Explore stunning hiking trails of Katherine

Discover Katherine: Your Gateway to Adventure

Katherine, located in the Northern Territory, is the fourth-largest settlement in the region, situated approximately a three-hour drive southeast of Darwin. Known as the Crossroads of the North, Katherine lies at the junction of the Stuart Highway and the Victoria Highway, serving as a key transit point for travellers heading between Darwin and Western Australia or between Alice Springs and Darwin.

The town experiences a sub-tropical climate, characterised by a dry season from April to October, with hot days and cool nights and minimal rainfall. From November to March, the wet season brings steamy temperatures and heavy thunderstorms, which significantly increase water levels in local rivers and waterholes.

Named by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1862 after the daughter of one of his sponsors, James Chambers, the Katherine River has been central to the town’s development. Katherine has evolved through several locations, including Knott’s Crossing, made famous by Mrs Jeannie Gunn’s novel, *We of the Never Never*. Originally, the overland telegraph and post office were located near Knott’s Crossing, adjacent to the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel.

The town as it is known today was established on the south-eastern side of the river following the completion of the railway bridge in 1926, chosen for its presumed lower flood risk. Despite this, Katherine has a history of significant flooding, including a major flood in 1957 and street flooding in 1974.

Modern Katherine offers a range of amenities, including a shopping complex with Woolworths and K-Hub, a tourist information centre, boutique shops, a cinema, motels, hotels, caravan parks, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés. The town is also a hub for essential services, including a modern hospital, air medical service, two high schools, five primary schools, and the Katherine School of the Air, which is recognised as the world’s largest classroom.

The Katherine Town Council manages two major sport and recreation facilities: the Katherine Sportsgrounds and Aquatic Centre and the Katherine Showgrounds Complex. These facilities cater to a wide variety of sports throughout the year.

In 1998, Cyclone Les caused devastating floods in Katherine, with rainfall between 300 and 400 millimetres over 48 hours, raising the Katherine River to 21.3 metres. This flood led to the evacuation of two-thirds of the community and extensive damage to businesses, earning the event a National Disaster declaration.

Want to find the best trails in Katherine for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.