Katherine and Nitmiluk
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) © NTTC 2004 |
Katherine is one of the original European
settlements in the Northern Territory. It's situated past Pine
Creek, just over 300km on the Stuart Highway south of Darwin, en route to Tennant Creek and, eventually, Alice Springs.
Katherine was home to the Jawoyn people, who found abundant food and
water as well as spiritual fulfilment in the land.
The stunning Katherine River runs through
the town, which is the departure point for the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)
national park, situated 30km away. There's lots to do in and around
Katherine, including:
- swimming, canoeing and kayaking in the river
- rejuvenating in the Hot
Springs (has wheelchair access)
- cycling along the tracks
from the Low Level Nature Reserve to the Hot Springs
- picnicking at any of the
numerous shady, grassy and/or sandy spots along the river and by waterfalls
- birdwatching and flying
fox (fruit bat) observing
- fishing for the inimitable
barramundi
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) © NTTC 2004 |
The Nitmiluk national park is
the jewel of the Territory and a paradise of 13 natural gorges which
you can explore by canoeing, bushwalking, or on a boat cruise or scenic
flight. Along the gorges are ancient Aboriginal rock paintings
which tell the story of the original inhabitants of this beautiful place.
There's an excellent Visitor Centre in the park, which should be your
first port of call. The Nitmiluk is so stunning that words can't
express its beauty – just go there!
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