Soaring gorges, natural waterholes, and ancient rock art bring caravanners to this riverside town.
The outback meets the tropics in Katherine, perched on the banks of the mighty Katherine River. A perennial favorite of road trippers following the Stuart Highway from Darwin (some three hours to the north) to Alice Springs and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (more than a day's drive to the south), this small-town outpost has a selection of holiday parks and tourist parks. Most provide powered sites and amenities such as BBQs, a camp kitchen, and a dump station, but you might also have a swimming pool to cool off from the tropical heat—daytime temperatures average over 30°C all year-round—or fuel refills (essential if you're heading into the outback). Powered motorhome and campervan campsites are also available at Katherine's top attraction, Nitmiluk National Park, where you can hike through the Katherine Gorge, discover ancient rock art, explore the Cutta Cutta Caves, and relax in the hot springs.