Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, carved by the ancient Katherine River, is a dramatic landscape of towering sandstone gorges, plunge pools, and monsoon vine forests. This is a place where the raw power of nature meets deep Indigenous heritage—the Jawoyn people have called this country home for tens of thousands of years. Whether you paddle through the chasms, hike to dramatic lookouts, or cruise the waterways, the sheer scale and quiet majesty of Nitmiluk will leave you awestruck.

Highlights & What to See

• Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge): A series of 13 gorges carved through ancient sandstone. The most accessible are the first three, best explored by canoe, kayak, or guided boat tour. The sheer cliffs and deep, still water create a cathedral-like atmosphere.
• Baruwei Lookout Walk: A short, steep climb (1.2 km return) rewards you with a panoramic view over the gorge system at sunset. The colours on the rock are unforgettable.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls): A stunning cascade and natural swimming hole about 30 km north of the visitor centre. The walk to the upper pools is a refreshing escape on a hot day.
• Jawoyn Rock Art Sites: Guided tours reveal ancient paintings and engravings that tell stories of creation and survival. The Nabilil Dreaming site is particularly significant.
• Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise: A relaxing way to see the gorge’s scale and spot freshwater crocodiles, birds, and rare plants. Sunset cruises are magical.
• Jatbula Trail: For serious hikers, this 62 km, 5-day trek from Nitmiluk to Leliyn (Edith Falls) is one of Australia’s best, passing waterfalls, rock art, and savannah woodlands.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days allows you to experience the gorges properly—one day for a canoe or cruise on the main gorge, a second for swimming at Leliyn and a lookout walk, and a third for a longer hike or cultural tour. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Katherine (30 minutes away) can cover a cruise and a short walk, but you’ll wish you had stayed longer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine: The gateway town with supplies, accommodation, and the Katherine Hot Springs for a post-walk soak.
• Katherine Outback Experience: A working station showcasing horsemanship and station life—great for a half-day.
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Limestone caves with guided tours, just 30 minutes from the park.
• Mataranka Hot Springs and Elsey National Park: Thermal pools and the setting for We of the Never-Never, about 1.5 hours south.
• Keep River National Park: Near the WA border, with striking sandstone formations and fewer crowds, about 3 hours west.

Please check official sources for current details.