Katherine Australia - Daly River - Northern Territory Official Travel Site
Quick Tour
Adventure
The Katherine region sets the scene for some real Territory-style adventure. 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. Find out more
History & Heritage
The first people to inhabit the Katherine region were the Jawoyn and Dagomen Aboriginal people. Explorer John McDouall Stuart passed through the region in 1862 and named the river 'Katherine' after the daughter of his sponsor, James Chambers. Find out more
Nature
The Katherine area offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in its dramatic natural environment. Its boundaries include sweeping escarpment country, savannah grasslands, gorges and rivers and the entire area is scantily populated. Find out more
Festivals & Events
The Katherine area hosts a variety of events every year. Some are whacky, all are unique and they're hugely popular with both locals and visitors. Find out more
Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of hidden secrets and offers a range of invigorating experiences for the traveller.
Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, camping and four-wheel driving.
The Katherine River flows through the township of Katherine, about 320 kilometres south of Darwin, and is split by towering sandstone walls at nearby Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Explorer John McDouall Stuart, who visited the region in 1862, named Katherine after the daughter of one of his expedition sponsors. The area was renamed 'Nitmiluk' - meaning 'Cicada Place' - in 1989 when traditional owners, the Jawoyn Aboriginal people, gained title to the land.
Pine Creek, 90 kilometres north of Katherine, has a strong gold mining heritage and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The original buildings date back to the heady gold days and allow travellers to soak up the old pioneering spirit.
The Daly River region, north-west of Katherine, is filled with hot springs, gorges and rivers, making it a popular spot for fishing and camping. The Daly River Crossing was once a meeting place for the local Aboriginals. Today the region is well-know for its art, which visitors can see and purchase at the Merrepen Arts Centre.
An hour south-east of Katherine is the township of Mataranka and its thermal pool. Situated on the upper reaches of the Roper River, the crystal clear water of the thermal pool is surrounded by lush tropical forest and Elsey National Park.
The Victoria River region lies south-west of Katherine. Well known as a premier fishing destination, the area also includes the Gregory and Keep River National Parks, which are great spots for four-wheel driving and camping.
The remote Gulf region, east of Katherine, is another exciting location for adventurous anglers wishing to explore the McArthur River. Borroloola and Cape Crawford, with a combined population of about 310, are popular bases for those keen to explore the region.
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