Visit Springvale Homestead, the oldest standing homestead in the Northern Territory. Located 7km out of Katherine and on the banks of the Katherine River, the property is a relaxed parkland that is open to visitors. Take a tour of the original homestead and wander the picturesque grounds, relax by the outdoor swimming pool, hire a canoe to paddle on the Katherine River, or try your hand at river fishing. Sit beneath the Indian rain trees, watch the wallabies that roam freely, and contemplate rural life on the homestead during the nineteenth century. The homestead, which is open to visitors, displays many photographs and information on the early history of the property. The area around the homestead is home to abundant birdlife and animals such as wallabies. The station was established in 1878 and managed by Alfred Giles, the ex Overland Telegraph linesman. Giles brought sheep and cattle up from Adelaide to stock the station and he built the homestead in 1879. The four huge Indian rain trees near the homestead were planted by Giles' wife, Augusta - one for each of their children.
