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Katherine

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Katherine is one of two large towns you will come across on the route between Darwin and Alice. The main attraction to the area (other than the fact it has constant running water) is the spectacular Katherine Gorge. Giles Street is the road you need for Katherine Gorge, although nearby is also the turning for the Kimberley and Western Australia, along the Victoria Highway.

There are a number of shopping complexes within the town centre, and several good art and craft stores worth a look. There are also plenty of other things to do around town including visiting the Katherine Museum, Old Train Station, School of the Air and Springvale Homestead.

The landscape is also fabulous around here. There are some pretty thermal pools along the Victoria Highway where you can swim. The swimming hole by the weir on the Katherine River is also a good place to swim during the dry season, and there are picnic tables and facilities in the Katherine Low Level Nature Park.

Swimming is also popular in the Katherine Gorge, which is 13 gorges divided by rapids. There are some spectacular walks in this area although it can be dangerous during the wet season, as Katherine is prone to flooding, especially between November and March when the waters are extremely rough. Freshies are also found in the gorge, but generally in the colder months. Canoeing is also popular in the gorges, and canoes can be hired. There are also various cruise and walking tours around the gorges. If you are looking at doing a long walk independently then check with the visitor centre, as for some walks a permit is required.

The Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park is also a must. The limestone caves and endangered Orange Horseshoe Bats are wonderful to see. Two nearby Aboriginal communities are also worth visiting. These are Manyallaluk and Barunga. Manyallaluk is on the edge of the Nitmillaluk National Park and Barunga is on the edge of the Arnhem Land. If you are going to visit Barunga then you should try to go during the Barunga Wugularr Sports and Cultural Festival in June.

There is plenty of accommodation to choose from around Katherine depending on what you are looking for, including hostels and hotels. Eating out is also good with several budget eating places as well as some more expensive but delicious meals.

You can fly to Katherine from Darwin or Alice, although there are also several buses from both of these places as well as from Queensland and Western Australia. There is also a Blue Banana Bus which operates round trips to Darwin incorporating Litchfield National Park and Kakuda.

NORTHERN TERRITORY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS