Nitmiluk National Park National Park

Address: Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Website: https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/nitmiluk-national-park

Admission: Park entry fees vary; boat tours and guided excursions priced separately

Nitmiluk National Park is a protected area in Australia’s Northern Territory centred on the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system. The park is noted for its river-carved gorges and for the Indigenous Jawoyn cultural landscape.

The park contains a chain of 13 gorges carved by the Katherine River; commercial boat cruises, canoeing and scenic flights provide access to the first gorges, while walking trails and lookouts offer viewpoints along the rim. Edith Falls (Leliyn) within the park features pools and cascades that are popular for swimming and short walks.

The land is the traditional country of the Jawoyn people and is managed under arrangements that recognise their cultural connections and involvement in park management. Joint management and cultural tourism are an established part of the park’s operation.

Located in north-central Arnhem Land near the town of Katherine, the park is accessed from Katherine and nearby roads and air services, with main visitor facilities oriented toward the gorge and falls areas.

• Gorges: Comprised of 13 gorges formed by the Katherine River, with tours and paddling most commonly running through the first three to five gorges.
• Best time: Dry season conditions from around May to October offer the most reliable access for boat tours, canoeing and walking when river levels are lower.

What to See#

• Katherine Gorge: A system of 13 separate gorges carved through sandstone by the Katherine River; commercial boat cruises and canoe hire operate primarily in the first few gorges to give access to narrow river sections and cliff scenery.
• Edith Falls (Leliyn): Series of cascades and plunge pools on the Edith River that provide swimming and short walking tracks, located within the park’s northern section.

Nitmiluk is about 30 km northeast of Katherine town. From Darwin, Nitmiluk is a roughly 3.5-4 hour drive along the Stuart Highway. Local tour operators in Katherine run regular boat cruises and guided walks.

• Book a boat tour of Nitmiluk Gorge early in the morning to beat the heat and to see wallaby and birdlife on the riverbanks.
• Bring a hat and sun protection; the Top End sun is intense and shade limited on trails.
• If interested in Jawoyn culture, seek guided tours led by Indigenous rangers who explain rock art and Dreaming stories with appropriate context.