Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light. Nitmiluk National Park, just 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine, covers a vast area, including 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country which stretch for as far as the eye can see. Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, rock art sites dot the park and dreaming stories bring the silent gorge walls to life. You can learn about the Jawoyn people’s association with the land at the Nitmiluk Centre or by taking a boat cruise of the first few gorges. Take sunrise or sunset cruises and see the gorge turn all shades of mauve and red. There are canoes for hire or you can get a permit to use your own canoe from the Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre. You can canoe to the fourth, sixth and ninth gorges and camp overnight, but make sure you book ahead of time by calling Nitmiluk Tours. Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter. Accommodation is available within the National Park. Choose from camping, to chalets through to the upmarket Cicada Lodge. Nitmiluk National Park has something for everyone!
The Park’s main entrance is located 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine via a sealed road. The road may be closed at times during the wet season due to flooding. Find out Park road conditions by phoning the Parks and Wildlife offices listed below. For other road conditions, phone 1800 246 199, or check the road conditions website: www.roadreport.nt.gov.au
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 prevent access to the Park
It’s possible to take a day trip from Darwin to Nitmiluk Gorge, however a longer stay is recommended. The Gorge is just over 30 minutes drive from Katherine, meaning a day trip from Katherine is certainly possible. If you have more time, stay a few nights to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
No passes or permits are required to visit Nitmiluk Gorge, except if you wish to use your own canoe. As always, check with local tourism providers – especially if you plan on camping or fishing.
You can do all of the following activities in Nitmiluk National Park:
Gorge tourist precinct: Powered and non-powered sites are available near the Gorge Caravan Park. Camping fees apply and are payable on-site. You need to book overnight accommodation and canoeing at the Nitmiluk Gorge sector. Call 08 8971 0877.
Leliyn (Edith Falls): Non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls). For more information contact the Leliyn kiosk on 08 8972 2884. Leliyn (Edith Falls) does not take bookings. The best time to arrive to secure a spot is 10am, as this is when campers who are not staying another day have to vacate their site.
Gurriluk youth group area: available for use by schools, youth groups and other community organisations. You need to book. Call 08 8973 8821 or email [email protected].
Aside from bringing your imagination and ambition to see as much as you can, you should also bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a first aid kit, plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes.
Nitmiluk Tours operate a variety of tours in the Gorge system. Tours depart from the Nitmiluk Tours Jetty and can be booked at the Nitmiluk Centre or on 1300 146 743. Bookings are recommended.
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. Trips available include scenic flights and special helitours to remote parts of the Park. Bookings through Nitmiluk Tours are recommended.
Numerous walking tracks offer a variety of experiences from riverbank strolls to spectacular overnight walks. Overnight walkers need to obtain a camping permit at the Park Information Desk at the Nitmiluk Centre.
Jawoyn art can be seen along the base of the sandstone escarpment in the Gorge system. Other evidence of Jawoyn activities are located throughout the Park. More detailed information about the Southern Walks and the Jatbula Trail is available in the Nitmiluk Centre, from Park information sheets, on the website or by calling Rangers at the Park.
Canoes can be hired at the Gorge by the hour, half day, full day or overnight. Private canoes can be used in the Gorge – a permit is required and can be obtained from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. A small fee also applies. The upper gorges are accessible to canoes, by carrying them over the rocks separating gorges. These vessels must be registered and a fee paid at the Nitmiluk Centre before launching. Vessel restrictions and speed limits apply. Private vessels must be less than 4 metres long with a maximum 15hp motor. The speed limit is seven nautical miles/hour. Other normal waterway rules apply.
Fishing is a popular pastime for many visitors to the Gorge. Normal barramundi fishing controls apply. No bait fishing is permitted, use lures only
Private powered vessels are prohibited from the gorge system from 1 June to 31 August. At other times, except when the river is closed due to wet season flooding, private vessels may use the first gorge.
Some commonly spotted animals & plants at Nitmiluk include:
The Darter is sometimes referred to as a snake bird because of its slender head and long neck that is often held in an ‘S’ shape. Darter’s swim with their body submerged, diving to seize prey with their dagger-like bills. They can remain under water for up to a minute. Like Cormorants, Darters do not have waterproof plumage and characteristically hold their wings out to dry before taking flight.
Cormorants are very common throughout the Gorge. These birds dive from the surface of the water to feed, grasping prey in their bills and bringing it back to the surface. Little Pied Cormorants can be identified by their dull yellow bills and pale under-parts; Little Black Cormorants are all black.
Australia has two species, both of which are found in the Top End.
A small deciduous tree which grows to approximately eight metres high. Its features include: Striking red flowers on long stems, it also has unusual four sided fruits. The tree and fruits are regarded as poisonous. When pounded the bark is used as a fish poison by Aboriginal people.
Growing up to four metres high, this distinctive clumping palm has prickly, elongated leaves, 1.2 – 1.8m in length and 3 – 7cm wide. The fruit is green, turning yellow-orange when ripe, globular in shape and 10 – 15cm in diameter. As the name suggests River Pandanus is always associated with fresh water streams and is very common throughout the Gorge. Aboriginal people eat the white inner flesh of the fruit and the leaves are used to make string.
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