Three days allows ample time to explore the Katherine area’s key attractions, including Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park. Anyone feeling adventurous can also join a guided canoe trip down the Katherine River.
Day 1
Jump on the Ghan or take a three-hour drive on the Explorer’s Way from Darwin to reach Katherine.
Located north of Katherine is Edith Falls, where you can take a cool dip in a large pandanus fringed plunge pool or take the hours trek to the waterfalls.
When in Katherine visit the Katherine School of the Air, where lessons are given over the radio to children in remote areas across the Top End. Check out the diverse range of Aboriginal artwork on offer at one of Katherine’s many galleries.
Day 2
A short drive north of Katherine is the natural wilderness of Nitmiluk National Park. Start with a visit to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to learn more about the area. Katherine Gorge is the main attraction and is made up of 13 towering sandstone gorges.
There are a number of options to explore the gorge; you can purchase a ticket to cruise through the gorges. Or, if you’re feeling energetic you can hire a single or double canoe at the first gorge and explore at your own pace. Bushwalking along one of the trails is another option to explore the area. For a birds-eye view you can also take a scenic flight for a ‘big picture’ perspective.
Day 3
Visit the Jurassic Cycad Gardens. Marvel at this exotic attraction, which is home to over 200 Cycad species nestled amongst the rocky landscape and enjoy lunch in the café while your there.
Drive to Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park and enjoy a tour of this underground cave system. Return to Darwin or continue your journey south towards Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Road conditions can change rapidly during the wet season (or tropical summer), so it is important to always check road conditions before travelling.