Katherine

The Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery showing what it’s like to live and work on a huge cattle station.

You’ll hear rollicking stories, join interactive experiences, see cattle dog demonstrations and hear live music performances. And you’ll meet the many dedicated people and animals it requires to keep a station functioning.

Head to the Stockyards where an entertaining exhibition of outback life includes a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking and the intimate connection between man and horse, watch the Riverboyne Dog Team working cattle, goats or ducks into orderly submission.

You’ll also get to sit back and relax, listening to live music including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals often performed from horseback. The Katherine Outback Experience is a fabulous snapshot of the true outback way of life.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Recommended for guests with mobility requirements. Katherine Outback Experience show is conducted in an undercover arena with full seating available.

There is a tangible connection you will feel to the dramatic, ancient scenery unfolding as you wind your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise.

Making this experience even more memorable is the commentary that explains the significance of Nitmiluk to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and the many stories that celebrate their spiritual connection to the gorge.

You’ll hear the characteristic shrill of the cicadas reverberating off the cliff faces as your expert guide navigates you through the swirling waters of the First and Second Gorges. Keep a keen eye out for the many species of wildlife and unique plants that have adapted to this unique environment – your guide will point out what you need to look for.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests to board and disembark boats unassisted. Approx. 2km of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain.

As a more relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region as you gently cruise down the First Gorge, witnessing the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs and sheer drops that reach amazing heights.

Listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and significance the Gorge played in the lives of its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.

Take a short walk to the top of the First Gorge to visit a stunning Indigenous rock art site where artwork remains even after thousands of years exposed to the elements. These works are ancient evidence of the existence of the Jawoyn culture in the area during the last Ice Age.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests to board and disembark boats unassisted. Approx. 2km of walking over natural paths and rocky terrain.

While science suggests that this stunning landscape was carved over the millennia by the elements, the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people, believe that the Gorge system was created by Bula. The most important figure in Jawoyn dreaming stories, Bula and his two wives, hunted across this land and in doing so he transformed the landscape through his actions.

Take a helicopter flight to fully appreciate the sheer enormity of the river. As you fly over all 13 gorges, see if you can follow the path of Bula as you move through the region as he did. A view from the air is the best way to appreciate the complexity of the system that makes up Nitmiluk Gorge.

As this experience is an optional upgrade, a cost of $250 per person will be payable direct to your Hospitality Attendant. If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – Guests required to board and disembark helicopter unassisted.

PLEASE NOTE: Weight restrictions of 130kg per person do apply.