Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park

Introducing Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park

The Katherine River, which begins in Arnhem Land, cuts through rugged sandstone country in Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Over centuries the river has left a series of gorges in its wake known as Katherine Gorge, and it’s what the hordes are here to see. There’re a variety of ways to experience the park: from inside a canoe to sipping a café latte from the Nitmiluk Centre café balcony. A well-established network of hiking trails lead to the mighty gorge (many with a rewarding swim at the end); the park is excellent for hikers. Swimming in the gorge is safe except when it’s in flood. Usually the only crocodiles around are the freshwater variety, more often seen in the cooler months.

The difference in water levels between the Wet and the Dry is immense. During the Dry the gorge waters are calm, but from November to March they can become a raging torrent, when swimming and canoeing are restricted.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009