Mataranka to Katherine drive: Distance, time and road trip attractions

The Mataranka to Katherine drive in the Northern Territory covers a distance of 108km. The top road trip attraction on the way is the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park.

The Mataranka to Katherine drive links two of the best places to stop on the Northern Territory leg of a Stuart Highway road trip.

If driving from Adelaide to Darwin, Mataranka and Katherine come relatively close together at the northern end of the trip. The Mataranka Homestead is a classic outback overnight stay, and it’s right next to the Mataranka Thermal Pool – aka the Mataranka Hot Springs. From here, you can also explore Elsey National Park around the Roper River.

Distance from Mataranka to Katherine

The distance from Mataranka to Katherine by car is 108km, with a driving time of around one hour and seven minutes. Obviously, there’s no need to stop anywhere on this journey – it’s easy enough to do in one stint behind the wheel.

If you do want to pull over somewhere, then the Sterling Mill Rest Area offers free camping, but no facilities. More appealing is the King River Rest Area next to Leach Lagoon. This is shortly after the turn-off for the Central Arnhem Highway.

Mataranka to Katherine drive: Cutta Cutta Caves

The main road trip attraction on the Mataranka to Katherine drive, however, is the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. The caves are part of a vast limestone karst system, and home to five species of bat.

Tours of the Cutta Cutta Caves are available with Nitmiluk Tours, the Aboriginal-owned company that also runs Katherine Gorge cruises and canoe trips.

Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park is generally the main reason most people visit Katherine, but there are plenty of other attractions.

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

Swimming at Katherine Hot Springs, Northern Territory. Photo courtesy of Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits.

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.