Katherine Tourist Information

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 stimulating 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. It is split by towering sandstone walls at nearby Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Explorer John McDouall Stuart visited the region in 1862 and 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.

The Daly River region is north-west of Katherine and 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 and today the region is well-know for its art, which visitors can see and purchase at the Merrepen Arts Centre.

The Victoria River region lies south-west of Katherine. It is 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.