Walks in Nitmiluk National Park
Heat warning
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April.
It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily.
Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Explore Nitmiluk Gorge and the surrounding escarpment along the Baruwei and Southern Walks.
The network of tracks starts near the Nitmiluk Centre with a climb onto the rocky escarpment.
Choose a walk that suits your level of fitness and be prepared. Sections of the trails are shared with mountain bikes, walk with care.
Don't start the Southern Walks unless properly equipped and make sure you are on the right track. Check maps and signs along the way.
You should always let someone responsible know where you are going and when you will be back.
There is long-term parking at the ranger station.
Book and pay online
You must book and pay online for overnight walks and camping in Nitmiluk National Park.
Do this before you go. You can't pay at the park.
Find out more about how to use parks booking system.
If you are ready, book now.
What you should take
Walkers should have all of the following equipment:
- map of the park - get Avenza Maps for free interactive park maps on your mobile phone or tablet
- three litres of water per person
- sturdy footwear and thick socks
- a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen
- a basic first-aid kit
- a pocket knife
- insect repellent and a mosquito net
- matches or a lighter
- a gas or fuel stove, as open fires are not permitted
- some form of emergency communication such as a satellite phone or personal locator beacon - do not rely on mobile phones.
Walking trails
There are several short and overnight walks in Nitmiluk National Park.
You can also read about the popular 62km Jatbula Trail.
Walks at Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Leliyn Trail
This circuit walk goes up a hill then drops to cross the upper pool above the falls.
It then climbs up the other side of the falls before descending to the level of the main pool where there is a river crossing.
Features of this walk include:
- views of the waterfalls and Edith River from two lookouts
- swimming in the upper pool.
Wet season conditions can limit access, reducing the walk to a return trip to the first lookout and top pool.
| Length of walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 2.6km loop |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Grade | Grade 3 - moderate |
| Suitability |
|
Sweetwater Pool
This walk leads to a fantastic swimming spot.
It can be done as a day or overnight walk.
There are toilets at the pool camping area.
The camping area combines 2 campgrounds and is shared with other walkers.
You can only camp at Sweetwater campground. There is a maximum of 10 people per night at this campground.
| Length of walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8.6km return |
| Time | day or overnight |
| Grade | Grade 4 - difficult |
| Suitability |
|
Southern Walks
For more information, read the:
- Nitmiluk National Park Baruwei Lookout and Loop Walks information sheet PDF (5.4 MB)
- Nitmiluk National Park Southern Walks information sheet PDF (3.4 MB).
Do not start the Southern Walks unless properly equipped.
You can only camp at Dunlop Swamp, Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge. There is a maximum of 20 people per night at Dunlop Swamp, and a maximum of 10 people per night at Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge.
Visit the parks information desk in the Nitmiluk Centre to collect a map before you start your walk.
Check the signs and make sure you are on the right track.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Features | Grade | Water available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baruwei Lookout | 1.8km return | 1 hour | Views of the picnic area, Nitmiluk Gorge and 17 Mile Valley | Grade 3 - moderate | Nitmiluk Centre or from tanks at the top of the hill |
| Baruwei Lookout and Loop Walk | 4.8km loop | 2 hours | Continue walking from the lookout along the escarpment and back down towards the visitor centre | Grade 3 - moderate | Nitmiluk Centre or from tanks at the top of the hill |
| Waleka Walk | 14km one way - Pat's Lookout to Eighth Gorge walk | Two to three days | Spectacular views of the second gorge from Jeddas Rock and the upper gorge area. Traverses the sandstone escarpment through rock platforms and gullies. | Grade 5 - difficult | Water tanks and river at designated campsites. Boil river water before use. |
| Windolf via Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail | 9.1km return | 3.5 hours |
Views of the lower gorge from Pat's Lookout. Seasonal swimming in the river. Seasonal waterfall at Southern Rockhole. | Grade 3 - moderate | Water tank at the Windolf Walk junction |
| Butterfly Gorge via Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail | 12km return | 4.5 hours | Shaded gorge with butterflies and rainforest leading into Nitmiluk Gorge. Deep water, seasonal swimming. | Grade 3 - moderate | Water tank at the Butterfly Gorge trail junction |
| Lily Ponds via Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail | 21.1km return | 6.5 hours |
Creekside walk with views of lower gorge. Seasonal Lily Pond Falls and seasonal swimming in the river. | Grade 4 - moderate to difficult | Water tank at Lily Ponds junction |
| Smitt Rock via Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail (Dunlop Swamp camping) |
23.8km return (17.8km) | 8.5 hours | Seasonal swimming below Dunlop Swamp and at Smitt Rock. Gorge views. Emergency call devices at Dunlop Swamp and Smitt Rock. | Grade 4 - moderate to difficult | Water tank at Lily Ponds or Smitt Rock junction |
| Eighth Gorge via Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail | 38.5km return | 2 days | Good view of the upper gorge area. Large valley with extensive rock outcrops. Emergency call device. Seasonal swimming in river and at campsite. | Grade 4 - moderate to difficult | Water tank at Smitt Rock junction |
| Jawoyn Valley via Yambi Walk | 39km | 2 to 3 days | Galleries of Jawoyn paintings. Large valley with extensive rock outcrops. | Grade 4 - moderate to difficult | Water tanks at Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge junctions |
Trail conditions
All walks are graded. Read more about the walking track grading system to work out what walk is best for you.
Stay on the marked trail. There are trail markers roughly every 20m to 50m.
All intersections are marked with sign posts. If you have walked for 100m without seeing a marker, go back to the last marker and find the next marker.
It can be very hot between September and December. Temperatures on the escarpment are often 10 Celsius hotter than near the river.
Walk in the cool of the day and drink plenty of water.
Last updated: 19 July 2022
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