Destinations / Katherine / Nature
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
Cutta Cutta Caves are the Northern Territory's only publicly accessible tropical limestone caves, and feature stalactites and stalagmites about 15 metres below the earth's surface. The caves are home to the brown tree snake, as well as five species of bats and 170 species of birds.
Flora River Nature Park
Located 122 kms south-west of Katherine, this nature park features waterfalls and waterholes. Recreational opportunities along the river include canoeing, fishing and boating. The area is home to a variety of wildlife like turtles, fish and crocodiles.
Katherine Hot Springs
The Katherine Hot Springs is a pleasant picnic spot on the Katherine River. These natural thermal springs maintain a constant temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. Relax and enjoy the surroundings or explore the walking tracks.
Katherine Low Level Reserve
With crystal clear rapids and shallow swimming areas, the Low Level Nature Reserve provides a popular swimming, fishing and picnic spot only five kilometres from Katherine. Visitors can follow paved paths on either side of the Katherine River for a scenic walk or cycle from town to the Reserve.
Keep River National Park
468 kms west of Katherine, this national park features Aboriginal art sites and stunning geology. There are excellent bushwalking tracks, and past evidence of volcanic activity, massive marine deposits and glaciation are visible in the rocks and striking landforms. Camping is permitted in two established areas.
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.
Hundreds of bird species and other wildlife flourish in the region, and travellers have ample opportunities to spot them.
For example, wallabies and water monitors are often curious spectators as you glide a canoe down the Katherine River; while massive eagles and black cockatoos quietly observe your progress from the tree canopy above.
Spotting birds and animals is also effortless on bushwalks around the region's many established trails. The Nitmiluk National Park alone has over 100 kilometres of trails, and in the greater Katherine area, walks range from an easy stroll to extended hikes through the diverse scenery of the Katherine bush and waterfall country.
Hot springs, shallow rock bars and waterholes replace swimming pools here. These natural jacuzzis are usually hidden among paperbark forest, palms and lush foliage - the perfect place to relax and soak up the serenity.
Unusual rock formations and tropical limestone cave systems complete Katherine's natural portfolio. The Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, 27 kilometres from Katherine, features amazing cavern formations and is home to some endangered bat species like the Orange Horseshoe Bat.
Explore Katherine & surrounds
