Find the Best Hotels in Katherine

Katherine sits at the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park, home to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a series of sandstone cliffs carved out by the Katherine River. See the gorge on a boat cruise, by canoe, or on foot along the clifftop lookout trails, and keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles and birdlife along the water. A short drive further on, Edith Falls (Leliyn) has tiered rock pools for swimming, ringed by monsoon forest.

Katherine works well as a base for a few days in the Top End, whether you're stopping between Darwin and Kakadu or making the gorge the main event of your trip. Hotels here range from simple motels in town to a boutique lodge right on the riverbank inside the national park, so there's a stay to suit most budgets.

For a bigger adventure, take a helicopter flight over the gorge for a view of the escarpment from above, or paddle a canoe through the gorge's quieter upper pools. Walking trails inside Nitmiluk National Park range from short lookout strolls to full-day hikes for travellers with more time up their sleeve.

From a gorge cruise at sunrise to a soak in the hot springs at the end of the day, Katherine packs a good spread of Top End highlights into one manageable stop.

Getting to Katherine

Most visitors fly into Darwin International Airport, which has regular flights from major Australian cities, then drive about 320 kilometres south on the Stuart Highway to Katherine, a trip of around 3.5 to 4 hours. Katherine also has its own small airport, with a handful of weekly Airnorth flights connecting to Darwin, useful for a short regional hop rather than a typical interstate arrival point.

For a scenic alternative, the Ghan train runs between Adelaide and Darwin with a stop in Katherine, a comfortable way to see the Outback by rail rather than road.

Once you're in Katherine, a hire car is the easiest way to reach Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls and the hot springs, all of which sit a short drive out of town. Local tour operators also run day trips with return transfers if you'd rather leave the driving to someone else.

Getting Around Katherine

1. Cruise or Paddle Nitmiluk Gorge

Nitmiluk National Park is home to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a run of sandstone cliffs shaped by the Katherine River over thousands of years. Boat cruises take you between the gorge walls, canoes and kayaks let you set your own pace on the calmer stretches, and walking trails climb to lookout points above the water. Freshwater crocodiles and a good range of birdlife are common sights along the way.

2. Swim at Edith Falls

Edith Falls, known locally as Leliyn, sits inside Nitmiluk National Park and offers a series of pools fed by a cascading waterfall. The water is clear and cool, the surrounding monsoon forest is shady, and a walking track links the lower pool to a quieter upper pool for those happy to hike a little further. Swimming areas can close seasonally, so check current signage and conditions before jumping in.

3. Soak at Katherine Hot Springs

Just on the edge of town, Katherine Hot Springs is a set of natural, warm thermal pools fed by underground springs. It's an easy, low-key stop for a soak after a day of driving or hiking, with shaded grass banks along the water for a picnic or a rest.

3 Meals to Try in Katherine

1. Barramundi

Barramundi is a popular catch across the Top End, and Katherine's menus make good use of it. Grilled, fried or baked, it's a reliable order at most pubs and restaurants in town.

2. Kangaroo Steak

Kangaroo steak is a genuine taste of the Australian Outback. It's lean, rich in flavour and often served with native bush spices, giving local menus a distinctly regional edge compared to a standard steak dinner.

3. Damper

Damper is a simple, campfire-style bread made from flour, water and salt, baked to a crusty finish over hot coals or in a camp oven. It's a classic Outback staple, good as a snack on its own or alongside a meal.

Nightlife in Katherine

Katherine's nightlife is modest but welcoming. Don't expect big clubs, but local pubs and bars offer a relaxed spot for a beer after a day outdoors, and some host live music or trivia nights. With little light pollution this far from a major city, stargazing after dark is one of the simplest and most popular ways to end the evening.

Top-rated hotels in Katherine

Accommodation in Katherine runs from straightforward motel rooms in town to a boutique riverside lodge inside the national park, so most budgets and trip styles are covered.

1. Beagle Hotel

Address: 2 Fourth Street (Cnr Lindsay St), Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia

Beagle Hotel is a motel a short stroll from the town centre, set around gardens with a pool and spa. Rooms range from double queens to family rooms for up to six, making it an easy, no-fuss base for exploring the gorge.

2. K-Town Hotel

Address: 11 Third Street, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia

K-Town Hotel has been recently renovated and offers a communal kitchen, barbecue area and pool, a good fit for longer stays or families wanting to self-cater.

3. Knotts Crossing Resort

Address: Cnr Giles & Cameron Streets, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia

Knotts Crossing Resort sits in tropical gardens on the edge of town, with a choice of motel rooms or self-contained cabins, two pools and an on-site restaurant for a bigger stay without leaving the property.

4. Contour Hotel Katherine

Address: 9 Cyprus St, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia

Contour Hotel Katherine is a modern, mid-range option with a pool, restaurant and easy highway access, a solid pick if straightforward comfort is what you're after.

5. Cicada Lodge

Address: Gorge Road, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia

Cicada Lodge is a small, boutique lodge inside Nitmiluk National Park, right on the Katherine River. With a handful of suites, an on-site restaurant and a pool looking out over the escarpment, it's the pick for travellers who want to wake up by the gorge itself and don't mind paying more for it.

Travel Tips for Visiting Katherine

Plan for the Weather

Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. The wet season (November to April) brings heat, humidity and heavy rain, while the dry season (May to October) is cooler with clear skies and is the more comfortable time to visit. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water regardless of when you travel.

Explore Early or Late in the Day

Visit Nitmiluk Gorge and Edith Falls early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds. It's also a better window for spotting wildlife, and sunrise or sunset over the gorge makes for some of the best photos of the trip.

Stay Safe in the Water and on the Road

Only swim in signed, patrolled areas at Edith Falls and along the gorge, since not every waterhole in the region is safe from crocodiles year-round, and conditions can change with the season. On the highway, watch for cattle and wildlife on the road, especially around dawn and dusk, and carry extra water on longer drives between towns.

Ready to explore the Top End? Book your Katherine hotel through Traveloka and start planning your Northern Territory road trip today.