The Big Rivers region, a captivating area of awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient Aboriginal culture, and breathtaking cliffs, offers aspiring rural generalists a unique and enriching experience. Nestled between the Western Australia border and the Gulf of Carpentaria, this region, with a population of over 20,000, is home to the town of Katherine and is steeped in the traditions of the Dagoman, Jawoyn, and Wardaman people.
Stretching from the picturesque Katherine River to the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Big Rivers region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents engage in nature-based activities like camping, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, and swimming, taking full advantage of the stunning natural landscapes that define one of the largest regions in the Territory.
The town of Katherine, with approximately 11,000 residents, serves as the gateway to tourist attractions and regional centres like Pine Creek, Mataranka, Borroloola, Daly River, and Timber Creek. With abundant wildlife, tall ghost gums, and attractions such as Nitmiluk National Park and Mataranka Hot Springs, Katherine and the Big Rivers region offer a unique and breathtaking environment.
The Big Rivers region offers aspiring rural generalists a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling and enriching experience in the heart of the Northern Territory.
Download Regional Guide
The following guide contain even more information around what its like to live and work in each region, with additional information about shopping, dining, attractions, Aboriginal language groups and more.
You can travel to Katherine by:
Health services
Katherine Hospital, a 40-bed non-specialist public hospital, provides emergency, medical, surgical, paediatric, and maternity services. The hospital plays a crucial role in offering a range of health services, including specialist outreach, tele-health, and integrated community and hospital services. Private practices like Katherine Family Medical Practice and Bauhinia Health, along with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, contribute to comprehensive healthcare in the region. Rural Generalists support both the acute and primary health care provided to the population of the Big Rivers region.
Housing, Employment and Education
Big Rivers offers employment opportunities in mining, agriculture, defence, forestry, fisheries, construction, tourism, health, education, and administration. Housing options include family housing and unit accommodation, providing easy access to amenities like shopping centres, cinemas, hotels, and cafes. Working in the health industry may provide some residential accommodation opportunities through the hospital depending on your needs.
Katherine features public primary schools with attached preschools, two high schools (public and private), and a distance education school, Katherine School of the Air, serving remote or isolated areas. Kintore Street Special School caters to children with additional needs.
Weather
The region experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, with low humidity and cool nights, is ideal for outdoor activities from around April/May. The wet season, from October to March, brings higher humidity, refreshing monsoonal rains, and storms, revitalising the tropical landscape.
The Big Rivers region offers aspiring rural generalists a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling and enriching experience in the heart of the Northern Territory.
