🔍

Katherine

NT 850 • Rest of NT

1,254
Population (2021)
$59,332
Median Income
5.02 km²
Area
$360/wk
Median Rent
RuralMulticulturalTourist HubRemote

About Katherine

Katherine is an urban locality and major regional service town in the Northern Territory, situated approximately 320 kilometres south of Darwin within the Katherine Town Council area. With a population of 1,254 at the 2021 Census, the town serves as a vital hub for the surrounding region, including stations, remote communities, and the tourism industry. The median age is 34 and the population is notably diverse, with around 21% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Katherine is best known as the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park and the spectacular Katherine Gorge, one of the Northern Territory's premier natural attractions. The town centre offers supermarkets, health services, schools, and a range of shops catering to locals and travellers alike. Stuart Highway connects Katherine to Darwin in the north and Alice Springs to the south, and there is a local aerodrome. The town attracts a transient population of workers, tourists, and Defence personnel, giving it a lively, multicultural atmosphere unique among regional NT communities.

Katherine falls under postcode 850 and is governed by Katherine Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Katherine electorate.

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
850
Urban Area
Miali Brumby - Warlpiri
LGA / Council
Katherine
Federal Electorate
Lingiari
State Electorate
Katherine
Type
Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-14.45°, 132.27°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
5.02 km²
Elevation
100m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia / local services — Darwin CBD 3.5-4 hours

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
320 km
By Train
No passenger rail service; The Ghan runs Darwin–Adelaide but not commuter-oriented
By Car (Peak)
3 to 3.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hours

🛣️ Katherine is self-contained as a regional service town; Stuart Highway is the main link north to Darwin and south to Alice Springs

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for basic errands but most residents rely on cars given the distances between facilities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$360
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,408
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
11.1%

41 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,488
Census 2021
1,254
▼ 15.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$48,776
Income 2021
$59,332
▲ 21.6% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 798
Born Overseas 274

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Nepal 39
  • 2. New Zealand 32
  • 3. Philippines 30
  • 4. India 20
  • 5. England 19
  • 6. China 13
  • 7. South Africa 12
  • 8. Zimbabwe 10
  • 9. Pakistan 9
  • 10. Taiwan 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 382
English 315
Australian Aboriginal 243
Irish 130
Scottish 99
Filipino 41
German 37
Chinese 31
Italian 23
Indian 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

639
Both parents born in Australia
299
Both parents born overseas
121
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
39.2%
Christianity
35.4%
Hinduism
3.1%
Islam
2.2%
Buddhism
1.4%
Judaism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
56 (4.5%)
5-14 years
138 (11.0%)
15-19 years
50 (4.0%)
20-24 years
89 (7.1%)
25-34 years
293 (23.4%)
35-44 years
158 (12.6%)
45-54 years
145 (11.6%)
55-64 years
161 (12.8%)
65-74 years
108 (8.6%)
75-84 years
34 (2.7%)
85+ years
14 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Katherine known for? +

Katherine is best known as the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park and the stunning Katherine Gorge, a major Northern Territory tourism drawcard. It is also an important regional service hub for remote communities, pastoral stations, and Defence facilities in the region.

How far is Katherine from Darwin? +

Katherine is approximately 320 kilometres south of Darwin, making it around a 3 to 3.5 hour drive via the Stuart Highway.

Does Katherine have public transport? +

Katherine has limited public transport. There is no rail service; long-distance coaches such as Greyhound connect Katherine to Darwin and Alice Springs. Within the town, most residents rely on private vehicles.

What is the population of Katherine? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,254 for the Katherine urban locality, with a median age of 34 and a notably diverse community including around 21% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents.

Is Katherine a good place to live? +

Katherine offers a unique lifestyle for those drawn to the Top End — close to spectacular natural landscapes, with a strong community feel and good regional services. It suits workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a break from city life, though remote distances and tropical climate are factors to weigh.

What is the postcode for Katherine? +

The postcode for Katherine NT is 0850 (often recorded as 850).