Katherine Rail Trail is a 6km, grade 2 hike located in Katherine, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 2.25 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Interpretive signs along the path highlight the history of the railway and the old Emungalan Cemetery. Before the Katherine River railway bridge was built, the town of Emungalan (north of Katherine) was the railway terminus.
A high standard rail trail with the centrepiece being the high bridge acrossthe Katherine River.
Follow the route of the historic former North Australian Railway, where considerable effort has gone into preserving remaining infrastructure
Links with the seven kilometre Katherine River cycle path, the 12 kilometre path to the RAAF Base Tindal, and those around the town.
Two shelters on the path will house information panels about the railway and the limestone topography over which it passes.
The first section of the narrow gauge North Australia Railway from Darwin to Pine Creek opened in 1888. It was extended south to Katherine in 1926 and finally Larrimah in 1929, which was as far south as it got, never linking up to the Adelaide to Alice Springs railway. Nevertheless it played a vital role in the development of the Northern Territory and Australia during the second world war. However once the war was over improving roads and its isolation resulted in the railway being closed in 1976.
Route and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips
Katherine Station to Morey Rd in Katherine
Katherine, 320km from Darwin
Sealed
Flat
Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Come to where the Outback meets the tropics and discover a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures.
Nature comes alive at Katherine Gorge as you cruise, canoe or fly along the Gorge by helicopter. Take a more challenging route and hike the Jatbula Trail, or soak it up in luxury at Cicada Lodge.
Learn from the land at Tom Curtain's Katherine Outback Experience or get a hands-on perspective of indigenous culture with the Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience; both just minutes from the centre of Katherine.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.