Nitmiluk National Park

All year round, but the park and some activities may close due to flooding in the Wet Season.

The best time to visit is between May and September.

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

The Gorge entrance to the park is 30km east of Katherine on the sealed Gorge Road. Follow the signs.

The turnoff to Leliyn (Edith Falls) is 40km north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. The park entry is 20km further along Edith Falls Road.

A visit to Leliyn (Edith Falls) in the west of the park should also be on your list.

Swimming in the lower and upper pools is a must.

If you have time for a full day or overnight walk, go for a swim in the secluded Sweetwater pool.

You need a permit for the overnight walk to Sweetwater pool so book early by using the contact listed for Leliyn below.

Get the Leliyn (Edith Falls) fact sheet and map PDF (999.3 KB).

You can do all of the following activities in Nitmiluk National Park:

• canoeing - get the Nitmiluk National Park canoeing guide PDF (1.8 MB)
• bushwalking - get the Southern Walks guide PDF (10.4 MB) and Baruwei Lookout and loop walks guide PDF (1.5 MB)
• swimming in marked areas - watch for closures
• camping
• view Aboriginal rock art
• fishing
• wildlife spotting
• scenic lookout
• boating
• mountain biking
• ranger-guided activities.

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

The Gurriluk youth group area is available for use by schools, youth groups and other community organisations.

You need to book. Call 08 8973 8821 or email parks.desk@nt.gov.au.

Get the Gurriluk youth group area information sheet.

If you plan to launch a private motor vessel in the park you should be aware of the following:

• you need to go to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre when you arrive at the park to gain river use information before accessing the river
• private motor vessels are allowed on the Katherine River in the first gorge. They need to be less than four metres long with a maximum 15 horsepower motor. The speed limit is seven nautical miles per hour
• you are not able to use a private powered vessel in the Katherine gorge system from 1 June to 31 August. At other times you can use a private vessel in the first gorge, except when the river is closed due to Wet Season flooding.

You can fish only with lures - bait cannot be used, to avoid accidental capture of turtles.

Nitmiluk Tours provides a variety of accommodation at the gorge sector. Call 1300 146 743.

Nitmiluk National Park has all of the following facilities:

• information signs
• ranger station
• gas barbecues
• drinking water
• public toilets
• disabled access
• cafe
• picnic area
• caravans
• accommodation
• showers
• walking trails
• souvenir shop
• telephone.

When visiting the park, remember all of the following:

• drones are not permitted
• take your rubbish with you
• stay on marked roads and tracks
• cultural items and wildlife are protected
• do not touch Aboriginal art sites
• do not feed animals
• pets are not permitted
• nets, traps and firearms are not permitted
• do not use soaps or detergents in or near waterways
• camp only in marked camping areas
• generators are not permitted
• follow fishing laws - there is no fishing permitted at Edith Falls and you can only use lures in the Katherine River
• check your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and cane toads.

Have a safe and comfortable trip to Nitmiluk National Park by doing all of the following:

• observe park safety signs
• swim only where recommended and watch for warning signs
• carry and drink plenty of water
• wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
• wear suitable clothing and footwear
• carry a first aid kit
• avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
• carry a personal locator beacon on long walks
• use free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet.

Gorge office, call: 08 8973 8821

Leliyn office, call: 08 8975 4852

Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre, call: 08 8973 8821
(Southern Walk, canoeing, campsite bookings/ permits information)

Nitmiluk Tours, call: 08 8972 1253 or 1300 146 743