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Australia🇦🇺 | national parksNitmiluk National ParkKatherine Gorge, 13 sandstone gorges, Leliyn, Jatbula Trail | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Nitmiluk
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #11
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Nitmiluk is the Jawoyn name for the park, and the gorge most people call Katherine Gorge is actually a chain of 13 gorges cut by the Katherine River. The park sits in the north of Australia, about 30 kilometers northeast of the town of Katherine. The walking is excellent, the sandstone walls glow orange, and freshwater crocodiles sun on the banks. The catch is that the wet season floods trails and the dry season brings tour boats. Smarter travelers walk beyond the first lookout, because the day-trippers turn back there. I still hear the cicadas and the hollow slap of a boat hull echoing off the cliffs. Unlike nearby Kakadu, Nitmiluk is compact and easy to cover on foot.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #11 national park in AustraliaWhy Nitmiluk should be on your travel list

Backpackers pick Nitmiluk because the walking is real and the logistics are simple. Katherine town sits close by, so you can stock up on food and still be on the trail within the hour. The park rewards self-guided travelers, since the track network needs no guide, only water and a plan. The Jatbula Trail, a 62 kilometer one-way walk to Leliyn (Edith Falls), is the big draw. It runs through monsoon forest and past swimming holes, and it is permit-only, which keeps numbers low. Shorter loops climb to ridge lookouts over the gorge for those with a day or two. Camping near the visitor center puts you beside the river, and the 13 gorges can be paddled by canoe on your own schedule rather than on a set tour.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge): The main sight, a series of sheer sandstone gorges you can explore by cruise or canoe, with rock art and calm green water.
  2. Jatbula Trail: A multi-day walk past waterfalls, springs and monsoon forest, ending at Leliyn.
  3. Leliyn (Edith Falls): A big plunge pool beneath a cascade, easy to reach and good for swimming.
  4. Pat’s Lookout: A short, steep climb to a wide view over the first gorge and the river bends below.
  5. Butterfly Gorge: A shaded pocket of rainforest with a quiet pool, reached by a walk from the river’s edge.
  6. Canoe hire on the Katherine River: Paddle at your own pace between the first and second gorges, with the cliffs towering overhead.
  7. Southern Rockhole: A remote swimming spot reached on foot in the dry season, with rock art nearby.
If time is short, skip … read more 👉
  1. Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge): The main sight, a series of sheer sandstone gorges you can explore by cruise or canoe, with rock art and calm green water.
  2. Jatbula Trail: A multi-day walk past waterfalls, springs and monsoon forest, ending at Leliyn.
  3. Leliyn (Edith Falls): A big plunge pool beneath a cascade, easy to reach and good for swimming.
  4. Pat’s Lookout: A short, steep climb to a wide view over the first gorge and the river bends below.
  5. Butterfly Gorge: A shaded pocket of rainforest with a quiet pool, reached by a walk from the river’s edge.
  6. Canoe hire on the Katherine River: Paddle at your own pace between the first and second gorges, with the cliffs towering overhead.
  7. Southern Rockhole: A remote swimming spot reached on foot in the dry season, with rock art nearby.
If time is short, skip the longer walks and take a single gorge cruise or paddle instead.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk Scenic Express Helicopter Tour Fly Over 3 Gorges

Nitmiluk Scenic Express Helicopter Tour Fly Over 3 Gorges

5.0(20) 10m
From €119
per personViator
Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience in Katherine

Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experience in Katherine

5.0(12) 3h
From €119
per personViator
Nitmiluk Sunset Helicopter Tour with Landing

Nitmiluk Sunset Helicopter Tour with Landing

5.0(9) 40m
From €305
per personViator
Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls Heli Tour with Remote Landing

Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls Heli Tour with Remote Landing

5.0(9) 1h 10m
From €528
per personViator
Nitmiluk Heli Art Adventure Scenic Flight and Aboriginal Art Tour

Nitmiluk Heli Art Adventure Scenic Flight and Aboriginal Art Tour

5.0(6) 1h 35m
From €478
per personViator
KG20 Full Katherine Gorge Experience

KG20 Full Katherine Gorge Experience

5.0(3) 20m
From €198
per personViator
Nitmiluk Park Katherine Gorge Sunrise Helicopter Flight

Nitmiluk Park Katherine Gorge Sunrise Helicopter Flight

5.0(1) 20m
From €268
per personViator
KG12 Katherine Gorge Butterfly Gorge and Lily Ponds

KG12 Katherine Gorge Butterfly Gorge and Lily Ponds

0.0(0) 12m
From €135
per personViator
KG15 Katherine Gorge Helicopter Scenic Flight

KG15 Katherine Gorge Helicopter Scenic Flight

0.0(0) 15m
From €150
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

The Dry season from May to September is the best window for Nitmiluk, with clear skies and walkable trails.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Days run 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F), nights drop to 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F). Daylight lasts about 11.5 to 12 hours. Crowds and prices peak in June to August, and the Jatbula Trail permits fill early.
  • Build-up (October to December): Highs of 36 to 40°C (97 to 104°F) with climbing humidity. Fewer visitors, and walking is miserable after mid-morning.
  • Wet Season (January to April): Storms, flooding and 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F) heat. Waterfalls are at full roar, but the Jatbula Trail is closed and gorge cruises or tracks may shut. Accommodation is cheapest.
Book gorge cruises and campsites weeks ahead for July.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

Most backpackers sleep at Nitmiluk Gorge itself, where the Nitmiluk Tours campground has powered and unpowered sites, cabins and safari-style tents, about 30 km (19 miles) from Katherine. It sits by the Katherine River with a shop, kiosk and the cruise and canoe base close by, and wallabies wander the grass at dusk.
Katherine town is the cheaper, more flexible option. Hostels and caravan parks such as Katherine Low Level Caravan Park and Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers offer dorm beds, kitchens and pools, and you can pick up supplies at the supermarkets there. Without a car, a shuttle or tour … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep at Nitmiluk Gorge itself, where the Nitmiluk Tours campground has powered and unpowered sites, cabins and safari-style tents, about 30 km (19 miles) from Katherine. It sits by the Katherine River with a shop, kiosk and the cruise and canoe base close by, and wallabies wander the grass at dusk.
Katherine town is the cheaper, more flexible option. Hostels and caravan parks such as Katherine Low Level Caravan Park and Palm Court Kookaburra Backpackers offer dorm beds, kitchens and pools, and you can pick up supplies at the supermarkets there. Without a car, a shuttle or tour from town reaches the gorge.
Backcountry camping is allowed at designated sites on the Jatbula Trail and at Dunlop Swamp, Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge on the southern walks, with a permit. Sites are basic, with no showers, so carry what you need.
Best hostels in Australia


Best quality hotels in Australia

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A realistic budget for Nitmiluk National Park is about US$95 a day if you camp, self-cater and join one gorge activity.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park entryUS$0 to 10Day entry to the gorge area is free for most walks. Visitors from outside the Northern Territory need an NT Parks Pass, roughly US$10 to 15 for several days.
CampingUS$20 to 35Nitmiluk Gorge campground near the visitor center has powered and unpowered sites. Remote bush camping on multi-day walks needs a permit and costs about US$8 to 15 per person a night.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 40Dry season (May to September) fills fast, so book ahead. Cabins run well above this, from about US$130.
Gorge cruise or canoeUS$50 to 110A two-hour cruise costs about US$60 to 70 and a half-day canoe hire about US$55 to 70. Pick one
… read more 👉
A realistic budget for Nitmiluk National Park is about US$95 a day if you camp, self-cater and join one gorge activity.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Park entryUS$0 to 10Day entry to the gorge area is free for most walks. Visitors from outside the Northern Territory need an NT Parks Pass, roughly US$10 to 15 for several days.
CampingUS$20 to 35Nitmiluk Gorge campground near the visitor center has powered and unpowered sites. Remote bush camping on multi-day walks needs a permit and costs about US$8 to 15 per person a night.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 40Dry season (May to September) fills fast, so book ahead. Cabins run well above this, from about US$130.
Gorge cruise or canoeUS$50 to 110A two-hour cruise costs about US$60 to 70 and a half-day canoe hire about US$55 to 70. Pick one activity, not several.
Local transportUS$0 to 60Katherine is about 30 km away. Shuttles and taxis cost roughly US$15 to 30 each way, and a rental car from Katherine starts around US$60 a day.
Food and suppliesUS$15 to 30Stock up in Katherine, where supermarkets are far cheaper than the small kiosk and café at the visitor center, where a meal costs about US$12 to 20.
Total Daily BudgetUS$95Per person, per day, in high season.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsWhere to hike in Nitmiluk: trails for every level

Nitmiluk offers walks from short lookout climbs to a multi-day trek, and most routes run over sandstone, with stretches of rocky steps and open woodland.
  • Jatbula Trail: 62 km one way, about 5 days, hard. Runs from the visitor center to Leliyn through monsoon forest, creek crossings and swimming holes. Permit and booking required, and only open in the dry season.
  • Butterfly Gorge Walk: About 12 km return, 4 to 5 hours, moderate. Passes through woodland and shaded rainforest to a quiet pool.
  • Pat’s Lookout Walk: Around 3.7 km return, 1.5 to 2 hours, moderate. A steep climb up to a lookout over the gorge.
… read more 👉
Nitmiluk offers walks from short lookout climbs to a multi-day trek, and most routes run over sandstone, with stretches of rocky steps and open woodland.
  • Jatbula Trail: 62 km one way, about 5 days, hard. Runs from the visitor center to Leliyn through monsoon forest, creek crossings and swimming holes. Permit and booking required, and only open in the dry season.
  • Butterfly Gorge Walk: About 12 km return, 4 to 5 hours, moderate. Passes through woodland and shaded rainforest to a quiet pool.
  • Pat’s Lookout Walk: Around 3.7 km return, 1.5 to 2 hours, moderate. A steep climb up to a lookout over the gorge.
  • Lily Ponds Walk: About 20 km return, 6 to 7 hours, hard. A creekside walk to seasonal falls and a swimming hole above the third gorge.
  • Leliyn Trail: Around 2.6 km loop, 1.5 hours, moderate. Climbs to a lookout above the falls and returns past the plunge pool.
Wildlife includes wallabies, freshwater crocodiles, bats and plenty of birds, especially near the water. Check water conditions before swimming. Public transport is limited, so many visitors arrive by car or tour from Katherine. The park is busiest in the dry season, particularly around the visitor center and boat jetty, while longer trails stay quiet. Visitors from outside the Northern Territory need an NT Parks Pass, and walking permits, camping and tours carry their own charges.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Nitmiluk is well managed, and most problems come from heat and water. Between October and April temperatures can pass 38°C (100°F), so walk at dawn, carry at least 3 liters per person and rest by midday. Rocky tracks are steep and uneven, so wear closed shoes. Register for overnight walks with the visitor center, which also issues permits and flood updates.
Freshwater crocodiles live in the gorge and are generally shy, but saltwater crocodiles can wash in during the Wet. Swim only in areas the rangers have signed as open, never at dusk, and keep your distance from the bank. Falling water levels in the Dry also reveal sharp rocks. Bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Nitmiluk

Two to three days covers the main sights. That gives you a gorge cruise or canoe trip, the Butterfly Gorge or Lookout Loop walks, and a swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls), about 60 km (37 miles) north. Add 5 days if you want the 62 km (39 mile) Jatbula Trail.
Yes, though it takes planning. Katherine town sits about 30 km (19 miles) from the gorge, and shuttles and tours run in the Dry season for roughly A$30 to 60 return. Hitchhiking is unreliable, so a rental car or bike from Katherine gives far more freedom.
Visitors from outside the Northern Territory need an NT Parks Pass (A$10 a day or A$30 for two weeks), and you also pay for activities such as cruises (about A$100 to 130) and camping (around A$30 to 50 a night). Overnight bushwalking needs a permit, which must be booked and registered at the visitor center. The Jatbula Trail has a limited number of walkers per day, with fees of about A$60 to 100, so book early.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Most first-timers fixate on the boats and miss the ridge. The plateau above the gorge is dry, silent and wide, and the rock holds heat long after sundown. I would skip a second cruise and climb to Pat’s Lookout instead, carrying more water than seems sensible.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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