In the Northern Territory of Australia along the banks of the Katherine River, the Katherine Hot Springs is situated under lush foliage. It’s a wonderful place to soak in soothing, mineral-enriched spring water warmed by geothermal activity from beneath the riverbed.
This hot springs site has multiple pools with ranging temperatures.
Natural Hot Springs Pools
Locals and visitors alike have long been drawn to the natural warmth of Katherine Hot Springs. The water temperature ranges from 77º- 89º F depending on which pool you choose to lounge in. The water is the warmest closest to the origin, so the temperatures upstream will be higher. You can choose from six pools that all are interconnected by a stream.
Paperbark and ghost gum trees growing along the river provide visitors with shade. One of the pools is large enough for swimming laps while the others are wonderful for relaxing. There’s a raised walking path that takes you to a viewing platform at the source of the springs, where the water flows at a constant of 89.6ºF.
At the park entrance, near the parking lot, Pop Rocket Cafe is a pop-up eatery featuring contemporary Aussie food and drink. The cafe showcases local produce and products as well as serves Blast Coffee, a specialty roaster based in Katherine. There are shaded picnic tables and restroom facilities. The main pool has a wheelchair-access ramp on-site.
Activities near Katherine Hot Springs
The Northern Territory of Australia, where Katherine is located, is known as the place where “the outback meets the tropics.” There are many opportunities to experience the raw natural beauty of the area, some of which seem very tropical.
For a unique experience, head 30 minutes south of Katherine and you’ll find the Cutta Cutta Caves. Below the earth’s surface within the cave’s caverns, you’ll see shimmering limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites and possibly run into resident bats, including two rare species, the Ghost and Horseshoe bats.
About a half-hour north is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, located in Nitmiluk National Park. With tranquil pools and streams, stunning waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art, and towering cliffs, the park’s 13 gorges are simply breathtaking—a not-to-be-missed experience in the Northern Territory.
Getting There
Once you arrive in Katherine Township, head south on Victoria Highway, turn right at Riverbank Drive, and head into the parking lot for the springs.
Details
Address: Riverbank Dr, Katherine South NT 0850, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8972 5500
Season: Restricted during the Wet Season (Sept-April) | Dependent on river levels
Website: northernterritory.com…
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