Free Things To Do In Katherine, Northern Territory
Katherine is a beautiful Outback town to visit on your travels in Australia's Northern Territory. It sits at the southern border of the Top End, and is right on the way to the Red Centre. Katherine provides a unique combination of Top End lushness with the Red Centre's rugged desert landscape.
Here you can swim in hot springs surrounded by rich green forests, or wander through towering sandstone gorges. You can browse Aboriginal artworks or shop for local produce in town. Katherine is small and charming, with immense natural beauty right on its doorstep. For budget travellers hoping to save money in Australia, we've compiled a list of some free things to do in Katherine!
7 Free Things To Do In Katherine, NT
Here are 7 free things to do in Katherine, from exploring the Outback wilderness to learning about the local art and culture.
Note that while these activities have no official entry fee, you may have to pay for fuel to get there or a NT National Parks Pass. All travel costs a little bit of money! But aside from the essential expenses, you can easily enjoy budget-friendly activities in Katherine and in the surrounding national parks.
Explore more of Katherine, Darwin, and the Top End!
Swim in Katherine Hot Springs
Located on the banks of the Katherine River, Katherine Hot Springs are a beautiful oasis in the midst of the Outback. Though hot water may not seem too appealing in the warm Northern Territory, these natural, mineral-rich waters are more refreshing than you can imagine! Katherine Hot Springs are open daily from 7am - 7pm during the dry season (closed during the wet season from October - April).
Wander around Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park is a sprawling mass of natural beauty on the lands of the Jawoyn people. The most famous landmark in the park is Nitmiluk Gorge, also known as Katherine Gorge. With towering cliffs and calm waters, travellers often take boat cruises through the gorge to appreciate the rugged scenery up close.
If you're looking for free things to do in the park, you can take on some bushwalks around the gorge or the surrounding escarpment, or go camping and birdwatching in the wilderness.
Browse the local markets
For insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Top End, visit the Katherine Community Markets. They are conveniently located at the Lindsay Street Complex, behind the Katherine Visitor Information Centre in downtown Katherine. Running every Saturday morning from 8:30am - 12pm during the dry season, here you can sample fresh produce, browse through hand-crafted goods, listen to live music, and chat with local vendors.
Admire Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another gem of Nitmiluk National Park. It's about 50 minutes north of Katherine, and you can easily combine this sight with other attractions in the park such as Katherine Gorge.
Edith Falls consists of a few cascading waterfalls that tumble down the rugged red rocks of the gorge. The falls empty into a large freshwater plunge pool where you can go for a dip. There is also a smaller plunge pool at one of the upper cascades that you can reach via a short hike. Surrounded by vast, untouched forests and greenery, Edith Falls is a stunning oasis in the midst of the Outback!
Check out the art galleries
Connect with the incredible artistry of the local Aboriginal communities in Katherine by touring an art gallery. You can marvel at some breathtaking works of art at places like MiMi Aboriginal Art & Craft or the Top Didj Art Gallery.
Note that purchasing an artwork or joining a workshop costs money. But what better way to spend your money than supporting the local artistic community? Or if you're on a very tight budget, you can still browse the gallery and chat with the friendly staff to learn about the artists for free.
Soak in the serenity at Mataranka Thermal Pools
Located just over an hour outside Katherine, the Mataranka Thermal Pools are the perfect place for a tranquil day trip from town. Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Elsey National Park, Mataranka Thermal Pools have dreamy sapphire waters that sit at a comfortable 34°C. Float in the warm waters, admire the lush greenery around you, and forget all your troubles!
Swim in Bitter Springs
Also located in Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs is another natural thermal pool just 12 minutes down the road from Mataranka. Also fed by fresh, warm spring waters, Bitter Springs is just as beautiful as its neighbour, but is slightly less touristy. The crystal clear waters in Bitter Springs are around 32°C and offer a similar relaxing atmosphere.
Is Katherine, NT worth visiting?
Katherine is definitely worth visiting if it fits into your Outback itinerary! With the immense beauty of Nitmiluk National Park, the rich Indigenous culture, the small town charm, and the stunning hot springs, Katherine has much to offer travellers of all ages.
Located 3.5 hours south of Darwin, Katherine is easy to drive to on your own or on a guided day trip. But because it's a bit of a drive, you might prefer a multiday trip or overnight guided tour that gives you more time to explore the area. If you're completing the ultimate road trip from the Red Centre up to Darwin, Katherine is also a convenient place to stop along the way!
