Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka
A three-day, fully sealed loop on the Stuart Highway: gorge cruises, hot springs, caves and thermal pools around Katherine and Mataranka, suitable for campervans.
- Distance
- 407 km (253 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 26 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 10
- States
- Northern Territory
- Updated
- April 27, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 407 km (253 mi) with 10 stops, from Katherine to Daly Waters Historic Pub. About 4 h 26 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Northern Territory
Route description
Base yourself in Katherine, about 320 km south of Darwin. Soak in the Katherine Hot Springs near town, then drive about 30 km to Nitmiluk Gorge, the largest national park of the region, where Jawoyn country offers boat cruises, canoe hire and walking trails. Water levels and crocodile checks decide what is open, so check Nitmiluk updates before you go.
On the second morning, either head north to Edith Falls, about 60 km from Katherine including a 19 km access road, for a swim at the big plunge pool, or south to Cutta Cutta Caves, about 27 km from town, which are open on guided tours only. Both are sealed access. Return to Katherine for a late lunch or continue south to Mataranka.
Mataranka is about 105 km south of Katherine (an hour and a quarter). Swim in the thermal pool in Elsey National Park, where the water stays at a steady warm temperature, and in the creek at Bitter Springs. The thermal pools suit an easy afternoon after a long drive. Fuel and groceries are available in Mataranka town.
For a taste of the outback, drive another 160 km south to Daly Waters (about two hours) and its historic pub, which has a campground and an evening show. Most travellers turn back to Katherine or carry on south on the Stuart Highway. The wet season, from November to April, brings flooding that can cut roads, so check conditions.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Katherine
Northern Territory - 23 km
Katherine Hot Springs
NatureKatherine, Northern TerritoryWarm, clear pools along the Katherine River lined with paperbark and pandanus, a few minutes from the town centre. Pleasant for a soak in the late afternoon; check local notices, as water levels and crocodile surveys can limit access.
- 326 km
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
NatureKatherine, Northern TerritoryA chain of thirteen sandstone gorges on the Katherine River, on Jawoyn land, explored by boat, canoe or on foot, with lookouts above. Water levels and crocodile checks govern swimming and paddling; cruises run mostly in the dry season.
- 435 km
Edith Falls (Leliyn)
NatureKatherine, Northern TerritoryA large, shaded plunge pool beneath a series of falls in the northwest of Nitmiluk National Park, with an easy walk to the upper pools. Good for swimming when signed safe; a pleasant detour of about 19 km each way off the Stuart Highway.
- 565 km
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
NatureKatherine, Northern TerritoryA limestone cave system south of Katherine home to rare orange horseshoe bats, visited only on guided tours to protect the habitat. The caves are cool and humid inside, a welcome contrast to the dry season heat above ground.
- 689 km
Mataranka
Northern Territory - 70 km
Mataranka Thermal Pool
NatureMataranka, Northern TerritoryA thermal spring pool of roughly 34 °C in Elsey National Park, set among palms with the Waterhouse River nearby. A classic way to unwind on the long Stuart Highway drive; best early or late, when fewer people are there.
- 86 km
Bitter Springs
NatureMataranka, Northern TerritoryA thermal creek winding through palm and paperbark, where you drift downstream in a clear current. It is quieter and more natural than the main thermal pool; take a pool noodle or float and watch for slippery steps.
- 9181 km
Daly Waters
Northern Territory - 101 km
Daly Waters Historic Pub
OdditiesDaly Waters, Northern TerritorySaid to be the Territory's oldest pub, covered inside with bras, banknotes, number plates and travellers' scribbles. It sits on the old Stuart Highway route and Qantas and Overland Telegraph history; many stop for a meal and the evening show.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Katherine → Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park · 130 km · 1 h 25 minOn the way: Katherine Hot Springs, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Edith Falls (Leliyn).
- Day 2: Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park → Bitter Springs · 96 km · 1 h 03 minOn the way: Mataranka, Mataranka Thermal Pool.
- Day 3: Bitter Springs → Daly Waters Historic Pub · 182 km · 1 h 59 minOn the way: Daly Waters.
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually July. Hot in August–June. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka?
3-day road trip of about 407 km (253 mi) with 10 stops, from Katherine to Daly Waters Historic Pub. About 4 h 26 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka?
We suggest 3 days: about 4 h 26 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka start and end?
It starts in Katherine and ends in Daly Waters Historic Pub.
Which states does Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka pass through?
Northern Territory.
When is the best time for Katherine, Nitmiluk and Mataranka?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually July. Hot in August–June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
