Katherine Northern Territory Map

About Katherine, Northern Territory

Katherine is a locality in the Katherine Municipality local government area of Northern Territory, Australia. It has a population of approximately 5,980. The locality covers an area of 4.2 km², giving a population density of about 1417.1 people per km². It sits at an elevation of around 110 m above sea level. It lies approximately 270 km southeast of Darwin. Katherine is located at 14.4523°S, 132.2743°E. It observes Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) - no daylight saving. Postcode: 0850. The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies the area as Remote Australia.

Katherine unfolds across a landscape sculpted by ancient waterways, where the arid rust-red earth meets the vibrant green of the tropical north. It lies 269.9 km south-east of Darwin City, NT (from Darwin City, NT: bearing 145°T), and is situated 1.7 km north-west of Katherine East. The Katherine River, the lifeblood of this region, carves a dramatic gorge, its sheer rock faces echoing with the calls of unseen birds. The air, especially as the sun dips low, carries a dry, mineral scent, a testament to the sun-baked terrain that stretches towards the horizon. This is a place of broad skies, where the light can shift from a blinding, bleached white at midday to a soft, golden hue that bathes the surrounding scrublands in an ethereal glow. The general character of Katherine is one of resilient practicality, a frontier spirit tempered by the sheer, undeniable beauty of its natural surroundings, a place where the vastness of the land is always present, a quiet reminder of nature's enduring power.

The history of Katherine is deeply interwoven with its strategic position and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples, who have traversed this land for millennia. European settlement began to take hold in the late 19th century, driven by pastoral ambitions and the eventual construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, a vital link that cemented Katherine's importance as a waypoint. The economy has long been anchored by cattle grazing, with vast stations stretching across the surrounding plains, and more recently, by the growing tourism sector, drawn to the natural wonders of the Katherine region. The presence of a significant Australian Army base also contributes to the local economy, bringing a constant hum of activity to the town. The land itself, though often appearing stark, holds mineral wealth, and while mining has played a role, it is the enduring strength of the land and its ability to sustain life that truly defines Katherine's economic backbone.

The cultural pulse of Katherine beats with a rhythm set by its natural environment and the diverse people who call it home. While major professional sporting leagues are distant, the spirit of competition thrives in local clubs, particularly in the codes that resonate with the Northern Territory lifestyle. Katherine's annual calendar is punctuated by events that celebrate its unique identity, from rodeos that showcase the region's pastoral heritage to festivals that highlight local arts and Indigenous culture. The iconic Katherine Gorge, a natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone, is the undisputed star attraction, drawing travellers from across the globe. Nearby, the verdant Elsey National Park offers opportunities for bushwalking and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool, oases that shimmer with an almost otherworldly luminescence. While Katherine may not boast world-renowned universities or a litany of globally recognised celebrities, its fame lies in its raw, untamed beauty and the quiet strength of its people, individuals who embody the spirit of resilience and connection to this extraordinary corner of Australia.

About This Katherine Map Page

This page provides an interactive Google map of Katherine, Northern Territory with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions with current observations and a 7-day forecast are powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while an editorially written description provides background on Katherine, in the Katherine Municipality local government area.

Detailed location data for Katherine includes the postcode (0850), telephone area code (08), and local government area (Katherine Municipality), with an ABS remoteness classification of Remote Australia. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any Australian city, town or locality.

Location data is drawn from Geoscape Administrative Boundaries (GDA2020) and enriched with GeoNames and Australian Bureau of Statistics data, matched by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Katherine is identified even where the name is shared across multiple localities.