Where the outback meets the tropics

Katherine is a worthwhile stop on any trip to the Northern Territory. Discover a region of gorges, waterfalls, thermal springs, and ancient culture.

We're about a three-hour drive from Darwin, which has an international airport. Check the NT Road Report here.

Katherine is a modern, thriving regional centre that offers a wide range of services. It has a modern, air-conditioned shopping centre, hospital, sports grounds, parks and gardens, and many government services. It also has an airport with connecting flights to Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. 

The municipality of Katherine covers a region of 7416 km2 and is located on the beautiful Katherine River. It offers excellent fishing, walking and cycling trails, and recreational parks and reserves.

The Katherine region is 326,326 km2, larger than the Australian state of Victoria. Its total population is just over 21,000 people, of whom 52% identify as Indigenous.

Weather

Katherine's climate is monsoonal, with a short wet season from December to April and a longer dry season from May to November. Annual temperatures are quite high; the average maximum is 34.2 degrees, and the average minimum is 20.2 degrees.

Katherine Hot Springs

Photo: Shaana McNaught/Tourism NT

Enjoy relaxing in these natural thermal springs right in the heart of Katherine. There are multiple to dip in, with a boardwalk connecting them. The main pool has a wheelchair access ramp, stainless steel handrails, and rock-formed steps.

While they're called hot springs, don't expect a warm bath. The average temperature of the springs is 25 degrees Celsius.

The springs are open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. The Katherine Hot Springs is closed to swimmers during the wet season (October – April) when the Katherine River rises.

Swimming at the Katherine Hot Springs is always at your own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty. 

The parkland above the hot springs is a great place to have a picnic, with a grassed area shaded by trees and a children's playground. The Pop Rocket Café operates in the dry season.

Visit Katherine

To learn more about what there is to do in Katherine, check our the Visit Katherine website, and tag them in your social media photos. 

#visitkatherine

www.visitkatherine.com.au

visitor@ktc.nt.gov.au

+61 8 8972 2650

Some tourism options the town offers include scenic flights, world class fishing, canoeing, sunset catered river cruises, local art and culture, museums, cafes, restaurants and bars.

To customise your adventure, call or email the Visitor Information Centre in advance so we can plan your experience for you. Or you can simply pop in and chat with one of our friendly staff.