3 daysEasy
3-Day Katherine & Gorges
Katherine
3
Days
400km
Distance
May-October
Season
Easy
Difficulty
Katherine is where the tropical Top End meets the outback. Paddle through 13 sandstone gorges, float in thermal springs, and swim under pandanus-fringed waterfalls.
Adventure seekersCouplesNature loversSwimmers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Morning
Drive Darwin to Katherine (3h15). Head straight to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Afternoon
Hire a canoe ($65/half day) and paddle through the first 2-3 gorges. Towering sandstone walls, crystal water. Far better than the cruise.
Evening
Katherine Hot Springs (free, in-town) — natural 32°C thermal pools. Dinner at the Katherine Country Club.
Stay: Cicada Lodge / Pine Tree Motel / Nitmiluk campground
Tips
- Canoe hire includes basic paddling instruction
- Book Cicada Lodge for luxury — it's stunning
Nitmiluk Gorge CanoeKatherine Hot Springs
Budget Estimate
Backpacker
Camping, cooking, free activities
Mid-Range
Motels, eating out, tours
Luxury
Resorts, fine dining, premium tours
Per person, self-drive. Excludes flights.
Pack These
Swimwear
Reef shoes
Pool noodle (for Bitter Springs)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
3L water per person per day
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