Despite the remote feel of this park, the township of Katherine is less than 10 minutes drive away, and has several cafe, bar and restaurant options. The Black Russian Caravan Bar is our go-to for the best coffee in town and serves up some delicious toasties and sweet treats. The Smoked Ham & Cheese toastie is a classic for good reason, but if you’re up for being more adventurous we recommend the Cheesy Chipotle Chicken or Smokey Beans toastie options.

Whilst it is roughly 3 hours drive away, we can’t talk about having a drink in this area without mentioning the iconic Daly Waters Pub, a stop for many on their journey to or from Katherine and somewhat of a landmark in the Northern Territory.

 Closer to the park, the Katherine Club is a great spot for a cold beer and escaping the heat. Within the park, the onsite Fig Bistro is always popular and particularly convenient after a long day exploring. Note that it is seasonal, open during the dry season (April to October). If you prefer to cook for yourselves, the Camp Kitchen and BBQ facilities are nothing flashy but they are well looked after and have everything you need.

The centrepiece attraction of this area is Katherine Gorge & Nitmiluk National Park, a system of 13 gorges surrounding the Katherine River. It’s a stunning area of contrast, where you’ll see imposing sandstone cliffs, lush greenery and a range of Aboriginal rock art. The area can be explored via hiking on foot, boat tours or even from the sky via a helicopter tour. If you can, we do recommend joining one of the river cruises as they provide a unique perspective on the geography of the area, and are a great opportunity to learn more from a guide.

15 minutes drive away in the direction of Katherine Gorge you’ll find Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery. It’s open 7 days a week in the dry season and is home to an extensive collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts. 

After a day exploring, the Katherine Hot Springs are a great spot to relax and enjoy a rejuvenating dip in these crystal clear thermal springs on the bank of the Katherine River. They’re conveniently located approximately 1.5km from the Holiday Park. If you’re keen to relax but not get too far from the park, the swimming pool is always a solid option. 

Katherine can be subject to extreme weather conditions, particularly in the wet season when it can get very hot and of course, very wet. There’s still plenty of beauty to be discovered if you visit at this time of the year but be aware that it may affect the operations of sites you want to see, so it’s best to check ahead with any tour operators.