Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park lies about 30 km north-east of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Its centrepiece is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a series of 13 gorges carved by the Katherine River through ancient sandstone. The park was handed back to the Jawoyn people in 1989 and is jointly managed by the Jawoyn and Northern Territory Parks. The name Nitmiluk refers to the cicada dreaming.

Highlights

• Gorge cruises. Jawoyn-owned Nitmiluk Tours runs cruises through the first gorges, with stops to walk between gorges and see rock art. Sunrise and sunset cruises are also available.
• Canoeing. Hire canoes for half-day, full-day or overnight trips. Paddling the gorges gives you peace, birdlife and swimming spots. Overnight trips need a permit.
• Walking. Short walks lead to lookouts such as Baruwei, with views over the gorge. Longer walks lead to Butterfly Gorge, Smitt's Rock and beyond.
• Leliyn (Edith Falls). In the north of the park, off the Stuart Highway, Leliyn has a large plunge pool, waterfalls and walks to upper pools. There is a campground.
• The Jatbula Trail. A 62 km, multi-day walk from the gorge to Leliyn, following Jawoyn songlines and passing waterfalls and rock art.
• Scenic flights. Helicopter flights over the gorges.

Jawoyn culture

The Jawoyn people have cared for this country for many thousands of years. Rock art sites in the park record their history and stories. The visitor centre has displays on Jawoyn culture, and some tours are guided by Jawoyn people. Read our Aboriginal-led experiences guide.

Camping and accommodation

Nitmiluk Gorge has a campground and cabins, and there is also a luxury lodge in the park. Leliyn has a campground. Book ahead in the dry season.

Getting there

The gorge is about 30 km from Katherine on a sealed road. Leliyn is about 60 km north of Katherine, then about 20 km east of the Stuart Highway on a sealed road. Katherine is a stop on the Adelaide to Darwin drive and the Savannah Way.

Seasons

The dry season (May to September) is the best time, with warm days, cool nights and full access. In the wet season, the river can flood dramatically, closing the gorge to boats and swimming. Waterfalls are at their best in the early dry season.

Crocodile safety

Freshwater crocodiles live in the gorge, and saltwater crocodiles can enter in the wet season. Parks staff survey and manage crocodiles before opening swimming areas in the dry season. Only swim in designated areas and obey all signs. Read our crocodile safety guide.

Suggested two days

Day one. Take a morning cruise, then walk to Baruwei Lookout in the afternoon.

Day two. Hire a canoe for the day, then drive to Leliyn for a swim and camp overnight.

Tips

• Book cruises and canoes early in peak season.
• Carry water and sun protection; heat and glare off the water can be intense.
• Start walks early to avoid the midday heat.

Landscape and wildlife

The Katherine River has cut its gorges along cracks in the Arnhem Land plateau sandstone, creating sheer walls, rapids and sandy beaches. The surrounding country is tropical woodland, with monsoon forest pockets in sheltered spots. Wildlife includes rock wallabies, wallaroos, flying foxes and a great variety of birds, from rainbow bee-eaters to white-bellied sea-eagles. Freshwater crocodiles are often seen basking on rocks. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals.

Planning a canoe trip

If you are hiring a canoe, plan for portages around rock bars between gorges, where you will need to carry or drag the canoe. Start early, carry plenty of water in a dry bag, wear a hat and sun protection, and keep valuables in waterproof containers. Overnight trips require permits and camping at designated sites. Never canoe beyond the areas allowed by your permit, and be prepared for rapid changes in weather.

What to bring

Sun protection, water, swimwear, insect repellent and sturdy shoes are essential. Phone coverage is limited away from the visitor centre.

Fees and permits

Cruises, canoe hire and accommodation are booked through Nitmiluk Tours. Overnight canoe trips and the Jatbula Trail require permits through Northern Territory Parks. Interstate and international visitors need an NT Parks Pass to visit many Territory parks; check current requirements before you travel.

Katherine Hot Springs

In the town of Katherine, a short drive from the park, the Katherine Hot Springs are a series of warm, spring-fed pools along the Katherine River, managed for public use. They are a relaxing stop after a day of walking or paddling. Check current access, as the springs can close after floods.

Cutta Cutta Caves

South of Katherine on the Stuart Highway, Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park protects limestone caves that can be visited on guided tours run at set times in the dry season. The caves are home to bats, and tours may be suspended for safety or wildlife reasons; check with NT Parks before visiting.

Drones and photography

The gorge is spectacular at sunrise from Baruwei Lookout or from the water. Drone use in NT parks requires a permit, and the gorge's cultural significance to the Jawoyn people should be respected. Commercial filming also needs approval.

Wet-season visits

In the wet season, the gorge can become a fast-flowing torrent and cruises and canoe hire may be suspended or limited. Scenic flights are a good way to see the gorge and waterfalls at their most dramatic.

Related guides

• Katherine
• Mataranka
• Savannah Way
• Crocodile safety
• Outback national parks

Nearby Top End parks: Kakadu and Litchfield.