Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, centred on the stunning Katherine Gorge, offers a dramatic landscape of ancient sandstone cliffs, sprawling savannah woodlands, and deep, clear waterholes. This is a place where the Jawoyn people's connection to the land is palpable, and where you can paddle, hike, or fly over one of the Top End's most spectacular natural wonders.

Highlights & What to See

• Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge): A series of 13 gorges carved by the Katherine River. Explore by canoe, boat cruise, or scenic flight for a perspective on the sheer scale and beauty.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls): A cascading waterfall and natural swimming hole surrounded by paperbark trees. A short walk leads to the upper pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Jawoyn Rock Art Sites: Visit ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries along the gorge walls, with guided tours offering insight into Dreamtime stories and traditional life.
• Windolf Walk: A 12 km return hike through varied terrain, offering panoramic views of the gorge and escarpment. Watch for wallabies and colourful birdlife.
• Night Sky Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the park is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. Join a guided tour or simply lie back and marvel at the Milky Way.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day to explore the main gorge area, including a boat cruise and a short walk. To truly experience the park's diversity—adding a hike to Edith Falls, a scenic flight, and a Jawoyn cultural tour—plan for two days. If you have a third day, consider venturing into the less-visited southern gorges or taking a longer wilderness hike.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine Town: The gateway hub, with accommodation, supplies, and the Katherine Outback Experience show.
• Katherine Hot Springs: A natural thermal spring on the Katherine River, ideal for a relaxing soak after hiking.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Limestone caves with guided tours, home to rare orange horseshoe bats.
• Nitmiluk National Park (Southern Section): Remote gorges and waterholes like Butterfly Gorge and Seventeen Mile Valley, accessible by 4WD.
• Litchfield National Park: Famous for its waterfalls, termite mounds, and swimming holes, a 3-hour drive west.

Please check official sources for current details.