Katherine and Surrounds - Wildlife in nature

The Katherine area offers many opportunities for visitors to immerse in its dramatic natural environment.

The landscape is diverse and often described as the place where the 'outback meets the tropics'. Its boundaries include sweeping escarpment country, savannah grasslands, gorges and rivers and the entire area is scantily populated.

Six national parks and more than 10 nature parks, reserves and conservation areas form a patchwork within the Katherine region. Some of the most popular experiences available within these parks and reserves include swimming in rock pools, bushwalking, four-wheel-driving adventures and bird watching.

Hundreds of bird species and other wildlife flourish in the region, and travellers have ample opportunities to spot them.

For example, wallabies and water monitors are often curious spectators as you glide a canoe down the Katherine River, while massive eagles and black cockatoos quietly observe your progress from the tree canopy above.

Spotting birds and animals is also effortless on bushwalks around the region's many established trails. The Nitmiluk National Park alone has more than 100 kilometres of trails and in the greater Katherine area walks range from an easy stroll to extended hikes through the diverse scenery of the Katherine bush and waterfall country.

Hot springs, shallow rock bars and waterholes replace swimming pools here. These natural spas are usually hidden amongst paperbark forest, palms and lush foliage - the perfect place to relax and soak up the serenity.

Unusual rock formations and tropical limestone cave systems complete Katherine's natural portfolio. The Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, 27 kilometres from Katherine, features amazing cavern formations and is home to some endangered bat species like the Orange Horseshoe Bat.

Articles

Adventure Wonderland

The Katherine region sets the scene for some real Territory-style adventure. Katherine has abundant waterways including gorges, rivers and waterfalls 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, 30 kilometres from the town of Katherine, within the Nitmiluk National Park, is actually 13 separate gorges connected over a stretch of 12 kilometres by rapids and rocky terrain. This is an adventure playground for visitors who canoe, camp, bushwalk, or 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 more than 100 kilometres 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. more

Outback Beauty

Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of hidden gems. Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for outback adventure activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and four-wheel driving. Katherine is located about 300 kilometres south of Darwin and is home to the 'Outback Jackaroo Jillaroo Experience', where you can learn the basics of working on a cattle station. The township is situated on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park). Day trips from Katherine can be taken north to Pine Creek or south to Mataranka. Pine Creek has a strong gold mining heritage, with original buildings dating back to the 1800s, while Mataranka is famous for its tropical thermal pool and nearby Elsey National Park. The Victoria River region, south west of Katherine, is well known as a premier fishing holiday destination. There are also excellent four-wheel drive tracks and camping spots. Further north, the Daly River region is another spot popular for fishing and camping travellers with hot springs, gorges and rivers. The remote gulf region, east of Katherine, is perfect for adventurous anglers who enjoy fishing in remote rivers. more