We visited Katherine in early September, and it was hot... but it was worth the visit. There is quite a lot to do here so we recommend staying at least 3 days to see the best bits, or a full week to see it all.
One thing to note is that you will need a NT Parks pass to visit the National park (Nitmiluk / Katherine Gorge) which costs $10 per person/ per day, or 2 weeks for $30.
Here is the top 5 things we recommend to check out when visiting Katherine:
Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Tour
This was a highlight from our time in the Northern Territory and well worth the cost ($195 pp this may have increased since)
The cruise involves 3 different boats and takes you into the first 2 gorges in Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) . We had Jamie as a tour guide and he was wonderful, he told us of the stories in the Aboriginal art within the gorges and the stories of the people who called them home.
The dinner was just as amazing as the tour and was a 3 course meal with a glass of champagne on arrival. The entry was a share board (between 4) that features Aussie meats including Crocodile and Kangaroo along with an assortment of dips and sides to compliment the meats.
Dinner was a choice between beef, Barramundi or a vegetarian meal and was exceptional (we both chose the beef) And desert a coconut and pineapple panna-cotta - all in all a fabulous meal that you enjoy while watching the sun set over the gorge.
I highly recommend this tour as it's the perfect way to see the gorges without having to experience it in the heat of the day (like the many other tours) and trust me - it gets hot. And just to add another reason - the gorge looks the best in the low light of sunset.
Price: $195 per person (as of Nov23)
Details: A small amount of walking is required between the different boats, but there is a clear and easy pathway.
Rating: 910
Final thoughts: A must do if you're looking for a cultural and relaxing experience.
Baruwei Lookout
An amazing view and worth the hike. The walk itself is a bit steep (but nice and easy on the way down) . The view the entire way up is spectacular and is worth the effort and the many stairs. We went very early in the morning to beat the heat and see the gorge in a beautiful light. And even at sunrise it was hot, so be warned.
Details: Grade: 3, Moderate | Distance: 1.8kms | Time: 45 minutes |
Rating: 8/10
Final thoughts: Worth the hike - A must when in Katherine
Edith Falls (Leliyn)
This is another must see while visiting Katherine. Located 50 minute drive from Katherine town centre, it's worth the drive and the 2.6km walk (Loop track) . There are two swimming spots here, one at the bottom of the falls which is a very short walk from the car park, or for those looking for more of an adventure. There is a beautiful pool at the very top of the walk. (the middle falls are off limit to swimming)
The walk itself is a bit challenging in the heat. Leaving clockwise it starts off a bit steep as you make your way to the top, but the view at the top is worth the climb. We recommend doing the loop in a clockwise direction as the other way would be a lot more of a scramble on the way back down.
We opted for a swim in the top falls as it was guaranteed Croc free waters, the bottom pool was open but it was still a ‘swim at your own risk’ scenario, and I just wasn't up for the risk.
We recommend wearing proper walking shoes. For the walk as it is very rocky, and also long pants as there is lots of scrub that will hit your legs along the walkways.
Details: Grade: 4, Moderate to hard | Distance: 2.6km | Time: at least an hour |
Rating: 7/10
Final thoughts: Make the time for it, but go early in the morning
Katherine Hot Springs
This is the ultimate place to cool off on a hot day. It's free entry and open from 7am, - 7pm (but there are no gates so there really isn’t anything stopping you from going in early. It does get very busy during the day so we would suggest an early start.
It’s very similar to the Mataranka Hot springs and Bitter Springs which are not too far away, however they are on the cooler side of hot springs - I wouldn’t call them hot at all, rather - slightly warm.
Details: Grade: a very short walk down a few stairs.
Rating: 7/10
Final thoughts: 100% worth the visit - we went back almost every day.
Umbrawarra Gorge
This was a short and very easy walk to the entrance of the gorge - The track was pretty flat to start and a bit of rock scrambling at the end. We were not able to go too far as there was a decent amount of water in the gorge and we were not keen for a swim (not sure if there were crocs in there, but we didn’t want to take a chance)
Details: about 500 metres before we turned around - we couldn't go the full way.
Rating: 3/10
Final thoughts: It was nice to see, but not a must do. If you have the time check it out, but I wouldn’t add extra days to your holiday to fit it in.
Where We Stayed - Katherine Holiday Park (BIG4 & Breeze)
There are plenty of places to stay here, and a few caravan parks to choose from, so we opted for the BIG4 as we always got a decent discount with our membership.
There was an onsite restaurant under big beautiful trees, a large and spacious pool (a very cold one) and so much land and room to move. The toilets were pretty decent and very clean. The only downside was that there was no wifi, which is odd for a BIG4.
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