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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Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.
Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.
Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.
1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole
Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)
2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole
Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole, open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.
Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Tour the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!
Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).
Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)
4. Dine in Darwin
Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.
Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.
Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Up close with Uluṟu
The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.
There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.
Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)
6. Drive the Red Centre Way
From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.
Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.
Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)
7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa
Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa. This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).
Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.
Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)
8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen.
Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)
