Are there crocodiles in Katherine, Northern Territory?
There are potentially crocodiles in Katherine, Northern Territory. But at swimming spots such as the Katherine Hot Springs and Low Level Nature Reserve, any saltwater crocodiles are removed before they are reopened for the dry season.
Many visitors heading to Katherine in the Northern Territory’s Top End are concerned about crocodiles. Basically, the underlying fear is whether they are potentially a crocodile’s lunch should they step too close to the water’s edge? But are there any crocodiles in Katherine?
Crocodiles in Katherine, Northern Territory
There are potentially crocodiles in Darwin Harbour, but Katherine is much further south and further inland. Instinctively, you might think that crocodiles that like to hang out in estuaries and creek mouths don’t make it this far south.
Alas, there are saltwater crocodiles in the Katherine River, which passes through Katherine. However, you are unlikely to see one in the town of Katherine.
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 Active Removal Zone
The town of Katherine is covered by the Katherine Active Removal Zone. Managed by the Northern Territory Government, this is a special zone where potential crocodile appearances are actively monitored. Traps are set, but if sightings are reported, the crocs are tracked down, removed and relocated.
The safest places to swim in Katherine
That said, jumping in the Katherine River for a swim is still not recommended. The safest places to swim in Katherine, presuming you want to be outside in the wild rather than a hotel pool, are the Katherine Hot Springs and the Low Level Nature Reserve.
The Katherine Hot Springs are a series of naturally heated pools next to the Katherine River. The Low Level Nature Reserve is a relatively placid, shallow stretch of the Katherine River.
Both are only open for swimming during the dry season (roughly May to October). At the end of the wet season, they are thoroughly searched for saltwater crocodiles, and only reopened for swimming once it is certain that there are no salties hanging out nearby.
For more information on crocodiles in the Northern Territory, visit the Government’s Be Crocwise site.
Best Katherine accommodation
The best Katherine accommodation choices are:
- For a pool-based resort: Knotts Crossing Resort.
- For location next to Katherine Gorge: Nitmiluk Chalets.
- For really good value: Pine Tree Motel.
- For a solid holiday park: Big4 Breeze or Discovery Parks – Katherine.
- For glamping with a view: Gorge View Bush Retreat.
More Northern Territory travel
How long is the drive from Mataranka to Alice Springs?
What to see on the drive from Longreach to Tennant Creek.
How long is the drive from Coober Pedy to Erldunda?
What to see on a Longreach to Darwin road trip.
Why visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole at Uluru?