Katherine - 3 day itinerary

Katherine is the gateway to the magnificent Nitmiluk National Park. This is Jawoyn Country where the red sand of the Outback meets the lush tropics, offering the best of both worlds.

Day 1:     Darwin to Katherine

Leave Darwin for a 3.5 hour drive south along the Stuart Highway to Katherine.  On arrival, stop for a refreshing dip in the Katherine Hot Springs, a series of clear pools fed by a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Katherine River.
 

After the swim, explore the Katherine township including the visitor centre for updates of local information and pick up a coffee from the Black Russian Caravan.  A visit to the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (GYRACC) is a must do where you can buy local Aboriginal art.

Head to Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery.  The art gallery sells Aboriginal art, didgeridoos, artefacts, gifts and books, all of which are locally sourced.    

Afterwards, head to Cicada Lodge for tonight’s accommodation. Cicada Lodge is located at Nitmulik Gorge, just 20 minutes from Katherine. This evening, dine at the Cicada Lodge restaurant.

Alternative accommodation includes:
Nitmiluk Cabins
Contour Hotel 
Knotts Crossing Resort

Day 2:     Nitmiluk Gorge

Enjoy the day at beautiful Nitmiluk Gorge with Nitmiluk Tours. Spend the morning enjoying a cultural experience with an Ancient Garlarr River Safari, which includes a cruise along the first gorge, stopping along the way to learn about the geology, geography, rock art, bush medicine and cultural traditions distinct to this region.

For something more active, enjoy the Malapparr Traveller half day canoe tour, which begins with a scenic boat cruise through the first gorge before exploring the second gorge and beyond by canoe. 

Spend the early afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the area including the Bariwei Lookout before enjoying dinner on the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise. Here you will learn about the local Jawoyn people, while cruising through the Nitmiluk Gorge. The fine dining, candlelit experience includes a three course meal, wine and beer and runs for 3 ½ hours.

Day 3:        Katherine to Darwin 

Head into Katherine to catch the Katherine Outback Experience, to learn about the rich pastoral cultural and history through real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations

Enjoy lunch in Katherine before departing for Darwin.  The Adelaide River Inn is worth a stopover, which you can meet ‘Charlie’ the Buffalo, who starred alongside Paul Hogan in the movie Crocodile Dundee and the Adelaide River War Cemetery is a reminder of the impact of WWII on the Territory and commemorating military and civilian casualties.

The drive from Adelaide River to Darwin takes just over an hour.