Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Rachel Claire, Pexels
Nitmiluk National Park, also known as Katherine Gorge, offers a striking landscape of thirteen interconnected gorges, cascading waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through activities such as boat cruises, canoeing, extensive hiking trails including the multi-day Jatbula Trail, and refreshing swims in freshwater pools. The park also provides a rich cultural experience, deeply connected to the traditional Jawoyn people, who are its custodians and share their heritage with visitors.
While Nitmiluk National Park does not feature distinct party districts, opportunities for social interaction arise naturally through shared activities and facilities. The Nitmiluk Visitor Centre serves as a central hub with a cafe, and various campgrounds are available for visitors staying overnight. Engaging in guided tours or group activities like hiking and canoeing can facilitate meeting other travelers.
Top 5 Things to do in Nitmiluk National Park
The Nitmiluk National Park offers a range of immersive experiences, from navigating the stunning gorges by water to embarking on challenging hikes that reveal ancient landscapes and secluded swimming holes.
1. Katherine Gorge Boat Cruise
Embarking on a boat cruise through Katherine Gorge provides a serene way to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the sandstone cliffs. Several tours are available, including shorter journeys through the first few gorges and extended sunset dinner cruises, offering unique perspectives as the light changes. These cruises often include informative commentary about the Jawoyn culture and the geology of the area. It is a relaxing activity that allows access to areas not easily reached on foot.
Cost: Costs vary by tour length and type; for example, a sunset dinner tour is considered a premium experience. Exact prices are best confirmed directly with Nitmiluk Tours.
Transport: Cruises depart directly from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre area, which is approximately 30km northeast of Katherine. Taxis from Katherine take around 20 minutes to reach the park.
2. Canoeing through Katherine Gorge
For those seeking a more active and intimate connection with the gorges, self-guided canoeing or kayaking is an excellent choice. This allows for independent exploration, getting closer to the water and wildlife, and finding secluded sandy beaches for a swim. Options range from half-day to full-day and even overnight hires, allowing access to further gorges. It is important to note that manual portage is required between some gorges. This activity is typically available during the dry season when water levels are safe.
Cost: Half-day canoe hire typically starts around $119, with prices ranging from $99 to $304 for half-day to overnight options. A refundable cash deposit or pre-authorisation of $50-$60 per canoe is usually required.
Transport: Canoes are hired from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. Some options include a scenic boat transfer to the first gorge where canoeing begins.
3. Day Hikes to Lookouts and Waterholes
Nitmiluk offers numerous day hiking trails catering to various fitness levels, providing spectacular views and opportunities for refreshing swims in natural waterholes. The **Baruwei Lookout Walk** is an accessible 1.8km return path from the Visitor Centre, offering panoramic views of Katherine Gorge. For a longer option, the **Baruwei Loop Walk** extends this to about 5km. More challenging hikes include sections of the **Southern Walks**, such as the **Windolf Walk** to Pat's Lookout and Jedda's Rock, which offer sweeping gorge views and access to swimming spots like the Southern Rockhole. At the northern end of the park, **Leliyn (Edith Falls)** offers the 2.6km **Leliyn Trail Loop** to upper pools and waterfalls, and a longer 9km return walk to the peaceful **Sweetwater Pool**. Remember to carry ample water, wear appropriate footwear, and check trail conditions.
Cost: A Parks Pass is required for entry to Nitmiluk National Park; NT residents are exempt. Fees for specific walks or access points are generally included in the park pass.
Transport: Most day hikes around Katherine Gorge begin from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. Leliyn (Edith Falls) is located approximately 60km north of Katherine and can be reached by car.
4. Jatbula Trail Multi-Day Trek
For seasoned hikers, the Jatbula Trail is a challenging 62km trek that traverses the Arnhem Land Escarpment from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). This 5-6 day journey offers a deep immersion into the park's wilderness, showcasing magnificent waterfalls, crystal-clear rock pools perfect for swimming, shady monsoon forests, and ancient Jawoyn rock art sites. It provides a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the traditional custodians of the land. Due to its popularity and limited numbers, permits must be booked well in advance.
Cost: Permits for overnight walks cost $3.30 per person per night for camping, paid at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. A ferry transfer to the trailhead at Nitmiluk Gorge costs $25 per person. Guided treks are also available, with prices varying based on the tour operator.
Transport: The trail starts at Nitmiluk Gorge, accessible from Katherine. The ferry transfer takes you to the official trailhead. The trail concludes at Leliyn (Edith Falls), requiring prior arrangement for transport back to Katherine or onward travel.
5. Scenic Helicopter Flight
Experience the breathtaking grandeur of Nitmiluk National Park from above with a scenic helicopter flight. This offers unparalleled aerial views of the intricate network of thirteen gorges, cascading waterfalls, and the vast Arnhem Land escarpment. Flights vary in duration, from shorter tours covering a few gorges to longer journeys that include the entire gorge system and surrounding landscapes. It is a spectacular way to grasp the sheer size and natural artistry of the park.
Cost: Prices for scenic flights start from approximately $119 for an 8-minute flight, increasing up to $649 for a 45-minute comprehensive tour. Optional remote landings on escarpments for unique photo opportunities are available for an additional fee, typically around $59.
Transport: Helicopter flights depart from helipads located within or very near Nitmiluk National Park, often close to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. These are accessible by car or taxi from Katherine.
Check out our other pages on Nitmiluk National Park
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