Camooweal to Katherine road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

Camooweal to Katherine road trip: Daly Waters to Nitmiluk National Park

Another option is Larrimah, home to the Pink Panther Roadhouse and the Larrimah Hotel – another great outback pub. It offers cold beer, meals, accommodation and a bizarre collection of animals in a mini-zoo outside.

You can also see the Gorrie Airstrip, a key World War II air base, about 10km to the north.

But you’re better off ploughing through to Mataranka and swimming in the Mataranka Thermal Pool next to the Mataranka Homestead. You can also swim at Bitter Springs or go for a walk by the Roper River in Elsey National Park.

Mataranka accommodation options are limited. Pick between the Mataranka Roadhouse and Territory Manor Motel and Caravan Park.

The Sterling Mill Rest Area and King River Rest Area are feasible stops on the leg from Mataranka to Katherine. But the Cutta Cutta Caves, part of a massive limestone karst system, are the biggest draw.

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.

Katherine is usually used as a base for visiting Nitmiluk National Park, where the Katherine Gorge cruises and canoe tours are highlights of the whole trip.

Good things to do in Katherine itself include the Katherine Hot Springs, the Katherine Outback Experience and the Top Didj Cultural Experience.

Further north along the Stuart Highway is the turn off for Leliyn (Edith Falls), which has a fantastic natural swimming pool at the base.