Katherine Gorge is located 30 kilometres from Katherine on a fully sealed road and consists of 13 natural gorges carved through sandstone by the Katherine River, with rocks and boulders separating each gorge.
Connection to country
The traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people of Katherine welcome you to Nitmiluk – the place of the Cicada dreaming. Our vision is to create authentic and unforgettable holiday experiences, sharing and sustaining the ancient cultures and stories of the Jawoyn people. To be leaders in driving Aboriginal tourism growth by taking a proactive and strategic approach to promoting the destination and the Northern Territory in its cultural context. Through sustainable and culturally sensitive business practices becoming advocates for showcasing immersive Indigenous and nature-based outback adventures.
We welcome you to our land and our culture and invite you to experience and enjoy our outback tours and to learn the secrets and stories of our culture and our traditional lands.
Nitmiluk Visitor Centre
The Nitmiluk Visitor Centre is your base to explore the National Park. Here you’ll find informative displays outlining the geology, landscape and Aboriginal history. Experienced staff can help you with tour enquiries and general information. Parks and Wildlife Rangers are on site at the centre to assist with all enquiries regarding walks, camping, fishing and boating. The centre offers a souvenir shop, toilet facilities and a kiosk overlooking the Katherine River. You can contact the centre on (08) 8971 0955.
Adventure the way you want it
There are a number of different ways to explore the Katherine River Gorge system.
Boat cruises
Boat cruises operate through the gorge and offer guided commentary explaining its history. There are a variety of cruise options, which vary depending on the season, including high powered speed boats during the Top End Summer.
Bush walking
The park has over 100 kilometres of marked walking trails, leading to various waterfalls and lookouts.
Canoeing
Paddling up the gorge is a rewarding experience enabling you to encounter wildlife and travel at your own pace. Half day, full day or overnight trips, staying in one of the bush camps located along the gorge, are available. A permit is required for overnight canoe trips which can be collected from Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre.
Fishing and boating
Regulations govern fishing and the use of private boats and canoes in the gorge. Fish size, bag limits, locations and motor sizes are restricted and only lure fishing is permitted within the gorge. It is advised to check with Parks and Wildlife Rangers to maximise your enjoyment of these activities.
Jatbula Trail
The Jatbula Trail is an iconic five day walk, covering 62 kilometres of tropical bushland. The walk begins at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and ends at Leliyn (Edith Falls). All walkers must register before completing overnight walks. Registrations open November and book out fast.
Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Leliyn (Edith Falls) is part of Nitmiluk National Park and is accessed from the Stuart Highway, 46 kilometres north of Katherine then following a sealed road for another 20km. Adjacent to the car park at the base of Leliyn (Edith Falls) is a large pandanus fringed plunge pool, which is a popular swimming area. The park offers a variety of walking tracks, including the Leliyn Trail which is a 2.6-kilometre round trip that climbs to the top of the escarpment and then down to the upper pools. The walk offers fantastic views over the waterfalls and the Edith River and swimming is allowed in the beautiful Upper Pool. A longer 8.6 kilometres return walk will take you to Sweetwater Pool, a beautiful secluded swimming hole on the Edith River.
A picnic area and camp ground (non-powered sites only) are provided near the base of the falls. Both areas are well shaded and grassed. A kiosk offers food and drinks and accepts payment of camping fees. During the Top End Summer rains, the plunge pool may be closed for swimming and access to the park may be restricted at these times. No pets, fishing or generators.
Scenic flights
Helicopter flights offer a variety of options, depending on the extent of the gorge system you wish to see. These scenic flights provide an excellent view of the Arnhem Land plateau.
