Katherine Hot Springs

We enjoyed kayaking in Katherine Gorge and the next day we visited Katherine Hot Springs.

This place is not a Japanese style hot bath, but a warm stream.

It is located near the center of Katherine.

We parked a camper at a parking lot (free), wore swim suits and went to the stream.

The sign saying “Hot Springs This Way” led us to a steep unpaved slope. The approach to Katherine Hot Springs was under construction. It seemed that the city was improving the hot springs as a better attraction for tourists. Going down the slope, we reached the hot springs.

When we went into the stream, it was not hot but lukewarm. IT was like that of a heated swimming pool.

The bottom of the stream was covered with concrete and there were some pebbles on it. The approach to the stream was made by human, but the other side of the stream remained natural.

The stream was not slow. I felt resistance when I walked upstream.

This is the view downstream. I like the tunnel of the trees.

Going through the tunnel, there was a shallow pool with filled with pebbles, which was best for small children. And then there was a deep pool for adults. It was a weekday but there were not a few people. Probably they were tourists from overseas like us.

Post from RICOH THETA. – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA

The depth of the pool was more than 2m between the upper pool and the lower pool.

As you went downstream from there, the stream was shallower and shallower and became a natural stream. The bottom of the stream was filled with pebbles, mud, twigs ans leaves and they gave a slight pain to my souls. The water was still lukewarm.

This is the view upstream from the upper pool.

Going through the tunnel, I went upstream.

The bottom of the stream was covered with concrete. This area was more man-made and less natural.

This is the view downstream from this point.

As the hot springs are covered with tall trees, you can avoid direct sunlight and spend time comfortably.

Here is a map.

There seemed to be a pool upstream, but it was difficult to go up the stream because it remained natural. Though a boardwalk was installed, no one walked there and I didn’t go.

We played in the hot springs for an hour and a half. After that, we took a break at a open cafe in a park next to the parking lot.

Katherine Hot Springs is one of the good points of interest in Northern Territory. It is easy to access and you can play and swim in lukewarm water for free. It is one of the best place to play for kids.