Darwin to Katherine: Must-sees

If you’ve ticked off all the best bits of Darwin, you might be considering a road trip to Katherine.

The journey from Darwin to Katherine is approximately 3.5 hours, but there are some wonderful scenic gems to explore along the way. You may want to extend it and make it a little longer!

Why go to Katherine?

Katherine has a relaxed vibe, with nature-rich attractions. It’s far less touristy than its Northern Territory counterparts – but this only makes it more authentic!

Plus, it’s home to Katherine Gorge (one of the most incredible and jaw-dropping natural wonders of the Northern Territory!).

If you go from Darwin, it is in total of 320 kilometres drive that goes south for about 3.5 hours. It’s highly drivable in a day, or you can find a spot to stay overnight.

Katherine is a popular tourist spot – it’s a bit of a hidden gem that people often overlook.

Katherine is pretty hidden and tucked away in terms of Australia’s Top End. In fact, this chilled-out town is a gem that often people overlook…but the natural scenery is nothing short of paradise.

During this road trip, there are some very cool things to see and do along the way. Here’s what we’d recommend seeing!

Hidden Gems Between Darwin and Katherine

You’ll want to visit these places in Darwin before heading off to Katherine:

1. Jim Jim Falls
2. Twin Falls
3. Maguk Waterfall

Jim Jim

Jim Jim is the biggest waterfall in Kakadu. It attracts heaps of tourists every year thanks to its thunderous waterfalls that draw people in! It’s a tall and wide waterfall that’s only accessible via 4WD.

Twin Falls

Very close to the Jim Jim Falls, you will find a beautiful red-rock beauty! Twin Falls has a boardwalk through an ancient rainforest and a stunning view of the waterfall from the top of the viewpoint. Don’t miss this one!

Maguk Waterfall (Barramundi Gorge)

The Maguk Waterfall is a gorgeous swimming spot with a surrounding plunge pool that is surrounded by rugged cliffs. The water is beautifully clear, and there are shady spots for when the midday sun gets too intense.

A short scenic walk that snakes around a pretty forest full of paperbark trees and red rocks. A scenic walkway that shines in the warmth of the Kakadu climate.

Get a glimpse of Indigenous Australia with this ancient landscape, which boasts an unparalleled energy unlike anywhere else in the world.