Katherine is a town in Australia's Northern Territory, and an important component part of the 'Top End' (the combined name for Katherine, Palmerston and Darwin). Katherine is a haven for nature enthusiasts, having immediate access to two of Northern Australia's most spectacular National Parks, namely Kakadu and Nitmiluk. Because of Katherine's inland location (3.5hours south of Darwin), it has immediate access to the parklands and their wonderful gorges, mountains and thermal springs. Car hire in Katherine is popular for those who wish to organise their own excursions in this remote region. Hiring a car in Katherine is available from the Downtown area of the city.
Katherine forms part of the remote Northern Territory of Australia, and hiring a car in Katherine is recommended in order to drive to the National Parks at your leisure. Nitmulik National Park is less than half an hour away, and the enchanting Katherine Gorge is practically at the entrance of the park if you follow Gorge Road out of the city for around 30km. The Stuart Highway leads right through Katherine giving you access north towards Darwin and south towards Alice Springs, if you're touring the area. Rent a car and follow the Stuart Highway north for about an hour and you'll come to Edith Falls on the western approach to the park.
Katherine gives you access to a goldmine of natural attractions, including the Katherine Hot Springs which is just a five minute drive from the city centre. Nitmiluk National park is on the doorstep, and Kakadu is slightly further north - accessed via a scenic combination of the National Highway and Kakadu Highway. Kakadu Park is home to Ubirr which exhibits some enthralling ancient rock paintings; perhaps you'll stop-off at Maguk Gorge, which is also on the Kakaduk Highway towards Ubirr. If you're commuting north and south from Darwin on the National Highway (Stuart Highway), Litchfield National Park is a recommended stop-off point.
