top end - katherine

katherine

Sometimes described as 'where the outback meets the tropics', the town of Katherine (pop 9500) is an ideal base from which to explore Nitmiluk National Park. It is also the first major town along the Stuart Highway upon leaving Darwin, 310km to the north. There are plenty of shops, choices of accommodation and tourist operators available. There is also an airport, so it is no problem connecting with daily flights from Darwin and Alice Springs. Katherine Hot Springs, just 1 km west of town, are a perfect place to soak tired legs and muscles after a strenous day of sightseeing. There are also several day trips from Katherine - Nitmiluk Gorge, Edith Falls,and the 500 million-year-old limestone caverns of the Cutta Cutta Caves.

nitmiluk

Just 29km from Katherine is Nitmiluk National Park, named by the local Jawoyn people, after their cicada dreaming story. This series of thirteen gorges along the Katherine River has become one of the Northern Territory's main tourist attractions. Throughout the park there is an abundance of wildlife and waterfalls, and high on the gorge walls are examples of rock art. You can explore the gorge system on a half-day river cruise, or by helicopter or light plane from Katherine. If you have more time and energy, there are over 100km of walking tracks. There are also canoes for hire at the river.

cutta cutta caves

27km south of Katherine are the Cutta Cutta caves, 500 million-year-old limestone caverns which are an important roosting site for the endangered Orange Horseshoe bat.