Understand
Katherine is the third largest settlement in the Northern Territory around 300km south from Darwin. It has a population of around 10,000, and is 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.
Despite being number three in the state, the town is small and consists of a single main street. On weekends expect to find the majority of the stores closed.
It is a relatively remote destination with abundant waterways including gorges, rivers waterfalls and the ocean. It's these characteristics that attract an influx of adventure seekers all year round.
Its most well-known watercourse is the Katherine River, which flows through the famous Katherine Gorge. The Gorge, 30km from the town of Katherine, within the Nitmiluk National Park, is actually 13 separate gorges connected over a stretch of 12km by rapids and rocky terrain.
This is an adventure playground for visitors who canoe, camp, bushwalk, and helicopter their way around the Park. Further downstream, extended canoe trips with overnight camping in the peaceful bush is the best way to experience the Katherine River - a serene water way that supports a rich eco-system of native animals and birds.
Bushwalkers are well catered for in Katherine with over 100km of walking trails in the Nitmiluk National Park alone, ranging from half to five-day treks. One of the most famous is the Jatbula Trail - a challenging four to six-day, 58-kilometre bushwalk from Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls that takes in diverse scenery, plunging waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art.
The region's other big rivers provide opportunities for serious fishing adventure. The Daly, Roper, Victoria and McArthur Rivers are prime barramundi haunts, and anglers can bring their own boat, hire one or join a guided safari to add landing a big barra to their list of conquests.
