Katherine Hot Springs: Entry costs, opening times and swimming safety

The Katherine Hot Springs is a series of six thermally-heated pools. They’re safe for swimming in the dry season, but closed during the wet season. Entry is free.

The Katherine Hot Springs are one of the best things to do in Katherine, Northern Territory. They’re not quite as spectacular as the Mataranka Hot Springs in Elsey National Park further south, but they’re close to the town centre, and a much shorter drive from Darwin.

Where are the Katherine Hot Springs?

The Katherine Hot Springs runs alongside the Katherine River, although they are separate from it. There are six pools in the complex, with the water coming from the top pool where it is pretty darned hot. As the water pours down over the rocks and tree roots into the lower pools it gets cooler.

Irrespective of temperature, the Katherine Hot Springs are a delightfully refreshing spot for a splash around in. Most of these Katherine thermal pools are bathing size, but the largest is big enough to swim laps in.

There is some mumbo-jumbo attached to the Katherine thermal pools, with claims that they have healing properties. But regardless of whether the Katherine Hot Springs help aches, pains and sore backs, they’re worth a visit if you’re in Katherine.

Katherine Hot Springs closures

Well, they are in the dry season anyway. During the wet season, water levels can get too high, making the Katherine Hot Springs unsafe to enter.

The Katherine Hot Springs are usually closed between November and April – check with the Katherine Visitor Information Centre before eagerly donning your swimwear. The pools are reopened again once it has been checked no crocodiles have moved in during the wet season.

Katherine Hot Springs entry price

During the dry season, the Katherine Hot Springs are usually open from 07.00 to 19.00 every day. There is no entry charge.

While in Katherine, other attractions include the Katherine Museum, Mimi Aboriginal Arts and Crafts and the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre. Katherine is best known as the gateway to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, however.

Katherine experiences to book in advance

Two gorge boat cruise through Nitmiluk National Park – with commentary on nature, wildlife and Aboriginal Dreaming stories.
Half day Nitmiluk Gorge canoe hire – get closer to nature, paddling through at your own pace.
Outback show with live music, horse and working dog demonstrations.
Top Didj Aboriginal cultural experience – learn about ancient customs and feed baby wallabies.
Cutta Cutta Caves guided tour – spot bats and birds in the limestone cave system.