Visitors choosing Katherine as a destination will find several distinct highlights: natural thermal pools within the town, railway and local history, and an annual arts and events program. Outside town, there is also birdwatching and outback entertainment. The options range from swimming and nature watching to historical collections and arts events.
Thermal Pools and Parkland
Katherine Hot Springs are natural thermal springs on the banks of the Katherine River within the town. A series of clear pools is framed by native vegetation, and you can swim in them. Above the springs, the parkland includes a tree-shaded lawn for picnics and a children’s playground.
Railway and Local History
Katherine Railway Station was built in 1926 and served the railway extension from Pine Creek to Katherine. During the Second World War, the old station became the headquarters of the North Australian Railway. This site therefore presents railway construction and its later wartime role in historical sequence.
The Katherine Museum offers a vivid and detailed insight into local history. The collection includes artefacts, photographs, maps and memorabilia from the pioneering era. An exhibition on the Overland Telegraph also features telecommunications objects dating from 1872 onwards. The focus shifts from a variety of mementos to a narrowly defined history of technology. The Katherine Railway Heritage Station building houses an exhibition on railway history and the role of civilians during the war.
Arts and Events
The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre hosts an annual program of visual arts, performing arts and events. It includes local and regional content as well as contributions from the Northern Territory. While the museum and railway exhibitions cover historical subjects, this centre focuses on art and events. If you are visiting for a specific event, check the dates in advance.
Nature and Outback Experiences on the Town’s Doorstep
Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve is outside Katherine, three kilometres along the Victoria Highway. The reserve is suitable for birdwatching and has a network of walking trails and picnic facilities. The focus here is on nature watching, trails and picnic opportunities rather than thermal pools.
Katherine Outback Experience is just outside Katherine. Its offerings include demonstrations of horse-starting and working with cattle dogs. The show also features live music and humorous bush stories. It operates seasonally, and details of the performances may also change. Children can feed animals, but animal programs may change as well. If a particular demonstration or feeding the animals is important to you, check the dates and specific program in advance.
Plan Your Trip
The Katherine Visitor Information Centre prepares personalised itineraries for visitors. This lets you tailor your search to the experiences you actually plan to include.
Discover more destinations: Ayers Rock, Marrara, Petermann, Malak, Stuart Park, Point Stuart, Nightcliff, Tennant Creek.
Return to the regional travel overview: Northern Territory.
