O’Keeffe House was intended as a recreation hut, built by the army in World War II, but became the Officer’s mess. It was a simple structure with the walls and ceilings made from bark, cypress pine and flywire and the roof from corrugated iron. The floor was local aggregate and concrete. When the war ended the shortage of housing was immense and most people in Katherine scraped together homes from whatever materials were left behind by the army. It is one of the few structures from the war to have survived in the Katherine region.
In 1963, Johnno and Olive O’Keeffe purchased what would become known as O’Keeffe House. Johnno turned out to be an excellent handyman, making furniture from all sorts of scrap and territory timbers. Olive loved hergarden, so between them they made their own little paradise between the trees on the banks of the Katherine River.
The Katherine Branch runs a number of family events at O’Keefe house throughout the year including displays for the local Katherine Show and their Christmas Lights displays!
The Precinct also sells a selection of plants and has Morning teas on Saturday.
*** Check Facebook Page for latest opening times. ***
THE LATEST NEWS
In 2026, Katherine turns 100, and there are many activities organised by Katherine Town Council, community groups, including the National Trust, and businesses, clubs and volunteers.
The signature celebration will be on Territory Day and Gazettal Day, marking 100 years since Katherine was officially proclaimed a town on 1 July 1926.
The events are from June to August. See the program here.
A part of the celebrations will be at the Railway Fair, organised by the National Trust at Railway Terrace, 4 th July 2 -7 pm. This includes lighting of the train. More details top be posted here.
