52-872: The Roper River is a large perennial river located in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory of Australia. Formed by the confluence of the Waterhouse River and Roper Creek, the Roper River rises east of Mataranka in the Elsey National Park and flows generally east for over 400 km (250 mi) to meet the sea in Limmen Bight on the Gulf of Carpentaria . The river is joined by fifteen tributaries including
104-467: A 48-hour period, causing the Katherine River to rise to 21.3 metres and claim the lives of three people. The central business district of Katherine is set 350 metres from the banks of the Katherine River. The township services the regional centres of Pine Creek , Mataranka , Borooloola , Daly River and Timber Creek . The RAAF Tindal Base is located 17 km from Katherine and plays
156-857: A courthouse located next door which regularly hears matters before the Northern Territory Magistrates Court within the chambers. In the Australian House of Representatives , Katherine is part of the Division of Lingiari , which includes all of the Territory outside the Darwin/Palmerston area. Lingiari is currently held by Marion Scrymgour . The Australian Senate has two senators from the Northern Territory – Jacinta Price representing
208-471: A dry tropical savanna climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ) with distinct wet and dry seasons . Daily high temperatures in the wet season typically range from 30 to 37 °C (86 to 99 °F), reaching over 40 °C (104 °F) from late September to late November. Very high humidity accompanies high temperatures during the build-up period to the wet season , when the region receives spectacular electrical storms. The wet season monsoon period
260-925: A significant role in the local economy. Tindal Airbase officially opened on 1 October 1988. The Katherine Town Council (municipality) Zone extends from Flora River Junction in the West to Maranboy in the East and from the Fergusson River in the North to the Sturt Plateau in the South. Other shire zones in the Katherine Region are the Victoria Daly and the Roper Gulf shires. Traditional lands of
312-470: Is a dramatic time of year, from large thunderstorms and heavy downpours to the transitions of lush greenery appearing from the parched deciduous landscapes of the dry season. Katherine experiences around 50 thunderstorm days per year, most of which occur from November to April. In the dry, the nights can get quite cool, regularly dropping to 7 °C (45 °F) around June and July. Humidity levels are much lower from June to August and hence this has become
364-624: Is a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is situated on the Katherine River , after which it is named, 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of Darwin . The fourth largest settlement in the Territory, it is known as the place where "The outback meets the tropics". Katherine had an urban population of 5,980 at the 2021 Australia Census . Katherine is also the closest major town to RAAF Base Tindal , located 17 km (11 mi) southeast, and provides education, health, local government services and employment opportunities for
416-529: Is essential for the health of its nationally significant coastal wetlands and seagrass beds of Limmen Bight, that are habitat for turtles and dugongs , as well as the barramundi , prawns and crabs that are fished recreationallyly and commercially. The traditional owners of the Roper River are the Ngalakgan , Alawa , Mangarrayi , Ngandi , Marra , Warndarrang , Nunggubuyu , Ritharrngu-Wagilak and Rembarrnga peoples. The first European to explore
468-445: Is one of five major regions in the Northern Territory , Australia . It is situated just below the tropical Top End . The Katherine region covers an area of 336,674 km (129,991 sq mi), and has a population of 18,646, making it the third-most populous region in the Northern Territory. The main centre in the region is Katherine which is the fourth-largest population centre of the territory . The region area extends from
520-653: Is situated on the banks of the Katherine River , which is part of the Daly River system. The upper reaches rise into the Arnhem Land escarpment and Kakadu , to the northeast. The Victoria River (The Northern Territory's largest river system) is situated 189 kilometres (117 mi) south-west of Katherine along the Victoria Highway. Katherine is at the crossroads of the Outback due to its location between
572-633: Is surrounded by large Boab Trees and Bauhinia near the banks of the Katherine River. The Gallon Licence Store was also featured in the crocodile horror film Rogue . Since the establishment of Nitmiluk National Park , Katherine has developed into a tourism destination. Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park attracts large numbers of visitors each year (232,000 in 2004–05). Katherine town and surrounds provide plenty of park and garden areas. Dakota Park, Giles Park, Styles Park Jurassic Cycad Gardens, Jukes Park and O’Shea Park are in
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#1732769402394624-518: The 2016 census of Population, there were 6,303 people in Katherine. Katherine's population swells immensely during the Dry Season. Each year hundreds of older people (termed " Grey nomads ") from the colder parts of Australia pack caravans and head north to Katherine and other locations throughout the Northern Territory. Katherine is located 320 kilometres (200 mi) south of Darwin, and
676-488: The Australian Army set up two hospitals around Katherine, the 101st Australian General Hospital and 121st Australian General Hospital. The army also set up a Katherine Area Headquarters. On 22 March 1942, Katherine sustained its only air raid during World War II. One man was killed when a Japanese aircraft bombed the town. Mining production has declined since the closure of the mine at Mount Todd (50 kilometres to
728-562: The Australian Overland Telegraph Line on the north–south transport route between Darwin and Adelaide , Katherine has grown with the development of transport and local industries including mining – particularly gold mining ; a strategic military function with RAAF Base Tindal; also as a tourism gateway to the attractions of nearby Nitmiluk National Park , particularly Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and its many ancient rock paintings. The region floods heavily during
780-600: The Country Liberal Party and Malarndirri McCarthy from the Australian Labor Party . Katherine has been a solid base for the centre-right Country Liberal Party. Federal Government services including Centrelink are also accessible through offices in Katherine. The pastoral industry , mining, defence ( RAAF Base Tindal ) and tourism contribute to the economy of Katherine. In 2003–04, the estimated total value of agriculture production from
832-594: The Katherine Region was $ 75M: $ 52M from cattle, $ 16.5M from fruit and vegetables and $ 7M from hay and other field crops. Production from mining in the region was estimated at $ 201M in 2003–04, or 13% of NT mining and energy production. Major commodities included lead, zinc, barites, limestone and gravel. In support of the pastoral and agriculture industries, the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries maintains
884-642: The Katherine Research Station , employing up to 40 staff in laboratories, greenhouses, coolrooms and animal-handling facilities, with open lands for cropping and grazing activities. The facility comprises 1,260 ha (3,100 acres) of land on a site located off the Stuart Highway 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Katherine. The research conducted at the station assists local farmers to align land-management to climate and environment, and to address pests and diseases. Mangoes , including
936-499: The Kensington Pride , are a major primary industry in the territory. In summer, the Katherine region is one of Australia's major mango-producing areas. The Northern Territory in general produces early-season (September–November) mangoes, avoiding the potentially damaging wet season. Cotton is an emerging industry in and around Katherine. Trials of modern, generically-modified cotton such as Bollgard3 have been undertaken at
988-536: The Chambers, Strangways, Jalboi, Hodgson and the Wilton Rivers. The river descends 126 m (413 ft) over its 400 km (250 mi) course and has a catchment area of 81,794 km (31,581 sq mi), which is one of the largest river catchment areas in the Northern Territory. The Roper River is navigable for about 145 kilometres (90 mi), until the tidal limit at Roper Bar , and forms
1040-650: The Darwin region, Kakadu National Park, the Barkley Region, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The topography of the region is predominantly dry tropical savanna woodlands and consists of plains, hills, rock outcrops. To the east lies Koombolgie sandstone escarpments and spectacular gorges through Nitmiluk National Park. The township itself is set among relatively flat plains along
1092-549: The Katherine Region. The seat of local government for the Town of Katherine is located in Katherine. The council consists of five aldermen, a mayor, and a deputy mayor. The town's current mayor is Elisabeth Clark. At Territory level, the electoral division of Katherine covers the town and its suburbs and elects one member to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly . Jo Hersey won
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#17327694023941144-660: The Katherine Research Station. By 2019-20, 800 hectares of cotton was sown in the Territory across six properties in the Katherine and Top End regions, many of which are managed by operators from the Murray Darling regions of New South Wales. While 80% of crops were rain-fed, there are still environmental concerns over industry water usage, with projections that even small-scale irrigation for cotton could still amount to water usage equivalent to almost 70% of current allocations. A $ 70 million cotton gin
1196-586: The Katherine River within the Tindall / Oolloo Aquifers, dotted with rugged Karst limestone formations, caves and jagged outcrops. Numerous mesas (flat-topped hills or "Jump-ups") emerge south-west of Katherine on surrounding cattle stations. Katherine is within an ecoregion classified as the Kimberley tropical savanna which covers a large portion of Australia's north-west through WA and the NT. Katherine experiences
1248-478: The Katherine River, Katherine Hot Springs provides swimming, shaded picnic tables and barbecue facilities set amongst tall paperpark trees and ghost gums, with an abundant array of birds and wildlife. A paved pathway loops around and along the Katherine River and mountain bike trails weave on and off a paved pathway down to the river. A popup cafe and bike hire are situated at the Hot Springs Carpark in
1300-600: The Northern Territory. The region consists of 3 shire zones, Katherine Municipality, The Victoria/Daly and the Roper/Gulf Shires. Ecosystems of the region are diverse, from dry, open savanna woodland to tropical riverine ecosystems. Terrain includes plains and gentle slopes through to rugged sandstone escarpments, buttes, outcrops and flat-topped mesas. The climate of the region is dry tropical savanna with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures can range from occasional overnight cool snaps of 8 degrees Celsius in
1352-513: The Old King River Crossing, Knott's Crossing and Edith River are good fishing spots. The Flora River 90 minutes southwest of town also offers excellent barramundi fishing either by casting from the bank or by small boat. The Flora is inhabited by saltwater crocodiles year-round and swimming is not permitted. Both freshwater crocodiles ( Crocodylus johnstoni ) and saltwater crocodiles ( Crocodylus porosus ) inhabit river systems in
1404-417: The Roper River was Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845 as he made his way from Moreton Bay to Port Essington . Leichhardt crossed the river at Roper Bar , a rocky shelf which conveniently lies at the high tide limit on the river. He named the river after John Roper, a member of the expedition stating: "I found myself on the banks of a large fresh water river from 500 to 800 yards broad, with not very high banks... it
1456-595: The area after the NT Administration offered tracts of land for peanut farming along the Katherine River. Earlier, in 1880, the government botanist Maurice Holtze had investigated the commercial viability of peanuts as a crop and found them viable. This encouraged many men, including those who had just completed work on the North Australian Railway, to take up the land. Many men who took up this land were also Cossacks who had fought against
1508-667: The area include the Wardaman , Jawoyn and Dagoman aboriginal land trusts. The township itself is a convergence zone of these traditional lands. Wardaman country occupies areas to the west of Katherine, from Manbulloo (around Limestone Creek) to eastern parts of the Victoria River District. Jawoyn country occupies areas to the east of Katherine from Lansdowne to the southern edge of Kakadu National Park, including Nitmiluk National Park, Barunga , Beswick and south-western Arnhem Land. Dagoman country occupies areas to
1560-792: The border of Western Australia to the border of Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria . The region borders with the Alice Springs Region and the Barkly Tableland region and to the north the Darwin Region and Arnhem Land . There are 5 major river systems within the Katherine Region, the Katherine, the Flora, the upper Daly, the Roper and the Victoria River. The Katherine Region is the major cattle producer of
1612-450: The continent from north to south. On 4 July 1862, Stuart crossed the Katherine River 90 km upstream from the present town, and recorded in his diary: "Came upon another large creek, having a running stream to the south of west and coming from the north of east. This I have named 'Katherine', in honour of the second daughter of pastoralist James Chambers Esq. " There is some conjecture over Stuart's accuracy. Chambers's wife's name
Roper River - Misplaced Pages Continue
1664-459: The dry season (May to October). Fishing for barramundi , tarpon (ox-eye herring) and sooty grunter , locally known as "Black Bream", are also popular along the Katherine River. The river hosts a diverse variety of fish species. The low level nature reserve and hot springs and Nitmiluk National Park are regularly checked for crocodiles and are regarded reasonably safe for swimming during the dry season months. Popular fishing spots: Donkey Camp,
1716-578: The election in 2020 for the CLP, ousting Labor party member Sandra Nelson. Many Northern Territory Government departments have offices in Katherine with most of these housed in the Government Centre building in First Street, which allows the community to access services such as motor vehicle registration and public health clinics, family and community services and public housing. There is also
1768-462: The families of Defence personnel stationed there. In the 2016 census , the base had a residential population of 857, with only around 20% of the workforce engaged in employment outside of defence, the majority commuting to work in Katherine. Katherine is also the central hub of the great " Savannah Way " which stretches from Cairns in north Queensland to Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Beginning as an outpost established with
1820-432: The middle of the dry season (April to September) to daily highs from 33 °C to 42 °C in the wet season (October to March). The wet season is the time of annual monsoon rains and vigorous electrical storms. The buildup period from October to December is the hottest time of year and can regularly experience temperature over 40 °C, accompanied with high humidity. Katherine, Northern Territory Katherine
1872-508: The most popular time for visitors who wish to explore the region. Most parks and roads are accessible during the dry season, whereas the wet season often causes accessibility restrictions. Low elevation relative to surrounding areas, as well as the town's situation on the banks of a river, means that the area is prone to flooding . A flood on Australia Day in 1998 was particularly destructive. Ex- Tropical Cyclone Les produced between 300 and 400 millimetres (12 and 16 in) of rainfall during
1924-538: The newly formed Communist government in the Russian Civil War ; many had served under Alexander Kolchak . The majority of the group had reached Australia between 1925 and 1928 and in 1929 they were able to commence clearing their land. The industry had mostly collapsed by the beginning of World War II because of erratic rainfall and a problematic supply chain. Some of these migrants were Jim Zimin , Ivan Ivanetz and Nadia Pascoe . During World War II ,
1976-488: The north) in 2000. Construction began on a new rail line in July 2001. On 13 September 2003, the line was finished with a continuous track from Adelaide , South Australia , to Darwin. The Ghan passenger train service commenced on 4 February 2004, running several times a week and stopping on both the northbound and southbound journeys. The river flooded the town in 1931, 1940, 1957, 1998 and 2006. The 1998 floods were
2028-412: The north. Gold was discovered 50 kilometres to the north in 1889 at Mount Todd. The North Australia Railway was extended to Katherine with construction beginning in 1923 of the Katherine railway bridge. During construction of the railway, the town's centre was relocated to the eastern side of the river. The bridge was completed in 1926 and the first train crossed on 21 January 1926. On 15 July 1926,
2080-695: The south of Katherine, from Leach Lagoon, the Upper King River, the Dry River and across to the Warlock Ponds near Mataranka. Springvale Homestead, built in 1879, is the oldest original homestead in the Northern Territory . The homestead was originally managed by Alfred Giles , an ex- Overland Telegraph linesman. The Old Katherine Railway Station is another historic attraction that served Vestey's Meatworks during their operation in Darwin and
2132-409: The southern boundary of the region known as Arnhem Land . Mataranka Hot Springs and the township of Mataranka lie close to the river at its western end. Port Roper lies near its mouth on Limmen Bight. The river has a mean annual outflow of 5.54 km/a (176 m/s). It is one of only few major rivers in the Northern Territory that flows all year round sustained by groundwater. Annual flooding
Roper River - Misplaced Pages Continue
2184-411: The town centre was underwater before noon the next day. The floodwaters reached a peak of nearly 19 metres at the Katherine River bridge. Dozens of homes were inundated with up to 2 m of water, with many residents having time to escape with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Over the weekend of 8–9 April, more than 1,100 people went to the evacuation centres in the town. The state of emergency
2236-681: The town's present site was gazetted. The original post office and the Overland Telegraph station were set just above Knott's Crossing and next to the Sportsman's Arms Hotel that had quarters for the station master at the Overland Telegraph station and a single room police station. A highly influential period in Katherines past was the arrival of a number of Russian migrants between 1929 and 1960. These migrants came to
2288-481: The town, and the area was declared a national disaster. The flood resulted from the 300–400 mm of rainwater brought by Cyclone Les that caused the already full Katherine River to peak at 20.4 metres. The floodwaters inundated the town and much of the surrounding region, requiring the evacuation of many residents. The flood covered an area of 1000 square kilometres, affected 1100 homes and cut off many roads in and out of Katherine. Three people drowned. According to
2340-399: The town. Tourist attractions include Nitmiluk National Park and Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park , Kintore Caves Nature Park with its populations of endangered cycads , Low Level Nature Park, Springvale Homestead and Katherine Hot Springs. Other significant parks of the region include Elsey National Park , Gregory National Park and Giwining/Flora River Nature Park. Along Riverbank Drive on
2392-559: The wet season. The first inhabitants of the area were Indigenous Australians , specifically the Dagoman people. It was an important meeting place for these tribes and remains a place of convergence. Today the Walpiri people from the Victoria River District and Tanami Desert areas now have a dedicated community based at Katherine East. Explorer John McDouall Stuart passed through the area in 1862 on his successful third journey across
2444-416: The worst on record. The river reached a height of 20.4 metres. The April 2006 floods placed parts of the town under water (including about 50 houses), caused millions of dollars of damage, and resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency on 7 April. However, there were no reports of the flooding causing structural damage. Town residents were given warning that the river might flood on 5 April, and
2496-481: Was Katherine but, according to most sources, his daughter's name was Catherine. Katherine Telegraph Station was established on 22 August 1872 and the completion of the Overland Telegraph Line later in 1872, and the town began with a small permanent population on the west side of the Katherine River. Katherine benefited from the proximity to nearby gold fields including Pine Creek 90 kilometres to
2548-609: Was a major hub of transport during World War II . Another historic site is the O’Keeffe Residence. Originally built as a recreation hut in 1943 for army officers during World War II , the structure serves as a good example of local construction practice, using local materials like Cypress pine and corrugated iron. The Gallon Licence Store is another historical gem of the Old Katherine Settlement, built by Bernard Murphy in 1891. Located near Knotts Crossing, it
2600-642: Was established by the Church of England Missionary Society in 1908. After it was closed in 1968, the government took over management of the community. In 1988, control of the town was handed to the Yugul Mangi Community Government Council, and the township was renamed Ngukurr. This article about a river in the Northern Territory , Australia is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Katherine Region The Katherine Region , known as "Big River Country",
2652-523: Was lifted on 9 April. In recent decades, Katherine has developed as a regional centre supporting the cattle, horticulture, agriculture and tourism industries. Located at the junction of major tourism drives, Central Arnhem Road , the Savannah Way and the Explorers Way, Katherine is an important visitor gateway for the Northern Territory. On Australia Day in 1998 a major flood devastated
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#17327694023942704-577: Was the river Mr Roper has seen two days before, and I named it after him, as I had promised to do." The largest tributaries of the Roper River: tributary tributary (km) size (km) discharge (m/s) Roper River (400 km (250 mi) with Waterhouse River (199 km (124 mi) is 599 km (372 mi) long; Roper River with the Roper Creek (110 km (68 mi) is 510 km (320 mi) long; The Roper River Mission
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