NTRail & telegraph
Katherine
A crossing town that moved with its railway.
1926Present town site gazetted
WHAT STARTED IT
Katherine first developed around Knott’s Crossing, with the Overland Telegraph, a post office, hotel and police presence. Completion of the railway bridge prompted a new town on the river’s south-eastern side in 1926.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The move was expected to reduce exposure to flooding, but the river continued to shape town life. The devastating Australia Day flood of 1998 forced widespread evacuation and badly damaged businesses.
TURNING POINTS
1926The railway bridge and new town site reshape Katherine.
1998A major flood devastates the town.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A service hub where the Stuart and Victoria highways meet, supporting a large surrounding region. Defence, transport and tourism add to its role as a northern crossroads.