Katherine & Nitmiluk Gorge

Katherine, the fourth-largest town in the Northern Territory, is the gateway to the magnificent Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge – a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River over millennia. This is a place where ancient Indigenous culture meets dramatic natural beauty, offering world-class canoeing, cruises and bushwalking. The town itself has a laid-back frontier feel, with a growing café scene and a strong connection to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: The centrepiece – explore by canoe, scenic flight or guided boat cruise. Dawn and late afternoon light paint the cliffs in fiery reds and oranges.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls): A stunning series of plunge pools and waterfalls on the northern edge of the park, perfect for a refreshing swim in the dry season.
• Katherine Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools right in town – ideal for a relaxing dip after a day of hiking.
• Jawoyn Rock Art Sites: Guided tours reveal ancient paintings and Dreamtime stories at sites like Nabilil and Biddlecombe Cascades.
• Nitmiluk Gorge Walk: The 12.6 km return walk from the visitor centre to the second gorge lookout offers breathtaking views; shorter options include the 1.4 km Pat’s Lookout.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two full days here: one day for a gorge cruise or canoe hire (half-day to full day) and a second for exploring Edith Falls and the hot springs. If you’re short on time, a full-day tour from Katherine can cover the gorge highlights and Edith Falls, but you’ll miss the peace of an overnight stay. Add a third day for a scenic flight over the gorge or a longer hike into the backcountry.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine Outback Experience: A working station offering horse-riding and stockman shows – a great half-day add-on.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Limestone caves with guided tours, 30 km south of Katherine – a cool escape from the heat.
• Manton Dam Recreation Area: A popular swimming and picnic spot, 18 km north of Katherine.
• Elsey National Park: Famous for the Mataranka Thermal Pools and the historic Daly Waters Pub – about 1.5 hours south.
• Arnhem Land: For the adventurous, remote Aboriginal communities and pristine wilderness are accessible via 4WD tours from Katherine.

Please check official sources for current details.