Katherine
Main Street Katherine
Is a town situated 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of Darwin in the “Top End” of Australia in the Northern Territory. It is the fourth largest settlement in the Territory after the capital Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Katherine had an urban population of 5,849 on the 2006 Census night. Set in promising grazing and future agricultural country, the town’s main economic source has often been gold, but this has lessened after the closing of the mine at Mount Todd. There is increasing tourism and the RAAF Base Tindal 17 km southeast of town is also contributing to the economy. The town has several churches, sporting clubs, parks, a well-kept golf course, and a showground.
The well known and spectacular Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park near the town has many ancient rock paintings. These often become flooded during “the wet season” as the river can rise 18 m in the narrow passage. In a particularly wet season, the paintings higher up can become flooded, damaging these ancient treasures. The original inhabitants of the area belong to the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman language groups.
History
Early city
The town has had several locations since its settlement by John McDouall Stuart, and the present site was gazetted on 15 July 1926. The original post office and the Overland Telegraph station were set just above Knott’s Crossing and next to the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel that had quarters for the station master at the Overland Telegraph station and a single room police station. The Katherine River, after which the town and the nearby gorge are named, was named by John McDouall Stuart when he passed through the area
Pine Creek Water Gardens
in 1862 on his sixth successful journey across the continent. On 4 July 1862, Stuart crossed the Katherine River and recorded in his diary: “Came upon another large creek, having a running stream to the south of west and coming from the north of east. This I have named ‘Katherine’, in honour of the second daughter of James Chambers Esq.” There is some conjecture over Stuart’s accuracy. Chambers’s wife’s name was Katherine but, according to most sources, his daughter’s name was Catherine.
The next stage of development of Katherine was the establishment of the Katherine Telegraph Station on 22 August 1872 and the completion of the Overland Telegraph Line later in 1872. It was not until 1923 that construction began on the Katherine railway bridge, with construction completed in 1926. All shops were then moved to the opposite side of the river, where the town of Katherine now sits. The first train crossed the bridge on 21 January 1926. Construction began on a new rail line in July 2001. On 13 September 2003, the line was finished with a continuous track from Adelaide to Darwin. The Ghan passenger train commenced on 4 February 2004 and runs several times a week. It stops in Katherine on both the northbound and southbound journeys. Dr. Clyde Fenton of Katherine became one of the first Flying Doctors in Australia when he raised £500 to buy a plane for his medical run. He soon earned himself the name of “Speed Gordon of the Territory Skies”.
World War II
During World War II, the Australian Army set up two hospitals around Katherine, the 101st Australian General Hospital and 121st Australian General Hospital. The army also set up a Katherine Area Headquarters. On 22 March 1942, Katherine sustained its only air raid during World War II. One man was killed when a Japanese aircraft bombed the town.
Flooding
Canoeing at Katherine Gorge
The Katherine River runs through the north of the town. The river has a history of flooding the town, with documented accounts in 1957, 1974, 1998 (on Australia Day), and 5–7 April 2006. The 1998 flood devastated the town, and the area was declared a national disaster. The flood resulted from the 300–400 mm of rainwater brought by Cyclone Les that caused the already full Katherine River to peak at 20.4 metres. The floodwaters inundated the town and much of the surrounding region, requiring the evacuation of many residents. The flood covered an area of 1000 square kilometres, affected 1100 homes and cut off many roads in and out of Katherine. Three people drowned.
The April 2006 floods placed parts of the town under water (including about 50 houses), caused millions of dollars of damage, and resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency on 7 April. However, there were no reports of the flooding causing structural damage. Town residents were given warning that the river might flood on 5 April, and the town centre was underwater before noon the next day. The floodwaters reached a peak of nearly 19 metres at the Katherine River bridge. Dozens of homes were inundated with up to 2 m of water, with many residents having time to escape with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Over the weekend of 8–9 April, more than 1,100 people went to the evacuation centres in the town. The state of emergency was lifted on 9 April.
Indigenous history
Basket weaving at Manyallaluk
Katherine is an important meeting place to the local Aboriginal people. It is the point where the traditional lands of the Jawoyn (sometimes spelt Djauan), Dagoman, and Wardaman converged. With Katherine being the largest town in the region, it remains a meeting point for Aboriginal people from across the Katherine Region.
Modern city
Today Katherine is a key regional centre supporting the cattle, horticulture, agriculture and tourism industries. Located at the junction of major tourism drives, Central Arnhem Road, the Savannah Way and the Explorers Way, Katherine is an important visitor gateway for the Northern Territory.
Geography and climate
Topography
Katherine is located 320 km south of Darwin and is situated on the banks of the Katherine River, which is part of the Daly River system. The upper reaches rise into the Arnhem Land escarpment and Kakadu to the north east. The topography of the region is predominantly tropical savanna woodland. The township of Katherine is set amongst a Karst landscape of ancient limestone formations, outcrops, and subterranean caves. Other ecosystems include open eucalypt forest and rocky escarpment country and isolated pockets of monsoon rainforest/vine thickets.
Climate
Katherine experiences a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) with distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual rainfall is 1,132mm and daily temperatures in the wet season typically range from 24° to 35°C, occasionally reaching 40°C, with very high humidity at times especially during the build-up period to the wet season, when the region receives some of the country’s most spectacular electrical storms along with vigorous lightning displays. In the dry season, the nights can get quite cool, regularly dropping to 7°C overnight in the middle of the dry season. Low elevation and frequent rainfall, as well as the town’s situation on the banks of a river, means that the area is prone to flooding. A flood on Australia Day in 1998 was particularly destructive. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Les produced between 300 and 400 millimetres of rainfall during a 48 hour period, causing the Katherine River to rise to 21.3 metres and claim the lives of three people. Floods are not just the only threat the town faces every wet season. Severe thunderstorms and lightning are also familiar dangers every wet season. Large hail to 2.5 cm diameter has also been reported within the area. Katherine is also located in one of the most lightning-struck areas in the southern hemisphere and caution should be taken when outdoors in the summer months.
Districts
Camping at Katherine Gorge
The central business district of Katherine is set 350 metres from the banks of the Katherine River. The township services the other regional centres of Pine Creek, Mataranka, Borooloola, Daly River and Timber Creek. The RAAF Tindal Base is located 17 km from Katherine and plays a significant part in the local economy. Tindal Airbase officially opened on 1 October 1988.
Built environment
Springvale Homestead, built in 1879, is the oldest original homestead in the Northern Territory. The homestead was originally managed by Alfred Giles, an ex-Overland Telegraph linesman, but is now open to visitors. The Old Katherine Railway Station is another historic attraction that served Vestey’s Meatworks during their operation in Darwin and was a major hub of transport during World War II. Another historic site is the O’Keeffe Residence. Originally built as a recreation hut in 1943 for army officers during the Second World War, it is a good example of local construction practice, using local materials like Cypress pine and corrugated iron. Since the establishment of Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine has developed into a tourism destination. Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park attracts large numbers of visitors each year (232,000 in 2004-05). The town is well-equipped with a shopping centre and other modern conveniences and services.
Parks and gardens
Katherine town and surrounds provide plenty of park and garden areas. Dakota Park, Giles Park, Jurassic Cycad Gardens, Jukes Park and O’Shea Park are in the town. Tourist attractions include Nitmiluk National Park and Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, Kintore Caves Nature Park with its populations of endangered cycads, Low Level Nature Park, Springvale Homestead and Katherine Hot Springs. Along Riverbank Drive on the Katherine River, Katherine Hot Springs provide swimming, shaded picnic tables and barbecue facilities set amongst monsoon forest and tall paperpark trees where you can sit back and relax or enjoy the abundant birds and wildlife. Fishing for barramundi, tarpon and sooty grunter is also popular along the Katherine River. The low level Nature Reserve and the hot springs are regarded safe to swim. Both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles inhabit the river, always make sure you swim in recommended safe areas and avoid swimming in remote ‘suspicious’ waters.
Government
Local government
The Katherine Town Council consists of five aldermen, a mayor, and a deputy mayor. There are an additional ten local community councils that administer the region and primarily service the Indigenous people of the region. The town’s current mayor is Anne Shepherd.
State and federal government
The Katherine electorate, which covers the town and its suburbs, elects one member to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. At federal level, the town, as with all parts of the Northern Territory outside Darwin, is located within the Division of Lingiari. Katherine is a solid base for the centre-right Country Liberal Party.
Economy
Nitmiluk National Park popular cruise
The Pastoral industry, mining, defence (RAAF Tindal) and tourism all play a major part in the economy of Katherine. In 2003-04, the estimated total value of agriculture production from the Katherine region was $75M; $52M from cattle, $16.5M from fruit and vegetables and $7M from hay and other field crops. Production from mining in the region was estimated at $201M in 2003-04, or 13% of NT mining and energy production. Major commodities included lead, zinc, barites, limestone and gravel.
Transport
Rail
Katherine was connected to Darwin via the North Australia Railway a narrow gauge railway which was completed in 1926. It fell into disuse and was eventually closed and the tracks lifted. In 2003 the line was replaced with standard gauge as part of extending the line to Alice Springs north to Darwin. The Ghan, run by Great Southern Railway, operates on the new extension between Adelaide and Darwin. It arrives twice weekly in each direction and has a scheduled stop in the town.
Air
Jatbula Trail Nitmiluk National Park
Katherine airport is 7 km south of the town centre. No commercial flights are available to Katherine; however, charter flights can be arranged, and the town is only a two and a half to three hour drive from Darwin. The airport and town received an extended description in the book “Beyond the Blue Horizon” by Alexander Frater, written in the 1980s and describing a journey by local air services from London to Brisbane, retracing the route of the pioneer airline operations of the 1930s.
Road
Katherine is at the crossroads of the Savannah Way that runs east-west from Cairns to Broome and the Explorer’s Way that runs north-south from Darwin to Adelaide through Alice Springs. Savannah Way runs along the Victoria Highway at Katherine and Explorers Way runs along Stuart Highway.
Society and culture
Katherine High School
Katherine River
Katherine High School is the only public secondary and middle years school in the town and supports good academic, sporting, and scientific learning opportunities for its students. The current principal is Anne White. The music department is run by Louise Doyle and Micheal Dalvean and recently came very close to winning the concert band Eisteddfod run in Darwin. The school library has a wide range of written and computer resources.
Leisure and entertainment
Leisure and entertainment activities in Katherine are mostly nature-based. Katherine Hot Springs, Mataranka Hot Springs, canoeing in Nitmiluk Gorge on the Katherine River, hunting, bushwalking, caving, camping and fishing on the Victoria, Daly, Roper or Katherine Rivers are all popular leisure activities. Although attempts are made to safely relocate saltwater crocodiles from areas of the river popular to tourists, these crocodiles do inhabit most of these river systems and extreme care should be taken in and around the water at all times. The town also has a nightclub, a few pubs and sports/social clubs.
Literature and film
Victoria River Escarpment near Katherine Gorge
The Katherine Region was popularised by the novel ‘We of the Never Never’ by Jeannie Gunn who was the wife of a pioneering pastoralist in the late 1800s. The feature film Jedda was partially filmed at Katherine Gorge, however, the last roll of negatives was destroyed in a plane crash on its way for developing in England and the scenes were re-shot at Kanangra Falls in the Blue Mountains. The Australian horror film Rogue, released in 2007, was partly filmed in Katherine Gorge.
Music
The Katherine Country Music Muster Association was formed after the Katherine 1998 floods to raise money for the Katherine Historical Society Inc. Over the years, the Muster has hosted emerging local and national country music artists, such as Kasey Chambers. Unique Indigenous music and dances is also an important part of this the region.
Sport
The Katherine Town Council manages the Sports Ground Complex which houses a swimming pool, tennis club, four ovals, a cricket pitch, a BMX track, a skating rink, a basketball court and football and soccer fields. The Katherine Showgrounds Complex hosts equestrian sports and Australian Rules Football as well as the Katherine and District Show Society.
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
29 kilometres south of Katherine
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park is located 30 kilometres south of Katherine and covers 1,499 hectares of karst limestone landscape, found in only a few locations in northern Australia. Formed millions of years ago and still growing today, these caves are found about 15 metres below the surface. Cutta Cutta Caves are home to a variety of native wildlife, including the brown tree snake and the rare orange horseshoe bat. The park is open year-round, but the caves are occasionally closed due to seasonal conditions. Guided tours through the Northern Territory’s only publicly accessible tropical limestone caves are also available.
Daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Closed periodically between December and April due to flooding.
Flora River Nature Park
Flora River Nature Park
135 kilometres south west of Katherine
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Flora River Nature Park, 135 kilometres south west of Katherine, embraces a tranquil Top End waterway fringed with dense riverine vegetation and dotted with deep pools. There are many opportunities for short walks, canoeing, boating (maximum 15 horse power), camping or simply relaxing. The Flora River is a perennial spring fed watercourse with a number of springs feeding the river at different points along its course. Popular features include the beautiful Kathleen and Djarrung Falls and a large natural spring.
The falls are ‘tufa’ formations created by calcium carbonate precipitating from the water onto rocks. Over time the tufa formations have built up to create dams picturesquely spanning the Flora River. The vegetation along the river corridor is diverse and dense, a rich wildlife habitat. Casuarina trees feature along with stands of Livistona mariae rigida, a palm limited to the Flora and Roper Rivers. The Wardaman Aboriginal people have been associated with this area over thousands of years. The special natural features within the park are spiritually and culturally significant for these people. The unsealed access road from the Victoria Highway to Flora River Nature Park is 46 kilometres and may be corrugated. It may be inaccessible at times due to flooding between November and April.
Daily, 24 hours. Possible seasonal closures between November and April.
Jatbula Trail
Jatbula Trail
Starts at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
The 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail features stunning scenery, waterfalls and Jawoyn Aboriginal rock art. The trail is a 4 to 5 day walk that is only marked in one direction, from Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Visitor Centre) to Leliyn / Edith Falls. The Jatbula Trail is a long and potentially difficult walk, however, adequate preparation will ensure a safe and pleasant trip. There is a ferry service across the Katherine River as part of the walk on the first day. Walkers must register at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre before departing on the walk and report your arrival to the Kiosk at Leliyn / Edith Falls. A refundable AUD50.00 deposit is required when you register and will be returned when you arrive at Leliyn / Edith Falls. There is also a camping fee of AUD3.30 per person per night and will be collected when you register. Walkers need to make their own arrangements for transport to the gorge and from Leliyn / Edith Falls.
Jurassic Cycad Gardens
Jurassic Cycad Gardens
3128 Morris Road
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Visit this unusual and exotic garden attraction containing over 200 different species of plants from the ancient cycad family, all nestled among a visually striking and prehistoric rocky landscape. Apart from an amazing collection of cycads – living fossils of the plant world, this enormous property also includes an assortment of succulents and cacti, as well as rare and endangered plants from around the world. You can take an informative self-guided tour around the property, via 1.4 kilometres of walking paths with interpretive signage. Pause along the walkways and see the prolific birdlife, with many unusual species feasting on the fruits.
This fascinating garden was planned as a conservation resource providing a conservation collection, gene pool, seed orchard, as well as a display collection of rare cycads. Josef and Karen Perner travelled extensively to collect seeds from various habitats all around the globe and developed the site over a 23 year period, culminating in a stunning property housing around 40,000 cycads. The gardens coffee shop seats about 40 people and offers espresso coffee, cakes, cold drinks, light meals and snacks. Outside features gazebo’s with tables and chairs surrounded by lush lawns and tropical gardens for visitor comfort.
Open weekdays and weekends 8am to 6pm.
Katherine Art Gallery
Katherine Art Gallery
12 Katherine Terrace
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Located in the town of Katherine, the Katherine Art Gallery holds an excellent collection of Aboriginal Art. Presenting a portfolio of artists from the region, the gallery reflects the cultural diversity and influences of the Jawoyn, Warlpiri and Dagoman Aboriginal people, who have lived in the Katherine area for thousands of years.
The gallery also houses a range of collections from regions of Arnhem Land, the Central Western Desert, and areas in Western Australia. Clients from all over the world maintain contact with the gallery to purchase the didjeridus, artefacts and paintings from the friendly characters who come to produce their work on the premises. There is something for everyone and every budget in the Katherine Art Gallery. Whatever you decide to do, just watch out for the saltwater crocodile. The Katherine Art Gallery also offers fantastic rates for public Internet access.
May to October daily from 9am to 6pm. November to April 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm Saturday, closed Sunday.
Katherine Cemetery
Katherine Cemetery
Giles Street
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Katherine Cemetery, located in Giles Street Katherine, was established in 1934 and is known locally as the pioneer’s cemetery. Set along the Katherine River, amid tranquil bush surrounds, the Katherine Cemetery offers a fascinating historical or genealogical perspective, and provides insight into the hardships of life in the outback. There is also a memorial wall in the rotunda.
Open Daily, 24 hours.
Katherine Hot Springs
Katherine Hot Springs
Riverbank Drive
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Take a refreshing dip in Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are situated on the banks of the Katherine River, within the Katherine township, and comprise of a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation. Once, the main pool was simply an indentation at the edge of the Katherine River, but now the area is a place to relax, enjoy swimming in the pools, the picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks.
Daily, 24 hours. The Katherine Hot Springs are closed from November to April due to excess water.
Katherine Museum
Katherine Museum
Gorge Road
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
The Katherine Museum, located in Katherine, was originally constructed as an air terminal for the region during World War II, and now contains an eclectic collection of artefacts, photographs, maps and pioneer memorabilia in an informative museum. A major exhibit at the Katherine Museum is the first ‘flying doctor’ Dr Clyde Fenton’s De Havilland Gypsy Moth plane, used in his pioneering aero-medical work in the 1930s. As well as Aboriginal artefacts from the region, the museum houses photographs, furniture, home wares and tools ranging in date from the late-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Outdoor and undercover exhibits
Katherine Overland Telegraph Pylons
illustrate a rich heritage of ingenuity in rural machinery and household equipment.
Open daily from 9am to 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Katherine Overland Telegraph Pylons
Gorge Road
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
The building of the historic Overland Telegraph Line was a major force in opening up the north of Australia in the late 1890s and the Katherine Overland Telegraph Pylons are one of the few remaining testaments to this bygone era. Situated on Gorge Road, just past Knott’s Crossing, the steel Oppenhiemer telegraph poles were placed on 30 foot (9.1 metre) stone cairns, on either side of the Katherine River, to prevent the line being cut when the river would flood. This is a registered heritage attraction.
Daily, 24 hours.
Katherine School Of The Air
Katherine School Of The Air
Giles Street
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
The Katherine School of the Air located on Gorge Road, Katherine, is a distance education school, making it a living example of an historic outback schooling tradition. The School caters for isolated students residing in the top half of the Northern Territory or temporarily travelling in remote areas. Curriculum materials are delivered to the students via correspondence and high frequency radio. Radio broadcasts can be clearly heard as far away as Germany and the Antarctic. The Katherine School of the Air currently delivers education to children in an 800,000 square kilometre radius. Travellers can stop by and experience the School for themselves on one of the morning guided tours, watching and listening as the pupils participate in lessons. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into a unique part of life in the most remote outback areas, and to learn about the vision that made the School of the Air possible. Tours are approximately one hour in length and it is best to call the School before leaving town, to ensure space is available.
Guide tours operate 9am, 10am and 11am on weekdays, from mid-March to mid-November.
Keep River National Park
Keep River National Park
Three kilometres east of the NT and WA border
Timber Creek
Northern Territory
Australia
This small park contains a diversity of landscapes and visitors can explore sandstone ridges and “Bungle Bungle-like” formations from the campgrounds. The two kilometre Gurrandalng walk weaves through sandstone and presents one magnificent view after the next. Jarnem offers a long loop walk that can be split into two shorter return walks, including the Jarnem Lookout Walk that is particularly stunning in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon. The park falls within Aboriginal lands of the Miriwoong and Gadgerong people. Nganalam Art Site shows some of the rock art characteristic of the area while Ginger’s Hill and Jinumum reveal other aspects of traditional Aboriginal culture. The unsealed road in Keep River National Park may be corrugated and it may also be inaccessible at times due to flooding between November and April.
Open Daily, 24 hours.
Knotts Crossing
Knotts Crossing
Gorge Road
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Knotts Crossing is the site of the original township of Katherine. Established in the early 1870s, the original township consisted of a shanty pub and the Overland Telegraph Line Repeater Station. By 1888 the township had grown to include a Hotel, General Store and Police Station. The Crossing was named after Frederick George Knott and his wife Kate who were the first people to farm the north side of the river. They ran the Gallon Licence Store jointly from 1927 until 1935. After George Knott’s death Kate ran the store from 1935 until 1948. The alignment of the original road is still visible along with remains that demonstrate the activities of everyday life of the period such as the Wheel Pit in the yard area.
In addition, there are three Boab trees that are over 100 years old. They were planted by Tom Pearce from seeds obtained from Bradshaw’s Run. It is the site, as a location, which has the primary heritage value. The associated physical elements contribute to make this place of major social significance to the Katherine region and the Northern Territory.
Daily, 24 hours. Knotts Crossing will be closed during November to April due to seasonal high water.
Kumbidgee Lodge Tea Rooms
Kumbidgee Lodge Tea Rooms
4739 Gorge Road
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Welcome to Kumbidgee Lodge Tea rooms where you can enjoy genuine Territorian hospitality on your way to, or from, Nitmiluk National Park. Come dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner, open seven days a week. Set in tranquil bush gardens beside a large water feature, the Kumbidgee Lodge Tea Rooms are a delight.
Open from 7am until late, last orders by 8.30pm.
Leliyn / Edith Falls
Leliyn Edith Falls
40 kilometres north of Katherine
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
Leliyn / Edith Falls is located on the western side of Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), 42 kilometres north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. You can enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, although it may be closed to swimming at times between November and April.
The area is great for bushwalking with the 2.6 kilometre Leliyn Trail offering a challenging walk along a steep, rocky loop. There is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of Leliyn / Edith Falls half way around the trail. You can also enjoy the longer 8.6 kilometre return walk to Sweetwater Pool, a tranquil swimming hole. Leliyn / Edith Falls is the finishing point of the 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail walking track, which begins at Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) headquarters. The lush, grassy campsites in a scenic bush setting make Leliyn / Edith Falls an idyllic spot for camping. Camping fees apply.
Open Daily, 24 hours.
Low Level Nature Reserve
Low Level Nature Reserve
Victoria Highway
Katherine
Northern Territory
Australia
The scenic Low Level Nature Reserve is located three kilometres south of Katherine. It is a great place to relax, with bicycle paths, barbecue facilities and picnic areas. The river holds barramundi, black bream and the northern snapping turtle, while the river trees are home to colonies of red and black flying foxes. During World War II, US troops stationed nearby built the low level bridge and weir and their legacy is this popular and easy to reach swimming hole in the middle of what is today, a 105 hectare reserve.
Open Daily, 24 hours.
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