Katherine is a relaxed, easygoing town about 300 km south of Darwin. Its young population and friendly, safe environment make it a great place for families. It's the kind of place where everyone takes the time to say hello.

Many people move to Katherine for work – and enjoy the place so much they decide to make it home. Katherine has a multicultural feel, with people from all corners of the world, including a high proportion of Indigenous Australians.

There’s plenty to do in and around this friendly community. Nitmiluk National Park, featuring the magnificent Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, is the area’s main tourist attraction. Ancient Aboriginal artwork is found on the rock faces of the gorge. The gorge offers great ways of spending a Saturday or Sunday with the family- whether you want to just relax or get active in the outdoors, with bush walks and canoeing.

Local families also enjoy fishing and camping. Timber Creek, 300 km west, has fabulous fishing spots that make it worth the drive. The Katherine Hot Springs and Mataranka Homestead are both popular locations for swimming. The waters are clear and a comfortable temperature all year round (although some of these sites tend to flood during the wet season). Edith Falls, part of Nitmiluk National Park, is a great place for picnics, barbecues, swimming and hiking.

Katherine people love a party, so they plan several each year: the Flying Fox Festival is held annually in August or September, corroborees are held regularly during the dry season, tick markets every month during the dry, and the annual Katherine Country Music Muster. The annual Katherine Show is another highlight, drawing people from throughout the region.