While best known as the ‘crossroads of the north’, this remote Northern Territory town is also home to a thriving coffee scene. Discover the top Katherine cafes worth planning a trip around.
Three hours and twenty minutes might seem like a long time to spend on the road for a decent cup of coffee. But trust me when I say, the iced lattes at Maiden’s Lane cafe in Katherine are worth the drive from Darwin (which has many great cafes itself).
Up here in the North, we operate on something called Territory Time. Things move at their own pace depending on the humidity, the river levels and how many buffalo are on the highway.
In the same way we look at time through polarised, rose-coloured glasses, we’re equally optimistic about distance. So, when I heard about the Laksa Turkish Eggs breakfast at Maiden’s Lane, I didn’t hesitate to jump in the car and drive 317-kilometres to try it.
After a few hours on the Stuart Highway, the soft poached eggs and chilli coconut broth welcomed me to Katherine with open arms. The dish is served with a cucumber and garlic labneh, pickled chillis and your choice of roti or sourdough dippers, and it is beautifully paired with an iced latte made with Campos Coffee beans.
While it was the Turkish Eggs that brought me to Katherine for a weekend visit, I soon discovered that the outback town is home to a thriving cafe scene. Let me introduce you to best cafes in Katherine, also known as K-Town…
1. Maiden’s Lane
Step into this brunch and burger joint for sweet and savoury treats.
The Laksa Turkish Eggs are worth the trip. (Credit: Alley Pascoe)
Stop by for excellent coffee.
The aforementioned Maiden’s Lane cafe is an institution in the Big Rivers region. On any given morning, the brunch and burger joint in the industrial area will be packed with tradies, mums and bubs, office workers and tourists from Darwin (like me) or further afield. For something savoury, try the Dirty Bird crispy fried chicken burger or the Avocado Tartine with whipped avo ricotta, pistachio crumb and a hot honey drizzle on sourdough. For a sweet treat, indulge in the French toast with strawberries, cream and maple syrup.
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2. Black Russian Caravan Bar
Enjoy warming toasties at the Black Russian Caravan Bar. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Christopher Nayna)
The toasties are crispy, cheesy and cheerful at the Black Russian Caravan Bar, which is located at the Katherine visitor centre. Expect the classics – smoked ham and cheese, a Rueben, and chicken and leek – and some wonderous wildcards: creamy garlic mushies, smokey beans and cheesy chipotle chicken. The coffee is expertly brewed, with everything from the humble macchiato and mocha to a turmeric latte and a hibiscus and lemon myrtle iced tea on the menu – making it one of the most loved cafes in Katherine.
3. Pop Rocket Cafe
Pop Rocket Cafe is situated by the stunning Katherine Hot Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Lachlan Gardiner)
In the dry season, you’ll find the Pop Rocket Cafe brewing up Blast Coffee in a shipping container by the Katherine Hot Springs on the way into town from the north. Local legend Trent de With, from Rod and Rifle Tackle World, raves about the breakfast bao buns, bursting with “bacon, eggs and a spicy mayo." Make like Trent and have a long black with your brekkie or spice up your life with the Spicy bunny juice, made with apple, orange, carrot, ginger and a hint of chilli (if you’re game).
4. The Finch Cafe
The Finch Cafe offers delicious bites plus refreshing smoothies. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Christopher Nayna)
You can’t miss the Finch Cafe: just look for the massive finch mural on the main street of Katherine. Pull up a seat in the tropical courtyard and savour a sea salt matcha and a homemade lamington. It’s impressive menu items like these and the trendy street art that make Katherine feel closer to downtown Melbourne. The two places may be 3440 kilometres apart, in different time zones and opposite climates, but they both have an impressive cafe scene.
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5. Bhoj Coffee Shop
The newest spot in town, Bhoj Coffee Shop, is just off the main drag, on the grounds of the Katherine Motel, overlooking the pool. Follow those directions to find award-winning blends from Dtown Coffee Roasters. Bhoj Coffee Shop is another jewel in Katherine’s cafe crown, and another reason to visit the Territory town.
6. Banjo Bar + Terrace
The cafe offers outdoor seating. (Credit: Alley Pascoe)
The restaurant at the Contour Hotel serves up a buffet breakfast from 6am to 9am. The alfresco area is surrounded by palm trees, frangipanis and elephant ear plants, making it the ideal oasis to sip on a cappuccino over a leisurely brekkie.
7. The Hungry Goat
Visitors to the Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery can take in the incredible art, while sampling a serving of scones or a spinach and feta pastry, with a latte, affogato or espresso. If you like your culture with a side of coffee, The Hungry Goat is the place to be.
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The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.
Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.
Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.
Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
1. Alice Springs
See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.
Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.
Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.
Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.
2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)
Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.
Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.
Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.
Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.
For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.
4. Tennant Creek
See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.
For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.
Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.
5. Mataranka
Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)
A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.
Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.
6. Nitmiluk National Park
Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)
Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.
Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.
Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.
Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.
8. Darwin
Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.
Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.
