fly in to Darwin, hire a car and drive south down the Stuart Highway. Katherine is around 3 hours' drive and around 300 km south of Darwin. All cars rented direct from the rental companies in Darwin will have per day kilometre restrictions. Unlimited kilometres rentals are unheard of in Darwin unless hiring a campervan. Unlimited kilometre car hire rentals can be obtained by booking through travel wholesalers such as Territory Discoveries and Flight Centre which makes car hire much more affordable. Be careful though, if you are just booking through a consolidator, rather than a wholesaler, the kilometre restrictions will definitely apply. Greyhound bus services Katherine. Their office is at BP Travel North on Katherine Terrace. The Ghan train travels twice weekly in each direction between Adelaide and Darwin via Katherine during the dry season from March to November. and is one of Australia's most spectacular rail trips....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The best way to get around Katherine is by car as most of the attractions of Katherine are not within walking distance of the town centre. This really leaves car (private or hire) or an organised tour as the only ways to get around. The roads to all the major attractions are sealed but subject to flooding during the wet season. Working cattle stations are a unique way to experience the outback and all provide various accommodation and touring packages.Pungalina and Lorella Springs in the Gulf region and Bullo River Station in the west boast sandstone escarpments, rugged gorges, crystal clear rivers, natural springs and mysterious limestone caves. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found near Katherine rivers. Don't swim or camp near the waters edge. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. The Katherine River near the gorge is a crocodile management zone.
Where to Stay
Working cattle stations are a unique way to experience the outback and all provide various accommodation and touring packages.Pungalina and Lorella Springs in the Gulf region and Bullo River Station in the west boast sandstone escarpments, rugged gorges, crystal clear rivers, natural springs and mysterious limestone caves. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found near Katherine rivers. Don't swim or camp near the waters edge. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. The Katherine River near the gorge is a crocodile management zone. Rangers attempt to trap and relocate any salt-water crocodiles that may have moved into the area in the wet out of the river. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised.
Money & Budget
Working cattle stations are a unique way to experience the outback and all provide various accommodation and touring packages.Pungalina and Lorella Springs in the Gulf region and Bullo River Station in the west boast sandstone escarpments, rugged gorges, crystal clear rivers, natural springs and mysterious limestone caves. Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found near Katherine rivers. Don't swim or camp near the waters edge. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. The Katherine River near the gorge is a crocodile management zone. Rangers attempt to trap and relocate any salt-water crocodiles that may have moved into the area in the wet out of the river.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found near Katherine rivers. Don't swim or camp near the waters edge. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. The Katherine River near the gorge is a crocodile management zone. Rangers attempt to trap and relocate any salt-water crocodiles that may have moved into the area in the wet out of the river. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two litres per day is advised. Use insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing to protect from mosquito bites. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on.