Outback Town: Katherine Northern Territories Australia
Katherine northern territories Australia is the third largest town in the northern territories and has a population of over 6000. It is located about 340 km from Darwin and 1184 km from Alice Springs. Situated on the banks of the Katherine River the town is far away from the coast and hence is not subject to the excesses of tropics and still sufficiently far north not to be surrounded by desert. The town receives an annual rainfall of about 960 mm, most of which falls between November and March. Katherine has always been an important town. It is the point according to the local aborigines where the traditional lands of the Jawoyan (also spelt Djauan), Dagaman, Walpiri and Wardiman met so, consequently the river and nearby forge became popular meeting places.
Located 314 km south of Darwin on the main Stuart Highway is the outback township of Katherine, a hub for keen anglers. The place offers an abundance of barramundi fishing action on the Katherine River. The fishing season runs from march - may at certain hot spots such as Low Lever Bridge and Knott's crossing and Donkey camp. For visitors to Katherine there are a host of local attractions like hot springs, underground caves to be explored, swimming holes, gorge cruises, canoe safaris, museums and aboriginal culture towns.
The Katherine Gorge is where the river begins in the wild encampment Arnhem land, flowing through thirteen spectacular gorges which are separated by its rapids. There are many caves with ancient rock paintings in the spectacular Katherine gorge. These caves however become flooded during "the wet" as the river rises more than 18m in the narrow passages.
One of the territories top tourist attractions is the Nitmiluk National Park. Due to the abundance of water the park is vibrant with wild life. One can see rare birds like the crimson and the double-barred Finches besides other species of birds, as well as wallabies, bats and goannas. The wonderful wide variety of plants in the rugged scenery can be best appreciated on its walking tracks. Tucked away in the northwest corner of the park is the Edith falls where tranquility prevails - a good place to swim and hike. Spending time here, you can also witness a traditional corroboree around a flickering campfire and be enriched by the local aboriginal people of the bush traditions.
The strategic location provides a relatively easy access to some of the territory's best and more remote fishing areas. The Daly river system to the northwest, the Victoria river to the west, in the northeast the south and east alligator rivers, the Gulf rivers, and fish rich water of the gulf of Carpentaria to the east are well within the reach of Katherine northern territories.