''Katherine''' is a small regional town in the Northern Territory of Australia with a population of less than 10,000 people. Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border the diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems set the scene for outback adventure activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and four-wheel driving. The township is situated on the banks of the Katherine River, which flows down from the world-renowned Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park) about 300 km south of Darwin. It's the third largest settlement in the NT after the capital Darwin and Alice Springs. In recent times tourism has gained in importance, and the town is now a significant tourist destination, and contains all the associated tourism facilities. Attractions like Katherine Gorge drawn large numbers of tourists in the peak (dry) season. It is a relatively remote destination with abundant waterways including gorges, rivers waterfalls and the ocean. It's these characteristics that attract an influx of adventure seekers all year round.Its most well-known watercourse is the Katherine River, which flows through the famous Katherine Gorge. The Gorge, 30 kilometres from the town of Katherine, within the Nitmiluk National Park, is actually 13 separate gorges connected over a stretch of 12 kilometres by rapids and rocky terrain. This is an adventure playground for visitors who canoe, camp, bushwalk, and helicopter their way around the Park. Further downstream, extended canoe trips with overnight camping in the peaceful bush is the best way to experience the Katherine River - a serene water way that supports a rich eco-system of native animals and birds. Bushwalkers are well catered for in Katherine with over 100 kilometres of walking trails in the Nitmiluk National Park alone, ranging from half to five-day treks. One of the most famous is the Jatbula Trail - a challenging four to six-day, 58-kilometre bushwalk from Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls that takes in diverse scenery, plunging waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art.The region's other big rivers provide opportunities for serious fishing adventure. The Daly, Roper, Victoria and McArthur Rivers are prime barramundi haunts, and anglers can bring their own boat, hire one or join a guided safari to add landing a big barra to their list of conquests. http://wikitravel.org/en/Katherine