Katherine
Katherine is Northern Territory’s largest region. Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of hidden gems.

Its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for outback adventure activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and four-wheel driving.

Daly Waters Pub
The Daly Waters Pub is a colourful pub, clad in corrugated iron, draped with bougainvilleas and crammed with decades of memorabilia. It began its current incarnation serving passengers arriving on the new Qantas airline in 1934 and was the first international runway and airport in the area.

As a popular watering hole along the track, the Daly Waters pub holds a liquor licence that has been in continuous use since 1938. The pub is on the old droving track and was a watering hole for the drovers as well as travellers heading north and south on the old track. It was used as a staging post during the Second World War and there is a static historical display housed in the WWII hangar.

An extensive menu includes a range of salads and gourmet sandwiches and wraps, steaks, local wild territory barramundi and chicken. Snacks are available and the house hamburgers are freshly made. Try the damper breads or choose a wine from the extensive wine list which includes a cellar selection. There is entertainment every night from April through to September and is free of charge and their world famous beef and barra meals are served every night during the dry season.

Pine Creek
Pine Creek has a strong gold mining heritage, with original buildings dating back to the 1800s. National Trust Museum - Pine Creek Entry fees apply Pine Creek is the only original mining town remaining in the Top End from the gold rush era of the 1870s.

The National Trust Museum building is the oldest surviving prefabricated structure in the Northern Territory. Originally the home of the Mining Warden in Burrundie, it was later moved to Pine Creek in 1913 and over the years it served many purposes such as; a doctors residence, clinic, dispensary, military hospital, and post office and exchange.

Today the building houses the National Trust museum and town library. A browse through the building and its contents sheds light on the gold rush, local Chinese history, buffalo hunters and the Overland Telegraph Line.

Katherine Township
Katherine is the perfect base for exploring the Gulf region, the southern part of Kakadu National Park and the Victoria River region – places where you can immerse yourself in nature. Nitmiluk National Park is one of the most spectacular features of the Katherine area and includes the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) less than 30 minutes’ drive from town.

The Katherine River is perfect for adventure activities like day or overnight canoeing trips. There are many popular picnic and swimming spots along the river including the picturesque Katherine Hot Springs.

Katherine - Food
With business names like Bucking Bull Burger Bar,Ninos Pizza & Chicken Bar, Jade Cafe, Terrace Cafe you will find swomething of your choice.

Katherine - Shopping
Located in the town of Katherine, the Katherine Art Gallery holds an excellent collection of Aboriginal Art. Presenting a portfolio of artists from the region, the gallery reflects the cultural diversity and influences of the Jawoyn, Warlpiri and Dagoman Aboriginal people, who have lived in the Katherine area for thousands of years. The gallery also houses a range of collections from regions of Arnhem Land, the Central Western Desert, and areas in Western Australia. Clients from all over the world maintain contact with the gallery to purchase the didjeridus, artefacts and paintings from the friendly characters who come to produce their work on the premises. The Katherine Art Gallery also offers fantastic rates for public Internet access. There is something for everyone and every budget in the Katherine Art Gallery. Whatever you decide to do, just watch out for the saltwater crocodile.

Katherine - The Ghan Railway

Journey Overview Route: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Duration: 2 nights in either direction
Distance: 2979 kilometres
Frequency: Twice weekly Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin.

Latest Information: http://www.theghan.com.au/

Leliyn / Edith Falls
Leliyn / Edith Falls is located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). You can enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, although it may be closed to swimming a t times during November and April.

The lush, grassy campsites in this scenic bush setting make Leliyn / Edith Falls an idyllic spot for camping.

The area is also great for bushwalking, the 2.6 kilometre Leliyn Trail is a steep, rocky loop, offering a challenging walk.

There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of Leliyn / Edith Falls half way around the trail. You can also enjoy the longer 8.6 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool, a tranquil swimming hole.

Leliyn / Edith Falls is the finishing point of the 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) headquarters. Camping fees apply.

Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
There are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, canoe, boat or fly.

Commercially operated 2 and 4 hour cruises are available, as are helicopter flights. Walks over the sandstone plateau range from an hour to 5 days and offer spectacular views of the gorge, as well as other landscapes. Some, like the 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail, take in most of Nitmiluk's landscapes - monsoon rainforest, stone country, upland swamp, woodland and river – while the shorter walks may not be quite so varied, but are always spectacular. You can hire canoes at the gorge, or bring your own.

T: +61 8 8971 0877
T: In Oz 1300 146 743 (Cost 55c app)
W: www.nitmiluktours.com.au PO Box 1821, Katherine NT, 0850

Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
Rivers rising during December to April can restrict all activities but there is always something to do. Swimming and canoeing are generally only activities for May to November.

The cruises available vary between the 2 varying seasons. Leliyn / Edith Falls is another spectacular part of Nitmiluk that is well worth a visit. Leliyn / Edith Falls is accessed from the Stuart Highway about 45 kilometres north of Katherine.

Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)

Commercially operated 2, 4 and 8 hour cruises are available, as are helicopter flights.

Jurassic Cycad Gardens - Entry fees apply
Visit this unusual and exotic garden attraction containing over 200 different species of plants from the ancient cycad family, all nestled among a visually striking and prehistoric rocky landscape. Apart from an amazing collection of cycads – living fossils of the plant world, this enormous property also includes an assortment of succulents and cacti, as well as rare and endangered plants from around the world. You can take an informative self-guided tour around the property, via 1.4 kilometres of walking paths with interpretive signage. Pause along the walkways and see the prolific birdlife, with many unusual species feasting on the fruits.

This fascinating garden was planned as a conservation resource providing a conservation collection, gene pool, seed orchard, as well as a display collection of rare cycads. Josef and Karen Perner travelled extensively to collect seeds from various habitats all around the globe and developed the site over a 23 year period, culminating in a stunning property housing around 40,000 cycads. The gardens coffee shop seats about 40 people and offers espresso coffee, cakes, cold drinks, light meals and snacks. Outside features gazebo's with tables and chairs surrounded by lush lawns and tropical gardens for visitor comfort.

Springvale Homestead - Free entry
Springvale Homestead, near Katherine, is the oldest original homestead in the Northern Territory. The station was established in 1878 and managed by Alfred Giles, the ex Overland Telegraph linesman. Giles brought sheep and cattle up from Adelaide to stock the station and he built the homestead in 1879. Telephone +61 (8) 8972 1355

Near the homestead are four huge Indian raintrees planted by Giles wife, Augusta, for each of their children. The homestead, which is open to visitors, displays many photographs and information on the early history of the property. The area around the homestead is home to abundant birdlife and animals such as wallabies. Shadforth Road Katherine Northern Territory 0850.

Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park - Free entry
Book a guided tour through the Northern Territory’s only publicly accessible tropical limestone caves. Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park is located 30 kilometres south of Katherine and covers 1,499 hectares of karst limestone landscape, found in only a few locations in northern Australia. Formed millions of years ago and still growing today, these caves are found about 15 metres below the surface. Cutta Cutta Caves are home to a variety of native wildlife, including the brown tree snake and the rare orange horseshoe bat. The park is open year-round, but the caves are occasionally closed due to seasonal conditions.

Address 29 kilometres south of Katherine Stuart Highway Katherine Northern Territory 0850 Australia
Toll Free 1800 653 142 (Australia)

Mataranka Old Esley Roadside Inn
Mataranka is small township in the Northern Territory about 106 km south-east of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. Natural thermal pools in nearby Elsey National Park have made the town a favoured rest stop.

Travellers can enjoy the warm turquoise waters of these natural lagoons, that are said to have therapeutic value. If you have time to only visit one of these, Travelmate recommends Bitter Springs, about 2 km out of town, with its barbecues, tables and eco-friendly amenities.

The township is also famously known as the setting for the autobiographical story "We of the Never Never" by the author Jeannie Gunn, who wrote of her hardships and experiences on Elsey Station, a remote Australian station in the early 1900s.

Manyallaluk Art and Craft Centre
Iis a community owned organisation that features the work of local Aboriginal Artists. Artists paint on canvas and stringy bark, using handmade ochre pigment or acrylic paint in traditional colours. Painted didgeridoos, small sculptural pieces, firesticks and clap sticks are also available. Paintings abound with images of animal life, bush tucker and stories of cultural significance. Colourful baskets, mats and dilly bags are crafted by the women using natural fibres and dyes found in the area. They also produce jewellery from seeds and gum nuts. A visit to the Art and Craft Centre is included in the One Day Cultural Tour. Otherwise it is recommended to call for an appointment.
Contact Info (08) 8975 4306

Mataranka
Day trips from Katherine can be taken north to Pine Creek or south to Mataranka.

Mataranka is famous for its tropical thermal pool and nearby Elsey National Park. Mataranka Homestead Free entry Built in 1916, Mataranka Homestead, and its associated accommodation and facilities, are near the tranquil Rainbow Spring and picturesque Waterhouse River. Mataranka is a popular spot for activities such as fishing, swimming and canoeing, and walking - guided between April and November. Mataranka Homestead offers a wide range of facilities, and is a great base from which to explore the area.

Natural thermal pools in the nearby Elsey National Park have made the town a great rest stop. Travellers can enjoy the greened-turquoise warm waters of the natural lagoons, that are said to have therapeutic value. If you have time to only visit one of these, Travelmate recommends Bitter Springs, about 2 km out of town, with its barbecues, tables and eco-friendly amenities. Bitter Springs is a fantastically crystal clear, warm and natural spring. The river banks are lined with grasses and trees, spider webs and bird-life. You can swim 120 metres up stream past long rushes or float down the current on your back to watch rainbow bee-eaters fly, feed and perch in the tree-tops. There is a pleasant 1.5 km loop walk around the river area with interpretative signs explaining vegetation and the origins of the spring.

Bitter Springs - Elsey National Park
Day trips from Katherine can be taken north to Pine Creek or south to Mataranka.

Natural thermal pools in the nearby Elsey National Park have made the town a great rest stop. Travellers can enjoy the greened-turquoise warm waters of the natural lagoons, that are said to have therapeutic value.

If you have time to only visit one of these, Travelmate recommends Bitter Springs, about 2 km out of town, with its barbecues, tables and eco-friendly amenities. Bitter Springs is a crystal clear, naturally warm spring. The banks of the river are lined with matted grasses and overhanging trees, spider webs and numerous bird-life for birdwatching.

You can swim about 100+ metres upstream past long brown and green rushes or float gently down with the current. There is a 1.5 km loop walk around the river region with interpretative signs explaining flora and the origins of the spring.

All photographs are courtesy of Northern Territory Tourist Commission