Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park - NT

Katherine Gorge, is a deep gorge carved through sandstone by the Katherine River. Distinctive dissected sandstone country features above the gorge, lush rainforest gullies inhabit giant cracks in the gorge walls, and broad valleys meander through both the high and the low country. This diverse and spectacular landscape is also a cultural landscape, where Jawoyn people live and work, continuing and sharing their culture.

The Park’s main entrance is located 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine via a sealed road. The most comfortable months to visit are from May to September. Wet season flooding between December and April may restrict the range of activities available and sometimes close the road to the Park.

Tour operators run a variety of tours in the Gorge system. Tours depart from the boat ramp and can be booked at the Nitmiluk Centre or on 1300 146 743.

Canoeing - Canoes can be hired at the Gorge; private canoes can be used in the Gorge. The upper gorges are accessible to canoes, by carrying them over the rocks separating gorges.

Boats or canoes not for you? Then: A helicopter ride is an excellent way to see the gorge system. Flights provide magnificent views of the Arnhem Land Plateau and the Gorge system. Bookings through the Nitmiluk Centre.

Walking – Numerous walking tracks offer a variety of experiences from riverbank strolls to spectacular overnight walks. Jawoyn art can be seen along the base of the sandstone escarpment in the Gorge system. More detailed information about the Southern Walks and the Jatbula Trail is available in the Nitmiluk Centre, or from Park information sheets (downloadable PDF), on the website:http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/nitmiluk.html

Camping - There are powered sites at the Gorge or unpowered, sites at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Camp-site bookings are required for overnight canoeing and camping as numbers are restricted. Fishing is also a popular pastime for many visitors to the Gorge.

Facilities at the Gorge include: a grassed picnic area with gas barbecues, tables and toilets; a fully serviced camp ground with powered sites; the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre with interpretive displays, cafe, souvenir shop and tour booking desk; tour launch and canoe hire adjacent to the boat ramp; and a swimming area.

Leliyn (Edith Falls) is also part of the Nitmiluk National Park:
The large pool at the base of the falls and shady picnic area make Leliyn a favoured stop for visitors travelling northwards. Leliyn is accessed by driving 40 kilometres north from Katherine and then following the sealed access road for 20 kilometres. Park facilities at Leliyn (Edith Falls) include: a fully serviced camp ground (no power) with toilet and shower facilities; a picnic ground with gas barbecue and tables. Refer to the Nitmiluk National Park Leliyn (downloadable PDF) Fact Sheet for further information. Nitmiluk National Park PDF