Canoeing in Nitmiluk National Park

Local Favourites

The best ways to experience Nitmiluk National Park

Local Favourites

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples, Nitmiluk National Park is home to ancient sandstone country, towering gorges, lush waterholes and a whole lot of adventure. 

There are two main sections of the park - Nitmiul Gorge to the south, and Leliyn (Edith Falls) to the north. The drive between the two sections is about 90km, so knowing what you can do in each area is the key to planning a great trip.

Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) 

Cruise the gorge 

Experience the Nitmiluk landscapes on board a peaceful cruise along the gorge. Your guide will share all sorts of fascinating knowledge about Nitmiluk, from its diverse wildlife to rich cultural heritage.

Nitmiluk Tours have a few different cruise options:

Dive into Nitmiluk 

Staying cool in the outback ranks high on the priority list after a day of exploring. Here’s your main swimming options at the Nitmiluk Gorge section of the park: 

  • Southern Rockhole - 8 km return walk from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre or a short ferry ride, with the option of walking one way and getting a ferry the other. This is one of your only wet season swimming spots in the park, and will typically only open when the water levels are high after a heavy hit of rain. 
  • Northern Rockhole - You’ll need to jump on a ferry to reach the start of this 9 km walk, which is also the start of the Jatbula Trail. This swimming spot is open for the dry season. 
  • Nitmiluk Gorge/Katherine River - Gorge 1 is permanently closed for swimming, but further gorges are often open during the dry season.

Check NT Parks before you go to check what swimming spots are open. 

Southern Rockhole

Explore on foot 

Lace up your hiking boots and start exploring the treasure trove of walks at Nitmiluk Gorge.

For a short but sweet walk with great views, do the Baruwei Lookout and Loop Walk. If you’re keen for a walk with the reward of a refreshing swim, the 4 km walk to Southern Rockhole is a great option in the wet season because you can then jump on a ferry back to the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre (hike, swim and cruise!).

For an extended adventure, the multi-day walks including Eighth Gorge and Smitt Rock in the dry season will take you deeper into the heart of Nitmiluk. 

See it from the air

What we love about Nitmiluk helicopter flights is that you get to see the park from a different angle – a perspective only a handful of people get to experience.  See the mighty river carving its way through the gorge walls and appreciate the sheer beauty and vastness of the park. Check out your different scenic flight options through Nitmiluk Tours. There are various companies that offer scenic flights, including Nitmiluk Tours, Katherine Helicopters and HeliSpirit. 

Paddle your way 

Unleash your inner explorer and glide through the Nitmiluk Gorge waters on your own canoe. Go at your own pace or join a guided tour for some extra camaraderie. Get up close with the towering limestone rock formations, spot wildlife and chill out on the sandy banks of the gorge when you’re ready for a siesta and a dip in the cool gorge waters. 

Two people canoeing along Nitmiluk Gorge
 

Leliyn (Edith Falls) 

About 60 km north of Katherine you’ll find Leliyn (Edith Falls), a gem that captures the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Make a stop at Leliyn while en route to Katherine, or opt to stay a night or two at the lush grassy campgrounds. 

Plunge Pool perfection

Surrounded by picturesque pandanus and paperbark, take a dip in Leliyn's expansive bottom Plunge Pool. Swim to the cute little island in the middle or grab a noodle and venture further out towards the waterfall. The best part? The plunge pool is just a short stroll from the carpark, making it an accessible option for everyone. 

Uncover the Upper Pools 

Take the 2.6 km return walk from the carpark to the Upper Pools where you can swim, lounge on the warm rocks and get a different perspective of Leliyn. The journey might start with a bit of a huff and puff as you make your way uphill, but a refreshing dip awaits you at the end. Don’t forget to take advantage of the lookout spots en route and snap some photos while you're there. 

A sweet hike with a sweet reward - Sweetwater Pool 

If you’re keen to explore Leliyn further on foot, opt to do the 8.6 km return walk to Sweetwater Pool. This serene swimming spot remains blissfully uncrowded compared to its neighbour at the Upper Pools, and if you’re lucky you might even have this gem to yourself. Do Sweetwater as a day walk, or take your own camping gear and stay the night. Sweetwater is the last stop for hikers on the Jatbula Trail, so remember to book a camp spot before you go to make sure there’s availability. 

Top pools at Edith Falls

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