Nitmiluk National Park is where the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure combine to create an amazing experience. Located near Katherine in the Northern Territory, this magnificent park boasts breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a rich First Nations cultural heritage. It’s also home to the Jawoyn people, who continue to live and work in the area, sharing their culture with visitors and the wider community.
While there are many amazing ways to explore Nitmiluk National Park, we always recommend one of its scenic hikes. In this post, we’ll highlight five must-do hikes in Nitmiluk National Park that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. So, lace up your boots – it’s time to explore one of Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders!
How to Get There
Before we dive into all the exciting things to do and see in Nitmiluk National Park, let’s talk about how to get there.
Located in the Katherine region, Nitmiluk is near the town of Katherine. It’s about 30km from Katherine and about 320 km south of Darwin and makes for a great multi-day road trip to see some of the NT’s best sites.
From Katherine: A quick 30-minute drive along Gorge Road.
From Darwin: A 3.5-hour drive down Stuart Highway.
Katherine is the best base when heading to Nitmiluk. Be sure to check out some of their accommodation options, like the highly rated Cicada Lodge.
Nitmiluk’s Geography
Keep in mind that Nitmiluk National Park has two main sections:
- Nitmiluk Gorge to the south
- Leliyn (Edith Falls) to the north
A 90 km drive separates the two sections. Both offer stunning scenery and a range of activities such as walks, canoe hire, boat tours, and camping.
Don’t forget: A park pass is required for visitors to visit Nitmiluk National Park.
Exploring the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Now that you’ve made it to Nitmiluk National Park, it’s time to start exploring!
The park’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a series of 13 stunning gorges carved out of the sandstone by the Katherine River over millions of years.
Cruises are one of the best ways to explore the gorges, especially for families or those not able to make the more challenging hikes.
Katherine Gorge Cruise Options
Before we get into the best hikes in Nitmiluk, we wanted to shout out a great cruise option in the park.
The Nitmiluk Tours boat cruise takes you through the first two gorges, with informative commentary about the Jawoyn people who have lived there for tens of thousands of years.
Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking waterfalls, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, wallabies, and birdlife.
Follow Us
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following us on Instagram
Join our Newsletter List
Be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations.
Top Hikes and Trails in Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk has an impressive trail system, offering plenty of hiking options for those who want to explore the gorge on foot. While there’s not a bad hike in Nitmiluk, each trail offers unique views. When deciding on a hike, check the length, average time needed, and the difficulty rating to ensure you have enough time and physical ability to complete it safely.
So let’s get into it. Here are some of Nitmiluk’s top hiking trails:
Baruwei Lookout
The Baruwei Lookout is an easy-to-moderate trail that takes you through the park’s diverse landscapes, from rocky escarpments to lush tropical forests. The short, steep track is around 1.8km long and takes about an hour to complete. Those attempting the hike should have a decent fitness level as the grade can be challenging. But the views of Katherine Gorge make it worth it.
- Length: 1.8 km (round trip)
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 3-Moderate
- Notable Views: Katherine Gorge and 17 Mile Valley
- Average Time: 1 hour
Also, try the longer Baruwei Loop Walk that continues on from the Lookout for even more gorge views.
Jatbula Trail
The Jatbula Trail is a 62km trek that takes you through some of Nitmiluk National Park’s most stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, rock pools, and ancient rock art sites.
The trail takes 5-6 days, following the route travelled by the Jawoyn people between the Gorge and Leliyn which today starts at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and ends at Edith Falls where you can cool off in the refreshing waters of the waterfall.
- Length: 62 km
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 4-Moderate to Hard
- Notable Views: Leliyn (Edith Falls), Indigenous Rock Art
- Average Time: 5-6 days
Windolf Loop Walk
The Windolf Loop Walk is a moderate trail that offers some of the best views of the lower gorge from Pat’s Lookout. The route takes you along the top of the escarpment, providing sweeping panoramic views of the gorge and the surrounding landscapes. The trail can take 3-4 hours, but the breathtaking views are worth the effort.- Length: 8.4 km
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 3-Moderate
- Notable Views: The First Gorge at Pat’s Lookout
- Average Time: 3.5 hours
Waleka Walk
The Waleka Walk is a 16.5 km one-way walk with beautiful views of the second gorge from Jeddas Rock and the upper gorge area. This difficult wilderness trail takes you from Pat’s Lookout to the 8th Gorge Walk, traversing the sandstone escarpment through rock platforms and gullies.
- Length: 16.5 km (one way)
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 5-Difficult
- Notable Views: The Second Gorge
- Average Time: 2-3 days
Butterfly Gorge
Butterfly Gorge is a 12 km round-trip accessed via the Yambi Walk. The shaded gorge walk offers views of butterflies in the rainforest before leading into Katherine Gorge. Seasonal, deep-water swimming is available along the trail. This walk is a must-do in Nitmiluk National Park for its stunning scenery.
- Length: 12 km
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 3-Moderate
- Notable Views: Butterflies in the rainforest
- Average Time: 4.5 hours
Hiking Tips in Nitmiluk National Park
Here are some essential tips to elevate your hiking experience:
- Carry at least 3 litres of water per person per day.
- Wear sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat, as the Northern Territory can get hot.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking.
- Refer to maps and signage when trekking to stay on the proper path.
- Respect the First Nation culture and heritage of the Jawoyn people by following park rules and staying on designated trails.
- Check weather and trail conditions before heading out.
- Tell your hiking plans to someone you trust. Let them know where you’re going and when you anticipate returning.
Parks and Wildlife Australia also suggests bringing:
- a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite phone
- Basic first aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Insect repellent
- Matches or a lighter
- Gas or fuel stove
Multi-Day Treks in Nitmiluk
If you plan a multi-day hike, plan and bring all necessary supplies, including food, first aid kits, and camping gear. Here’s what else you need to know when heading out for a multi-day trek in Nitmiluk:
- Permits and Fees: All walkers must have a permit for overnight walks. This can be obtained at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre between 8am and 1pm.
- Campsites: Camping is only permitted at Dunlop Swamp, Smitt Rock, and the 8th Gorge. The fees are $3.30 per person per night, to be paid when you get your permit.
- Checkpoints: Register your passing in the Dunlop Swamp checkpoint book to help Rangers locate you in an emergency.
- Fires: No open fires are permitted in the park; use a gas or fuel stove.
- Toilets: If using the bathroom outside the designated toilets, bury waste at least 30cm deep, well away from campsites and waterways.
Nitmiluk National Park is a must-visit destination for adventure, stunning landscapes, and a deep connection to the First Nations culture and heritage. Whether you want to paddle through the gorge or hike through the bush, there’s something for everyone in Nitmiluk.
If you choose to take it by foot, these top 5 hikes are sure to be a great way to explore nature and experience the best of what Nitmiluk has to offer. So pack your bags and prepare for an adventure in the NT’s most beautiful national park!
Have you explored Nitmiluk National Park? We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us enhance the visitor experience, so please take a moment to comment below and share your tips and recommendations.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Nitmiluk National Park here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Nitmiluk National Park daily fix @nitmiluknationalpark
*Cover image is by @oliver.risi on IG.
