Katherine Travel Guide

Welcome to Katherine, NT, Australia's Northern Territory

Originally inhabited by the Jawoyn people, Katherine is now one of the Northern Territory's main centres and is best known for its spectacular gorge along the Katherine River. The gorge, called Nitmiluk today after its Aboriginal name but historically referred to as Katherine Gorge, is actually a series of 13 gorges and is the centerpiece of Nitmiluk National Park. With waterfalls, ancient rock art and red sandstone cliffs rising dramatically from the water – sometimes up to 70 m (230 ft) in height – the gorge is popular for boat cruises, canoe trips and bushwalking along the Jatbula Trail.

The township itself is located along the Victoria Highway between Darwin and Alice Springs and is the turning point for the Kimberley and Western Australia. For visitors wanting to explore Katherine’s outdoors beyond the gorge, the nearby Cutta Cutta Caves are home to rare ghost and horseshoe bats, while the Katherine River is a popular fishing destination for the region’s infamous Barramundi. The community is also known for its annual Katherine Festival, a 10-day event that features art exhibits, dragon boat races and Aboriginal culture. As the Jawoyn people still call the area home, their culture can further be experienced with guided tours of area historical sights or with a visit to the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum, which showcases both Aboriginal and early pioneering history.

Upcoming Events in Katherine, NT

Looking for something to do in Katherine, NT, Australia's Northern Territory? Check out these featured events. If you know of an event that is not listed in our Katherine, NT event guide, please feel free to add an event listing [it's FREE].

• Katherine Country Music Muster
  TBA  »  Katherine Outback Heritage Museum
• Katherine Show
  Jul 16 to Jul 18  »  Katherine, NT, Australia's Northern Territory