Our Regions - Katherine
Katherine is the third largest town in Australia's Northern Territory, situated 320 kilometres south-east of Darwin on the beautiful Katherine River.
Home to a population of more than 10 000 people, Katherine is a thriving centre of an enormous region. Its young population and friendly, safe environment make it a great place for families. Katherine has a multicultural feel, with people from all corners of the world, including a high proportion of Indigenous Australians.
With plenty of land, sunshine and water, Katherine is one of the fastest growing centres in northern Australia and has the potential for huge growth in agribusiness and tourism. While beef and mining are still major players in the economy of the region, tourism has changed the emphasis and has taken over as the number one industry. Thousands of tourists pass through Katherine each year, either to visit other destinations in the Northern Territory, or to spend time at the famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Katherine has a vigorous and competitive construction industry capable of undertaking major commercial or residential construction. A range of legal, accounting and engineering firms is established in the town and firms from Darwin also service the region. There is a wide range of accommodation, ranging from three-star hotels to camping grounds and backpacker hostels.
A range of retail stores operates in Katherine, together with several stock and station agents that service the rural sector. A variety of restaurants reflect the diverse population. Four television stations and five radio stations (including an Indigenous radio service) broadcast to the region, and the town has a weekly local newspaper. The town also has a number of sporting and recreation facilities.
RAAF Base Tindal, Australia's northern air command centre, is 15 kilometres south of Katherine.
Like Darwin, Katherine has two seasons: the Wet (November to April) and the Dry (May to October).
More information on Katherine
Last updated on the Thursday 26 Mar 2009
