My Patch: Katherine, a timeless jewel of the outback

With its majestic Nitmiluk Gorge and crystal-clear hot springs, spectacular bushwalking and birdwatching, rich Indigenous culture and Indo-Pacific influences, Katherine is the indisputable jewel of the outback.

The traditional territories of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples intersect in Katherine, making it the crossroads of the north and serving as a gathering place for thousands of years. To this day, ancient art and sacred sites tell their stories.

Named after the daughter of a sponsor of explorer John McDouall Stuart, the mighty Katherine River - home to a large population of saltwater crocodiles - was first mentioned in 1862. Today, Katherine is the NT'S fourth largest town, with a population of 11,000.

Sporting greats Cadel Evans and Leisel Jones had their humble beginnings here, and Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth and his brothers grew up just 300 kilometres from the town. Chris once said his earliest childhood memories were of buffaloes and crocodiles. "The characters I've been playing and the worlds they're from and the adventures they're on - it was ... in a strange way like my childhood growing up in the bush."

Each dry season - May to October - tourists swarm the small Top End town in search of adventure and serenity. Lured by the beauty of Nitmiluk National Park, locals and travellers alike spend the days kayaking among ancient sandstone cliffs, walking along escarpments teeming with wildlife or exploring the Nitmiluk Gorge by boat, helicopter or mountain bike.

TikTok sensation Manual Pamkal invites guests to Top Didj where they can learn how to make fire with sticks, throw a spear and try their hand at Indigenous painting.

A visit to Cutta Cutta Caves, where Indigenous people believe the stars go to sleep during the day, and a dip in the hot springs in the heart of Katherine round up a day well spent.

Katherine's best-kept secret is Cait's Place, halfway between the township and Nitmiluk Gorge. It's run by 13-year-old entrepreneur Caitlyn Usher and guests experience eco-glamping under the Milky Way, so remote and serene that the only noise at night is the call of the wild dingoes in the distance. Caitlyn's younger brother runs a pizza delivery service for guests.

The dishes at Cicada Lodge combine traditional elements and flavours from the region, mixing and matching herbs and fruits. Halfway between Nitmiluk Gorge and the town, the Kumbidgee Restaurant is also a must-visit for crocodile dumplings, Territory barramundi or lamb rump with native honey and rosemary crust.

... booking an evening with multiple Golden Guitar winner and horseman extraordinaire, Tom Curtain. His Outback Experience celebrates the NT's rich pastoral culture and history.