Katherine: Thermal Springs, Railway History and Outback Experiences

Katherine combines natural thermal pools with insights into local history and experiences relating to art, nature and the Outback. This lets you tailor your stay to different interests: swimming at Katherine Hot Springs, history exhibitions or outdoor activities each offer a different focus. Families will also find specific attractions, including a children's playground and the opportunity to feed animals at the Katherine Outback Experience.

Thermal Pools and Time Outdoors

Katherine Hot Springs are natural thermal springs on the banks of the Katherine River within the town limits. A series of clear pools is framed by native vegetation, and you can swim in them. Above the springs, a park has a tree-shaded lawn for picnics and a children's playground. Alongside the water, the site therefore offers a green space and a place to play. If you are staying with children, the playground can be considered an attraction in its own right; if swimming is your main interest, the pools offer a nature-based experience.

Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve is three kilometres along the Victoria Highway, outside Katherine. It is suitable for birdwatching and has a network of walking trails and picnic facilities. Its focus therefore differs from that of the thermal springs: the reserve is primarily about observing nature and exploring the trails. If you are including Katherine in your travel plans for its birdlife, you can consider this option alongside experiences in the town.

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. The Katherine Railway Heritage Station building houses an exhibition on railway history and the role of civilians during the war. The history of the railway and the experiences of civilians are two distinct themes of the exhibition.

Katherine Museum offers a vivid and detailed insight into local history. Its collection includes artefacts, photographs, maps and memorabilia from the pioneering era. Another exhibition is devoted to the Overland Telegraph: it displays telecommunications objects dating from 1872 onwards. History enthusiasts can therefore find both objects from the pioneering era and a particular perspective on telecommunications from 1872 onwards.

Art and Experiences Around Katherine

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre hosts an annual programme of visual arts, performing arts and events. It offers content with local, regional and Northern Territory connections. The arts and culture centre thus complements the historical exhibitions with a programme representing different art forms and regional perspectives.

Just outside Katherine, Katherine Outback Experience offers demonstrations of horse starting and working with working dogs. The show also features live music and humorous stories from the bush; children can feed the animals. If you want to include demonstrations like these in your stay, this offers a different focus from the town's exhibitions. The Katherine Visitor Information Centre creates personalised itineraries for visitors.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Katherine, consider which aspects of the destination you want to shape your stay: nature and swimming, local and railway history, art or experiences involving animals. These different interests provide a practical basis for assessing Katherine as a holiday destination and planning your trip accordingly.

More Destinations

Find more destinations on the pages for Dundee Beach, Nightcliff, Marrara, Stuart Park, Darwin, Malak, Point Stuart and Alice Springs.

For the main travel overview: Northern Territory.