Destination Katherine
The area surrounding the township of Katherine is one of the most historically significant in the Territory. The Jawoyn people first settled the area thousands of years ago. What is now known as the Katherine River provided them with an abundance of food and water and was the foundation of their culture. Spectacular escarpments, gorges, hot springs, waterfalls and swimming holes insure the area's enduring popularity as a holiday destination.
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park covers an awesome 3,000 kilometres of magnificent escarpment country, Katherine Gorge is the jewel in Nitmiluk's crown and one of the Territory's top tourist attractions. The Katherine River flows through 13 spectacular gorges separated by rapids and carved through the Arnhem Plateau before heading north west to the tidal Daly River and the Timor Sea.
You can canoe, cruise and swim between sheer cliffs to the sandy freshwater beaches of the main gorges and ancient Aboriginal rock paintings high on rock faces. Breathtaking waterfalls and crystal clear rock pools are hidden in the gorge's nooks and crannies and over 100 kilometres of walking tracks begin at the park's highly informative visitor centre.
The magnitude of the area is best gauged with a scenic helicopter flight over the gorges and if you make the trip to nearby Edith Falls, you'll find another tranquil setting for swimming and hiking. The Daly River and the Douglas Daly Region (best known for its hot springs and Butterfly Gorge) are also popular places for campers and fishing trips.
