Katherine

Where outback Australia meets the tropics in a beguiling mix of ancient Aboriginal culture, hot springs and waterfalls plummeting through dramatic gorges.

Nature comes alive at Katherine Gorge as you cruise, canoe or fly along the gorge by helicopter. Take a more challenging route and hike the Jatbula Trail, or soak it up in luxury at Cicada Lodge.

Plan your stay

Katherine itineraries

Katherine & Nitmiluk Gorge explorer 4-day drive itinerary

What’s on in Katherine

Katherine is the gateway to the annual Barunga Festival which celebrates Aboriginal culture, art, music and sport as well as many other festivals and events throughout the year.

6 – 9 June 2025

Frequently asked questions

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre, each with their own unique climate. Katherine is in the Top End.
It’s summer from November to April, when you can expect magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours.
From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit Katherine during this time to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding national parks and attractions. The Top End is bustling during the Dry, with a packed calendar of events and festivals drawing visitors from around the globe to make the most of the balmy outdoor celebrations.
Learn more about the NT’s weather and seasons.
By air - Darwin is the international gateway to the Northern Territory and its well-equipped airport hub is the arrival point for most visitors travelling by air. Katherine Airport is connected by air to Darwin and Alice Springs with Airnorth. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines (through Darwin), providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.
By road - Katherine is approximately 3.5 hours drive from Darwin. Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT from neighbouring states, explore these driving routes around the Territory.
By bus - Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs in the NT, including Katherine, and Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
One of the best ways to get around Katherine is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car which can be picked from Katherine Airport or downtown. There is a Katherine taxi service.
Beyond Katherine, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at the airport then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.
Barunga Festival is on in June at Wugularr (Beswick), though there’s always something happening in the Territory with a year-round calendar of events.
Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Top End and Red Centre. With ancient traditions spanning more than 60,000 years, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture in Katherine.
Take a locally-guided tour, explore the galleries and attractions along the Territory Art Trails or take a road trip through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park or travel further afield into Arnhem Land.
The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.
Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.
While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Tourism hubs like Katherine and Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge are well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors, including actively monitoring waterways for crocodiles. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.