Nitmiluk National Park, 224 kilometres from Darwin, was established in the basin of the Catherine River and Edith Falls. It was originally even called Katherine Gorge National Park. Its northern end borders Kakadu National Park.
The Catherine River Gorge and its surrounding landscape have great ceremonial significance to the aboriginal Jawoyn people. (jawoyn), custodians of the park. In their language, the word "nitmiluk" means "the place where the cicadas sleep". In the park you can see rock paintings of the ancient inhabitants of these territories.
You can explore the gorges by canoe or flatboat. During the season of drought season, the gorges become isolated from each other because the water levels in the river drops dramatically.
30 km from the gorges, in the town of Katherine, there is a visitor centre of the national park, where you can learn interesting facts about the geology of the park, its landscapes and Aboriginal history. You can also book a guided tour here.
The main attraction of the park is the deep Katherine Gorge, "carved" into the ancient sandstone rocks by the Catherine River, which originates in Kakadu National Park. It consists of 13 separate gorges with river rapids and waterfalls. During periods of drought - usually from April to October, the river is calm in the gorge, ideal for swimming and canoeing. Although the river is home to freshwater crocodiles, who make their homes on its banks, they're not dangerous to humans. But sea crocodiles that enter the river during the rainy season because the water level rises can attack, so swimming is forbidden at this time of year.
The Park has many hiking trails, ranging from hiking along the from riverside hikes and night hikes to a five-day trek from Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls. A helicopter tour is an unforgettable experience. - one of the best ways to see the gorge system in its entirety. The 12-minute flight allows you the stunning views of the Arnhem Plateau, and in 25 minutes you can fly around the entire Catherine Gorge.
