The Katherine Museum is a proud supporter of education, offering school groups and other educational institutions the opportunity to immerse students in the rich local history of Katherine and the surrounding Northern Territory. We strongly believe in the power of history to foster understanding and pride, and we invite young learners to engage with our past in a way that is both informative and uniquely tailored to our community.

With a vast collection that spans the diverse history of our region, we present this heritage through exhibits that reflect the distinctive character and heritage of Katherine. The importance of educating our youth cannot be overstated, especially considering the profound changes that have taken place in the last 50 years. By exploring how life has evolved, students gain valuable insights into the lives of those who shaped the town, as well as the standards of living that have transformed the community into what we know today.

At the close of each educational tour, we gather the students on the front lawn to encourage reflection. This is an opportunity for them to share their thoughts on the experience, ask questions about the exhibits and the museum itself, and deepen their understanding of the history they've just explored.

We are committed to nurturing the next generation’s appreciation for their history, while also connecting them to the present and future of our town.

Museum Quiz – Get Ready to Play!

Before the guided tour begins, we kick things off with a fun quiz game! Our museum staff will provide clues and hints, and after the tour, when the students are gathered on the lawn, we’ll see who can answer the quiz questions. A small prize awaits the best quiz master!

School Visits – Bookings Essential!

To ensure a smooth visit, bookings are essential, especially during our busy season from April to October.

 Phone: 08 8972 3945
 Fax: 08 8972 3946
 Email: info@katherinemuseum.com.au

 Planning Your Visit

• There is an admission fee for educational tours.
• We ask that the teacher in charge brings extra staff members or parents to assist with supervision.
• Teachers and assisting parents attend for free!

 Opening Hours

Wet Season (November to April): We are closed—please check our Facebook for updates.
Dry Season (May to October): We are open 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, unless otherwise noted on our Facebook page (sometimes we book out for private functions).

The wet season runs from November to April, and the dry season runs from May to October in the Northern Territory, including Darwin, Katherine, and Arnhem Land.

We look forward to welcoming your group to the Katherine Museum!

Tips for a visit

Is there food at the Museum?

Important Update – Tea Rooms Closed

Our tea rooms are currently closed, but don’t worry—you’re more than welcome to bring in outside catering! We just ask that you respect the space and clean up after yourselves so everyone can enjoy a tidy and welcoming environment. Thanks for your understanding, and enjoy your visit!

Should students bring bags to the Museum?

Museum Visit – No Bags, No Worries!

Great news! Students don’t need to bring bags to the museum—there’s a special spot for refreshments, so no need to lug around extra stuff. Plus, it saves teachers from turning into bag carriers for the day!

If students do bring a small bag for morning tea or lunch, no problem! We’ll have a cool, shady spot under a tree at the front where they can leave them safely.

Let’s keep it light, easy, and all about the fun!

How much time should we spend at the Museum?

• Kids under 10: We recommend 1 hour for the best experience.
• Kids 11 and over: A bit more time—1 hour 20 minutes—so they can also watch the 1998 flood video.

Do We Have a Shop? Absolutely!
Our museum gift shop is stocked with awesome souvenirs, a great selection of historical books, and refreshing soft drinks & water to keep you cool.

Can Students take photos?

Say Cheese! Photos Allowed!

Yes! Students are more than welcome to take photos during their visit. Snap away and capture your favorite museum moments—but don’t forget to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors!

We’d love to see your best shots—tag us on Instagram @katherinemuseum and use #katherinemuseum to share your experience!

Preparing Your Group for a Museum Visit

Before your visit, help students get the most out of their experience by preparing them in the classroom:

✅ Discuss Museum Etiquette – Talk about how students should behave in a museum, including using quiet voices, walking carefully, and respecting the exhibits.

✅ What is a Museum? – Ask students what they think a museum is and explain that it’s a special place where history is preserved.

✅ Why Can’t We Touch? – Explain that many objects are very old and fragile. The natural oils and acids on our hands can cause corrosion and deterioration, which is why we look with our eyes, not our hands.

By setting expectations beforehand, students will have a more meaningful and enjoyable museum experience!

 Tips for Teachers – Making the Most of Your Museum Visit!

✅ Be respectful – Remind students to keep voices low so other visitors can enjoy their experience.
✅ Walk, don’t run – Many historical objects are fragile, and we want to keep both the displays and students safe!
✅ Hands behind backs – In smaller, confined display areas, ask students to keep their hands behind their backs to avoid accidental contact.
✅ No food or drinks – To protect the exhibits, all food and drinks must stay outside display areas.
✅ Look, don’t touch – Many objects are delicate and can deteriorate over time if handled.
✅ Group rotation – The museum’s main building is small, so students will be split into two groups—one inside and one outside—then they’ll swap.
✅ Ask questions! – Our staff love sharing knowledge, so encourage students to be curious and ask away!

Thanks for helping us create a great museum experience for everyone!