Katherine,
a modern inland town of ten thousand people, is situated
on the Stuart Highway 310 kilometres south of Darwin on
the banks of the beautiful Katherine River.
Katherine is a road transport hub and also has daily air
services to Darwin and Alice Springs with connections to
national and international destinations. Daily coach services,
including to interstate destinations, are available.
Self-drive
campervan and motor home rentals are available in Darwin
and Alice Springs. Several car rental companies and driver-provided
hire cars and tour operators are available in Katherine.
In keeping
with its role as a major regional and tourist centre hotels,
motels, budget cabin accommodation, caravan parks and camping
areas are available in Katherine, and also smaller towns
in the region. Australian,
steakhouse, Chinese and Thai cafes and restaurants offer
a range of dining options. A
three screen cinema with coffee shop/cafe operates daily
and other local cultural events are frequently programmed.
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CLIMATE
AND SEASONS - A KEY TO MANY BIRD SPECIES
The
region has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons
- the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’.The ‘wet’
commences in October with the onset of early rains and ends
in April. Most of the 1048mm (41") annual rainfall
occurs in January, February and March.
The early
wet season months of October, November and December are
accompanied by high temperatures and high humidity, with
day temperatures generally 360C to 390C,
and up to 300C overnight. The remainder of the
'wet' is typically hot and humid however temperatures are
generally a few degrees lower.Tropical storms accompanied
by spectacular displays of lightning provide a respite from
the high temperatures. The countryside is vibrant with the
vigorous growth generated by high temperatures and rainfall.
April to September, the ‘dry’, brings lower temperatures
and humidity with pleasant, rain free days. Overnight temperatures
may fall to 60C and rise to 270C to
300C during the day.The movement and behaviour
of a number of species is closely linked to the seasons.Many
migratory and transient species arrive at the onset of the
rain, some staying for the duration of the ‘wet’,
others continuing on to destinations in southern Australia.
In the ‘dry’, the relative scarcity of water attracts
many species to isolated water holes which are excellent
venues for good bird watching.
Seasonal
conditions are major keys to bird behaviour and should be
taken into account when planning a visit to the area, especially
if particular species are on your list of birds to see.
As for
the tropical climate, don’t be deterred. Air-conditioned
accommodation and vehicles, modern facilities and high predictability
of being able to see the birds you want will ensure a comfortable,
enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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NATURAL
ATTRACTIONS
The Katherine Gorge National
Park, 32 kilometres from Katherine covers 3,000 square kilometres
of sandstone escarpment country straddling the pristine
Katherine River.Over 150 kilometres of walking tracks, canoe
hire services, guided boat tours and helicopter flights
provide a variety of means for visitors to see and enjoy
the natural features of the Park and its varied bird life.
Mataranka, a small town 102 kilometres south of Katherine
is the gateway to the Elsey National Park on the Roper River,
a major spring fed watercourse with dense fringing vegetation,
interesting natural features and prolific bird life. West
of Katherine lies the Victoria River and the township of
Timber Creek. The 8,000 square kilometre Gregory National
Park holds a wealth of Aboriginal and historical sites and
is an ideal venue for nature studies. The Victoria River
district has a lower rainfall than Katherine and as a consequence
offers many arid zone bird species as well as those of the
tropics. To the north lies the World Heritage listed 20,000
square kilometre Kakadu National Park incorporating wetland,
escarpment, rainforest and woodland habitats supporting
a wide variety of bird life. The Park provides easy access
to a number of impressive Aboriginal art sites and extensive
information is available on the culture and history of local
Aboriginal tribes.
Want a break from bird watching?
- Local fishing and adventure tour guides can get you to
some of the best fishing, scenic and remote places in the
country and a chance to catch one of Australia's best native
game fish - the Barramundi, a strong fighter attracted to
both live and artificial bait, and tastes great! But take
the binoculars – you’ll see many more of the local
bird species from the boat or canoe!
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