Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, carved by the ancient Katherine River, is a stunning landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, plunging gorges, and pristine waterways. Just 30 kilometres from Katherine, this park offers some of the Northern Territory's most dramatic scenery, with a rich Aboriginal heritage—the Jawoyn people are the Traditional Custodians. Whether you explore by canoe, on foot, or from a scenic flight, the sheer scale and serenity of the gorges will leave you awestruck.

Highlights & What to See

• Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge): The park's centrepiece, a series of 13 deep gorges carved through ancient sandstone. A boat cruise or canoe trip through the first three gorges is unforgettable, with sheer cliffs rising up to 70 metres. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles sunning on the rocks.
• Scenic Flights: For a breathtaking perspective, take a helicopter or light-plane flight over the gorge system. The aerial view reveals the full scale of the landscape, including hidden waterfalls and the vast Arnhem Land escarpment.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls): A stunning waterfall and swimming hole at the northern end of the park. The plunge pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a short walk, and the surrounding pandanus palms create a tropical vibe.
• Walking Trails: From the easy 2.6 km Leliyn Trail to the challenging 66 km Jatbula Trail (a five-day trek to Edith Falls), there are options for all fitness levels. The Butterfly Gorge Walk is a short, rewarding detour.
• Aboriginal Rock Art: Discover ancient Jawoyn rock art at several sites, including near the main car park and along the Jatbula Trail. These paintings depict ancestral beings and provide insight into the region's deep cultural history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the main gorge area and one or two short walks, which is enough to take a boat cruise, swim at Edith Falls, and do a short hike. With two days, you can add a scenic flight, a longer walk like the Jatbula Trail section, or a canoe trip deeper into the gorge system. If you're a keen hiker or photographer, three days allows you to explore more remote gorges and enjoy the park at a relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine: The nearest town and a great base for supplies, accommodation, and dining. Visit the Katherine Museum and the famous Katherine Hot Springs for a soak.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Just south of Katherine, these limestone caves offer guided tours through ancient caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites, home to rare orange horseshoe bats.
• Elsey National Park: About 100 km south, this park features the iconic Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs, where you can float in warm, crystal-clear water surrounded by palm forest.
• Arnhem Land: For those with a permit and a sense of adventure, the vast Aboriginal-owned escarpment country east of the park offers remote wilderness and rich Indigenous culture.

Please check official sources for current details.