Katherine Hot Springs is an absolute ripper of a spot if you’re chasing a swim while you’re passing through Katherine. Tucked just a few minutes out of town, it’s this little oasis of crystal-clear, warm-ish water surrounded by tropical greenery - honestly feels like a sneaky slice of paradise, especially after a long, hot drive up the Stuart.

It’s free to visit (love that), open year-round, and the water’s the perfect temp for a proper chill-out sesh. You can float downstream through the pools or just perch on a rock and soak it all in. The walk down is super easy too — all paved with stairs, so it’s cruisy even if you’ve been on your feet for days.

There’s shaded picnic areas, toilets, and even a cute little cafe nearby for a post-swim iced coffee or toastie. It can get a bit busy in peak season, but if you swing by early in the morning or late arvo, it’s usually pretty peaceful.

Sadly, it’s not pet friendly (no pups allowed in the springs themselves), but there’s a grassy area up top if you’ve got someone to watch your furry mate while you take a dip.

Hot tip: pack a snorkel or goggles if you’ve got ’em — the water’s that clear you’ll actually want to stick your head under. One of those low-key NT must-dos that ends up being a highlight!