The renowned musicians were originally slated for a lunchtime performance at GYRAC on their way up to the Darwin Festival.

Upon realising the two events were clashing, GYRAC offered the performance to the Katherine Town Council instead.

The giant turtle-shaped play structure now in the park was also given an official name - Myrtle the Turtle.

Mayor Fay Miller said it was a relief to be able to officially open the area after a long road to completion.

"I'm very pleased to finally see it finished at long last," she said.

Work at the hot springs began in 2016 and ran well over budget, the final costs are still not yet known. It was originally expected to cost $2 million, paid for by the NT Government, but is believed to have cost twice that much.

The council took $1.5 million from the CBD upgrade budget to finish the project.

"As the trees grow further and provide some extra shade it'll only keep getting nicer down here," Mayor Miller said.

"You can see the adults enjoying their coffee at the Pop Rocket and the kids enjoying the turtle.

"This project has given us plenty of headaches on the way but it's great to have it done," Mayor Miller said.

The orchestra played in the shade of the trees as a group of about 40 patrons mingled and enjoyed complimentary snacks.

Katherine resident Roelie Hartwig said more music should be played at the hot springs.

"It's lovely having the music down here, and I just think why not try keep doing it," she said.

"The Katherine Town Council CEO told me they would approve it if somebody wanted to do some small performances here on a Sunday or something.

"Maybe they could busk, or some young performers could use the opportunity to practice performing in a non-intimidating setting."

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