You'll be drawn to the majestic beauty and sheer size of the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge.
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 on (08) 8972 1253 or 1300 146 743.
You can use fishing lures in areas of the Katherine River, but fishing is not permitted in Edith Falls.
Walkers have plenty of trails to choose from and waterfalls to see, but the ultimate trek is the 62km Jatbula Trail.
To fully experience Nitmiluk Gorge, take a helicopter ride and get set down for a swim in one of the harder to reach gorges.
Closed due to seasonal weather conditions. You can book online from 1 November for the following year's walking season. Permits are required for out of season walks (during 1 October to 31 May). To apply for a permit, contact jatbula.trail@nt.gov.au.
1 June 2021
Northern Rockhole – Walk and swimming
Closed
Closed due to seasonal weather conditions
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Southern Rockhole – Walk and swimming
Open
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Baruwei Loop Walk
Closed
Closed due to construction works on the walk.
Until further notice.
Boat tours
Open
Tours to first and second gorges only. For more information contact Nitmiluk Tours on 1300 146 743 or visit http://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/
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Southern walks
Windolf Walk
Open
-
Butterfly Gorge Walk
Open
-
Lily Ponds Walk
Open
-
Lily Ponds – swimming at river
Closed
Closed due to seasonal weather conditions
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Lily Pond Waterfall – swimming
Open
-
Dunlop Swamp – camping
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions.
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Smitt Rock Walk (via Yambi Walk)
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions.
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Jawoyn Valley Walk
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions.
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Eighth Gorge Walk
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions.
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Waleka Walk (Pats Lookout to Butterfly Gorge)
Open
-
Waleka Walk ( Butterfly Gorge to 8th Gorge)
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions.
Anticipated re-opening June 2021, dependent on weather.
Mountain bike trails
Jalkwarak Trail
Open
-
Jatete Trail
Open
-
Gurumal Trail
Open
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Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Edith Falls
Open
-
Leliyn Loop Walk
Open
-
Sweetwater Walk
Open
-
Sweetwater swimming
Open
-
Swimming in plunge pool
Closed
Closed for seasonal weather conditions and high water levels.
Anticipated re-opening April 2021, dependent on weather
Swimming in upper pool
Open
-
Campground
Open
Campground contact: 08 8972 2884 (phone bookings are not available).
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.
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.