There are two words to describe the Katherine Hot Springs – HIDDEN GEM! If you would like to add another word add FREE! A visit to the Katherine Hot Springs is a must for anyone staying in Katherine, or passing by, who is looking for somewhere to have a refreshing dip.

The Katherine Hot Springs are hidden next to the Katherine River on Riverbank Drive (off the Victoria Highway) in Katherine South (about a 3 minute drive from the centre of Katherine). From the car park, the Hot Springs are located down about 100 metal steps and are surrounded by beautiful shade trees and grassed picnic areas. If you require vehicle access to the Hot Springs then a key can be collected from the service station in town. There is a ramp from the car park for those who wish to take a pram or wheelchair.

The area surrounding the springs has been developed whist maintaining the natural feel of the area. The Hot Spring pools have had gravel bases added to keep sediment down and to keep the water looking crystal clear. The springs are fed by water bubbling up from deep below the Earth’s surface and there is a viewing platform above the area where the water comes out of the ground.

There are also walking tracks alongside the Katherine River if you feel like taking a stroll.

The main pool has wheel chair access (although it looked a little slimy and not very inviting), stainless steel steps and rails (that are a little hard on the feet) and the walls have been formed out of rock (there is slime or algae on some of the rocks and walls but it doesn’t affect the water at all). There are three main entry points, the third right next to a small waterfall, which is the only area in the springs that both Tim and Georgina couldn’t stand up in. The stream then thins out and goes out to the Katherine River about 30 metres away.

With a water temperature that ranges from 25C – 32C the term ‘hot springs’ is not really accurate – it is more ‘lukewarm’ whilst still being refreshing. We are told that during the dry season the springs are VERY popular – however we visited in October (the beginning of the wet season) and as the number of tourists has declined we were able to enjoy the Katherine Hot Springs without them being crowded. In fact,  the majority of the time there were less than 4 other people swimming – sometimes we had the area to ourselves (yes, we went more than once)!

Georgina Says

It is such a fantastic area to go Kidding Around! Take some snacks or a picnic, a pool noodle, towel and you are ready to go!

Alegría Says

There are no crocodiles because they are in the river (although there is a warning sign in the car park…)!

We LOVED visiting the Katherine Hot Springs, it was safe, clean, free and we highly recommend you visit too!

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Open most of the year, 7 days a week. Closed during the wet season if it floods or is too dangerous to swim.

Location: Katherine Hot Springs, Riverbank Drive, Katherine South NT

Cost: Free

Website: http://www.ktc.nt.gov.au/Council-Facilities/Katherine-Hot-Springs

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

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