Katherineis a town inNorthern Territory, Australia. It is situated on theKatherine River(after which it is named) below the "Top End", 320 kilometres (200mi) southeast ofDarwin. It is the fourth largest settlement in the Territory.Katherine is also the closest major town toRAAF Base Tindallocated 17km southeast and provides education, health, local government services and employment opportunities for the families of Defence personnel stationed there.
Beginning as an outpost established with theAustralian Overland Telegraph Lineon the North-South transport route between Darwin andAdelaide, Katherine has grown with the development of transport and local industries including mining – particularlygold mining; a strategic military function with RAAF Base Tindal; also as a tourism gateway to the attractions of nearbyNitmiluk National Park, particularlyKatherine Gorgeand its many ancient rock paintings.