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 is full of impressive 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!
Want to know all about planning your trip to Nitmiluk? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Nitmiluk’s Geography
Nitmiluk National Park has two main sections:
- Nitmiluk Gorge to the south
- Leliyn (Edith Falls) to the north
Keep in mind that a 90 km drive separates the two sections. Both offer gorgeous scenery and a range of activities such as walks, canoeing, boat tours, and camping.
Nitmiluk Gorge is particularly known for its series of dramatic sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River, while Leliyn is popular for its beautiful swimming spots and seasonal waterfalls.
Most multi-day hikes, including the iconic Jatbula Trail, begin at Nitmiluk Gorge and finish at Leliyn, so plan your transport accordingly.
Depending on the time of year, some areas may be closed due to weather or safety conditions, so it’s best to check park updates before you go.
Don’t forget: A park pass is required for visitors to the national parks in the Northern Territory.
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 Rd.
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.
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 vast gorges carved out of the sandstone by the Katherine River over millions of years.
Towering cliffs, lush pockets of monsoon forest, and crystal-clear swimming holes make this a top spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Scenic river cruises are one of the most popular ways to experience the gorges (read below for more info), some of the park’s real magic lies in its walking trails. Whether you’re keen on a short stroll with spectacular views or a full-day trek through rugged bushland, Nitmiluk has a hike to suit every level of experience.
Katherine Gorge Cruises
Before we get into the best hikes in Nitmiluk, we wanted to shout out a another way to explore in the park. Cruises are one of the best ways to explore the gorges, especially for families or those who are unable to make the more challenging hikes.
This 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.
Check out our list of Nitmiluk River Cruises for more options.
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Top Trails and Hikes 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 beautiful 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: 62km
- 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
Butterfly Gorge
Butterfly Gorge is a 12km round trip accessed via the Yambi Walk. The shaded gorge walk offers views of butterflies in the rainforest 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 scenery.
- Length: 12 km
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 3-Moderate
- Notable Views: Butterflies in the rainforest
- Average Time: 4.5 hours
Waleka Walk
The Waleka Walk is a 18 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: 18km (one way)
- Difficulty Rating: Grade 5-Difficult
- Notable Views: The Second Gorge
- Average Time: 2-3 days
Hiking Tips in Nitmiluk National Park
With trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks, the park is perfect for both casual explorers and seasoned adventurers. But before heading out to Nitmiluk, make sure you’re prepared. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your hike.
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 hiking footwear.
- 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 the 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
Check out Anaconda, our preferred outdoor gear supplier, for other supplies.
Multi-Day Treks in Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk is a great location for a multi-day outdoor adventure. If you plan a multi-day hike, plan and bring all necessary supplies we listed above, including food, first aid kits, and camping gear. Just be sure to plan enough to last the entire trek.
Weather conditions can change quickly, and some parts of the park are remote with limited access to help, so self-sufficiency is essential. Make sure your gear is appropriate for the season and that you’ve notified someone of your plans before heading off.
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.
If you’d prefer to venture out with a guide, check out all of our Nitmiluk Tours.
Nitmiluk National Park is a must-visit destination for adventure, gorgeous landscapes, and a deep connection to 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!
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.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we definitely suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
