Springvale Homestead, built in 1879, is the oldest original homestead in the Northern Territory. The town of Katherine began as an outpost established with the Australian Overland Telegraph Line on the North-South transport route between Darwin and Adelaide.

The homestead was built in 1878 by Alfred Giles, an ex-Overland Telegraph linesman, who brought sheep and cattle up from Adelaide to stock the station, which he managed. The homestead displays many photographs and information on the early history of the property.

Today you can 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, try your hand at river fishing, or contemplate rural life on the homestead during the nineteenth century.

The area around the homestead is home to abundant birdlife and animals such as wallabies. A feature are the amazing Indian rain trees that Mary Giles planted in 1879 - one for each of their children. The homestead is 7km out of Katherine on Shadforth Road on the banks of the Katherine River.