Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge

Make your way to the sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and explore the 13 stunning gorges on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter.

Nitmiluk National Park covers a vast area of escarpment country, including 13 gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country. Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter.

Cruise, paddle, walk or fly

Hire a canoe and paddle along the gorges to see waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art and wildlife. Board a sunrise cruise or speedboat and enjoy the ride.

For an aerial view of the gorge system and the extensive Arnhem Land plateau, board a helicopter ride leaving from near the visitor centre.

Walk the Jatbula Trail

Walk the five-day 58 km Jatbula Trail that passes waterfalls, monsoon rainforest, stone country and Aboriginal rock art. The trail starts at the visitor centre and ends at Leliyn (Edith Falls), an idyllic camping spot near waterholes that are great for a rejuvenating swim.

The Windolf Walk winds along Katherine River and up to Pat’s Lookout for a sweeping view of the gorge. Continue along the trail to the Southern Rockhole, where a waterfall flows after rain.

Natural swimming holes

Swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls), a pandanus-fringed plunge pool on the park’s western boundary. Then follow the scenic walking track to Sweetwater Pool, a secluded and tranquil swimming hole.

Paddle through the narrow chasms of Butterfly Gorge, a quiet, shaded gorge with rocky walls that are home to thousands of butterflies.

Aboriginal owners

Stop at Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the gorge for its traditional owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people. There are many Aboriginal rock art paintings on sandstone walls throughout the gorge system, some of which are thousands of years old.