At
the end of a 337km drive south from Darwin, Katherine is a large,
well-presented town on the Katherine River.
Katherine was a
vital staging post in the defence of the Top End in World War II and
still plays an important role in the defence network as host to
Tindall Air Force base.
Katherine is centre of a large beef
cattle region and an important gold producer. Tourism, too, is on the
march as visitors are attracted by the spectacular river and
Katherine Gorge.
Known as Nitmiluk to the local Aborigines,
the gorge's ancient rock walls are pitted with caves and decorated
with Aboriginal art which ranges from miniature paintings to large
murals. The gorge is a sanctuary to 58 species of reptiles and
amphibians, including freshwater crocodiles, and kangaroos and
wallabies.
Generously supported by a vibrant, local art and
craft community, there are several galleries in Katherine displaying
a full range of material from craftwork to both traditional and
contemporary Aboriginal paintings.