Katherine Offers, Northern Territory

The Katherine area offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in its dramatic natural environment.

The landscape is diverse - often described as the place where the 'outback meets the tropics'. Its boundaries include sweeping escarpment country, savannah grasslands, gorges and rivers and the entire area is scantily populated.

Six gazetted national parks and more than 10 nature parks, reserves and conservation areas form a patchwork within the Katherine region. Some of the most popular experiences available within these parks and reserves include swimming in rock pools, bushwalking, four-wheel-driving and birdwatching.

The first people to inhabit the Katherine region were the Jawoyn and Dagomen Aboriginal people.

Explorer John McDouall Stuart passed through the region in 1862 and named the river 'Katherine' after the daughter of his sponsor, James Chambers. Her name was actually spelt with a 'C'.

As with many settlements in the Territory, the town developed with the arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line and establishment of the Telegraph Station in 1872.

The Katherine region sets the scene for some real Territory-style adventure.

It is a relatively remote destination with abundant waterways including gorges, rivers, waterfalls and the ocean. It's these characteristics that attract an influx of adventure seekers all year round.

Its most well-known watercourse is the Katherine River, which flows through the famous Katherine Gorge. The Gorge, 30 kilometres from the town of Katherine, within the Nitmiluk National Park, is actually 13 separate gorges connected over a stretch of 12 kilometres by rapids and rocky terrain.

This is an adventure playground for visitors who canoe, camp, bushwalk, and helicopter their way around the Park. Further downstream, extended canoe trips with overnight camping in the peaceful bush is the best way to experience the Katherine River - a serene waterway that supports a rich eco-system of native animals and birds.

Bushwalkers are well catered for in Katherine with over 100 kilometres of walking trails in the Nitmiluk National Park alone, ranging from half to five-day treks.

Pine Creek Goldrush & Didjeridu Festival

The Pine Creek Goldrush & Didjeridu Festival is an annual weekend event held just north of Katherine. Try panning for gold, dance under the stars to live music and watch performances from some of the finest Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal didjeridu players in the world.

Pine Creek Gold Rush

The quiet town of Pine Creek was brought to life when gold was discovered there in 1871 by construction workers on the Overland Telegraph Line. Visitors can soak up some of that old pioneering spirit from the treasure trove of heritage bush buildings and mining sites that surround the area.

Katherine Country Music Muster

Enjoy country music, Katherine style. The Katherine Country Music Muster features three days of non-stop music and events such as a cavalcade street parade, busking competition, songwriters' competition and on-stage entertainment at the Outback Heritage Museum grounds. There are full bar and catering facilities and basic camping facilities are available.

Barunga Cultural and Sports Festival

Hear the stories and learn the culture of the Indigenous people. Cultural activities include traditional didjeridu workshops and performances, traditional dance, arts and crafts demonstrations and exhibitions, bush tucker tastings and spear throwing are all regular elements of the festival.

Merrepen Arts Festival

The annual Merrepen Arts Festival is held in June on the beautiful banks of the Daly River at the friendly community of Nauiyu. The festival has something for everyone with art sales and auctions, traditional music and dance, bush tucker displays and tasting as well as a football and sporting carnival.