NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK
Nitmiluk National Park is a majestic landscape where the ancient Katherine River has carved thirteen immense gorges into the Arnhem Land plateau. It is a place of profound Indigenous significance, belonging to the Jawoyn people.
This sacred land showcases the powerful beauty of the Australian Outback. Visitors can explore deep gorges, witness spectacular waterfalls, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Territory.
Most Popular Attractions
The Gorge System & River Activities:
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk): The centerpiece of the park, consisting of thirteen interconnected gorges best explored by boat, canoe, or swimming.
First Gorge: The most accessible gorge, often the starting point for boat tours and canoeing.
Split Rock: A significant rock formation and popular swimming spot within the gorges.
Butterfly Gorge (Leliyn Trail): A secluded gorge known for its clear waters and surrounding monsoon rainforest.
Jatbula Trail: A challenging but rewarding 5-day, 62km trek running from Katherine Gorge to Leliyn/Edith Falls.
Gorge Cruise: Guided boat tours that traverse multiple gorges, offering commentary on the history and geology.
Canoeing/Kayaking: Self-guided exploration of the upper gorges (requires portaging between gorges during the dry season).
Freshwater Crocodiles: Observing the harmless freshwater crocodiles, which are common within the gorge system.
Walks, Lookouts & Land Attractions:
Baruwei Lookout: An essential, accessible walk providing stunning panoramic views of the First Gorge and the surrounding sandstone country.
Southern Escarpment Walk: A longer loop walk from the Gorge entrance, offering elevated views of the Katherine River.
Smitt Rock Walk: A trail leading to a significant Jawoyn rock art site and scenic views.
Windolf Walk: A moderately difficult walk following the river upstream to various lookout points and swimming areas.
Jedda’s Rock: A recognizable rock formation near the Gorge entrance, named after the 1955 film Jedda.
Northern Rockhole: A seasonal waterfall and swimming hole accessible via a northern trail.
Pat’s Lookout: Another vantage point offering excellent photo opportunities of the deep canyons.
Cultural Sites & Visitor Hubs:
Nitmiluk Visitor Centre: The main hub for tours, permits, information, and a cultural display detailing the Jawoyn people’s connection to the land.
Rock Art Sites: Numerous sites throughout the park featuring ancient Jawoyn paintings, depicting creation stories and traditional life.
Leliyn (Edith Falls): Located in the park’s western section, a stunning series of cascades and a large, deep pool perfect for swimming (separate entry).
Sweetwater Pool: A tranquil waterhole at Leliyn (Edith Falls) accessible by a short, steep walk.
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Although technically separate, this park with limestone caves is often visited as a close complement to Nitmiluk, just south of Katherine.
Katherine Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools located in the nearby town of Katherine, often used for relaxation after visiting the gorge.
Cicada Park: A small, picturesque park near the Visitor Centre known for its wildlife spotting.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Katherine Gorge Boat Cruise: Choose from various tours that travel through multiple gorges, often requiring a short walk between them. The most popular tours, like the Nit Nit Dreaming cruise, provide narration on the Jawoyn culture, history, and rock art. (Average cost: $55–$170 per person, depending on duration).
Experience a Sunset Dinner Cruise: Considered a jewel of the Nitmiluk experience, enjoy a spectacular dinner while cruising through the gorges as the sandstone cliffs change color during the golden hour. (Average cost: $130–$200 per person).
Paddle a Canoe in the Gorges: Hire a canoe from the Visitor Centre for a self-guided adventure. This allows you to explore the gorges at your own pace, stop for a swim, and access areas the larger boats cannot reach. (Average cost: $40–$70 for a half-day hire).
Hike the Baruwei Lookout Walk: Take a shorter, moderate 1.8km return trail from the Visitor Centre to the Baruwei Lookout for stunning, panoramic views over the first two gorges and the vast national park.
Trek the Jatbula Trail: For serious hikers, embark on this challenging 5-6 day, 62km one-way trek from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls), following an ancient Aboriginal songline past waterfalls and rock art sites (permit required).
Swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls): Visit the stunning western section of the park to swim in the paperbark and pandanus-fringed natural pool at the base of the falls, or take a challenging 3km return hike to the Upper Pools for another refreshing dip.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight: See the entire 13-gorge system, the Arnhem Land escarpment, and the surrounding wilderness from the air. Some tours offer an exclusive landing and private swim at a remote waterfall. (Average cost: $150–$500+ per person, depending on flight time).
Go Underground at Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Just south of Katherine, join a guided tour to explore this magnificent limestone cave system, learning about its geological formations and the creatures, like ghost bats, that live within. (Average cost: $15–$25 per person).
Visit the Katherine Hot Springs: Located on the banks of the Katherine River, relax and soak in these natural thermal pools, which maintain a consistent warm temperature and are surrounded by lush vegetation.
Immerse in a Jawoyn Cultural Experience: Join a local-led cultural tour like the ‘Footsteps of our Ancestors’ to learn about Jawoyn traditions, try spear throwing with a woomera, and practice traditional skills like basket weaving.
Mountain Bike the Trails: The park offers almost 20km of mountain biking trails near the Visitor Centre and throughout the Southern Walks area, providing an exhilarating way to cover ground and enjoy the rugged scenery.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for Flexibility: Nitmiluk National Park is located 30km (18 miles) northeast of Katherine via a sealed road. A rental car is the most flexible way to visit the Gorge section, Leliyn (Edith Falls) which is 60km (37 miles) north of Katherine, and other regional attractions like the Hot Springs.
Getting to Katherine:
- By Air: Fly into Darwin and then take a shorter 45-minute connecting flight to Katherine Airport (KTR) with regional airlines.
- By Road: Drive the Stuart Highway from Darwin (approx. 3.5 hours, 320km/199 miles). This is the standard self-drive option for a Top End road trip.
- By Train: The luxury train, The Ghan, stops in Katherine and often includes a Nitmiluk Gorge excursion as part of its itinerary.
Transport within the Park: Once at the Gorge entrance, the Visitor Centre, accommodation, and the main boat/canoe launch areas are accessible by foot. Accessing Leliyn (Edith Falls) requires a separate drive.
Tours/Shuttles: If you do not have a car, guided day tours and shuttle bus services are available from Katherine (and sometimes Darwin) to the Nitmiluk Gorge area.
Jawoyn Traditional Owners: The park’s name, Nitmiluk, means “Cicada Place” in the Jawoyn language. The park is jointly managed by the Jawoyn people and the NT Parks and Wildlife. Taking a Jawoyn-guided tour is highly recommended for a deeper cultural understanding.
Wet vs. Dry Season:
- The Dry Season (May–October): This is the peak season. The weather is milder, water levels in the gorges are low and calm, and all activities, including canoeing and all gorges, are usually accessible.
- The Wet Season (November–April): Brings heavy rain and high temperatures. Water levels rise dramatically, and the river can become impassable. Flooding may close some gorges, walks, and swimming holes. Always check with the Visitor Centre or rangers for current access.
Crocodile Safety (Croc-Wise):
- Freshwater Crocodiles (Freshies): These are generally harmless to humans and are commonly seen sunning on the gorge banks during the Dry Season. Swimming is often permitted where signed.
- Saltwater Crocodiles (Salties): These are extremely dangerous. During the Wet Season, they can travel upriver. Never swim in undesignated areas and always obey all crocodile warning signs and ranger instructions.
- NT Parks Pass: Visitors to the Northern Territory are required to purchase an NT Parks Pass for entry into most national parks, including Nitmiluk. Purchase this online before your visit.
Heat and Hydration: The Top End is hot and humid, especially outside of the cooler months (June-August). Always carry ample drinking water (3–4 liters per person for a day hike), wear a hat, and plan longer walks for the early morning.
Hidden Gems:
- Bitter Springs: Located near Mataranka (south of Katherine), this spring is known for its strikingly clear, turquoise water and tranquil setting. Grab a pool noodle and gently float down the small current.
- Top Didj Cultural Experience: A fantastic Indigenous-led experience near Katherine where you can learn about bush tucker, try fire lighting, and learn to paint in the Rarrk style.
- Sweetwater Pool: A lesser-visited, pristine swimming hole that is a 6.8km return detour off the main Leliyn (Edith Falls) trail, offering a quieter natural retreat.