Families are spoilt for choice in the Katherine region, with beautiful natural swimming spots, cultural experiences and walking tracks. Be sure to add these highlight spots to your itinerary to curate the ultimate family holiday.
0-4 year olds
Take little ones for a dip in the crystal clear pool of the Katherine Hot Springs or Mataranka Homestead thermal pools. Both are easily accessible and surrounded by shady palm trees. If you’re after a place to roll out your picnic blanket, Lake Copperfield offers the perfect spot for lunch and a swim with all the amenities you will need.
Sling on the baby carrier and stretch your legs on one of the beautiful bushwalking tracks at the Nitmiluk National Park. There are two different track options which will take you to the Baruwie Look Out for spectacular views over the park, the short route takes around forty minutes return.
5-8 year olds
The short walk from Mataranka Homestead to the thermal pools is perfect for little legs. The whole family will love the novelty of swimming in the sandy bottomed pool surrounded by shady palm trees and wildlife. Closer to town is popular swimming spot, the Katherine Hot Springs, which is perfect for a family-friendly dip on the banks of the Katherine River. If you would rather stay dry, explore the stunning gorges of Nitmiluk National Park on a boat cruise.
For a unique family night out, book in for Marksie Stockman’s Camp Tucker Night. This is a dinner experience your kids wont forget, with lively bush games and campfire antics under the stars.
9-12 year olds
Paddle past a waterfall, spot a black cockatoo in the treetops or pull up your kayak on one of the Katherine Rivers sandy beaches. Hiring a kayak at the Nitmiluk National Park is a great adventure for the whole family, take a guide with you to steer clear of the crocs.
There’s enough swimming, kayaking and bushwalking around the Katherine region to fill days of fun but if that doesn’t float your kids boat there are also unique cultural experiences. The two-hour authentic indigenous experience at Top Didj is lead by indigenous artists from the Katherine and Red Centre Regions. Kids can experience hands-on lessons in making fire from sticks, throwing boomerangs and making their own indigenous artwork.
The Katherine School of the Air will also be a fascinating insight in to the unique history of distance education in the top end.
Teens
Hire a kayak to paddle through the dramatic gorges of the Nitmiluk National Park. It’s a good idea to take a guide with you as a precaution against the local crocs. Choose from a range of routes to suit your ability and energy levels. You’ll pass stunning rock formations, wildlife, waterfalls and sandy beaches. When you’ve had enough sun check out the Cutta Cutta Caves, the spectacular limestone caverns date back 500 million years.
Find out more about the history of the area at the Katherine Museum, they have an engaging display of photos and artefacts from the early settlers and Aboriginal people.
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