The rugged allure of Australia’s mysterious outback will forever attract visitors from around the world, as there’s nowhere else on the planet quite like it! For those seeking an authentic indigenous experience, a little adventure and astounding natural beauty, we’d like to point you in the direction of a remarkable region, named Katherine.
A true gem of The Northern Territory, Katherine is home to some of the oldest and most dramatic landscapes and landmarks Australia has to offer. For example, nearby you’ll find the limestone crystal caverns and pillars of the Cutta Cutta Caves which date back a staggering 500 million years. South of the town lies the Mataranka Thermal Pools and Bitter Springs, with their irresistible warm, sparkling waters (bring a towel because you will want to take a dip!) But the landmark that may ring most familiar is Nitmiluk National Park, also known as Katherine Gorge National Park.
Picture this: sheer sandstone cliffs, clear crashing waterfalls, and colourful rainforest stretching as far as the eye can see. It sounds amazing, and that’s because it is! This enchanting scene is what awaits you in Katherine, Australia.
Possibly the best way to experience these almost surreal surroundings, is on a Katherine Gorge cruise. The Katherine River writhes its way through spectacular sandstone gorges that have been carved over millions of years – the history and stories of which, best told by the Jawoyn and Dagomen people. The Jawoyn and Dagomen people run Nitmiluk National Park and its Katherine Gorge tours, allowing you to experience authentic aboriginal culture as well as its breath-taking natural beauty simultaneously during your visit.
A Katherine Gorge tour will introduce you to some of Australia’s most treasured natural beauty. As you cruise, sheer rock faces tower at incredible heights above you, shimmering in the sunlight. Look closely and you may get to see native wildlife resting on the rocks and cooling off in the river. The gorge walls act as a gateway to paradise-like pools where you can dip your feet, or slip straight in for a swim in the gentle warm waters. In our experience, we haven’t found a haven quite like Katherine Gorge anywhere else in the world: somewhere that feels like paradise, but also offers so much history and culture to immerse yourself in, too.
Australia group tours visiting Katherine will help you experience the best the region has to offer, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime, not to mention the desire to return! See our Australia tours which include a trip to Katherine.
Image by Barry Rogge via Flickr
