Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, carved by the Katherine River through ancient sandstone, is a landscape of dramatic gorges, plunging waterfalls, and deep plunge pools. This is the heart of Jawoyn Country, where the earth's raw beauty meets 40,000 years of Indigenous heritage. The park's centrepiece, the 13 gorges of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), offers a spectacular wilderness experience just a 30-minute drive from Katherine town. Whether you paddle, cruise, or hike, the scale and serenity of this place will leave you awestruck.

Highlights & What to See

• Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise – The quintessential experience: a guided boat tour that glides through the towering cliffs of the first three gorges, with expert commentary on geology and Jawoyn Dreaming stories.
• Paddle the Gorge – Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the lower gorges at your own pace; you can paddle to hidden beaches and camp overnight on designated sites.
• Baruwei Lookout Walk – A short, steep 20-minute climb rewards you with panoramic views over the gorge system, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls) – A series of cascading waterfalls and natural swimming holes in the park's northern section; the plunge pool at the base is perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Jatbula Trail – A 5-day, 62-kilometre one-way trek from Nitmiluk to Leliyn, passing through monsoon forests, rocky escarpments, and ancient rock art sites (book well in advance).
• Jawoyn Rock Art & Culture – Join a guided tour to view ochre paintings and learn about the spiritual significance of the land to the Jawoyn people.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least a full day to experience the main gorge cruise and a short walk. For a deeper immersion, plan two to three days: day one for a cruise and the Baruwei Lookout, day two for canoeing or a hike to a hidden swimming hole, and a third day to explore Leliyn (Edith Falls) or tackle a section of the Jatbula Trail. Overnight camping in the park or staying in Katherine town gives you a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine Town – The gateway to Nitmiluk, with supplies, accommodation, and the Katherine Museum.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park – Limestone caves with guided tours, just 30 km south of Katherine.
• Katherine Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools along the Katherine River, perfect for a relaxing soak after hiking.
• Elsey National Park – Home to the famous Mataranka Thermal Pools and the historic Elsey Homestead, about 100 km south.
• Mindil Beach – In Darwin, this markets-and-sunset beach is a great stop if you're heading north after your gorge adventure.

Please check official sources for current details.