Three hours southeast of Darwin is Nitmiluk National Park, where the Katherine River winds through 13 stunning gorges surrounded by tall cliffs. This park belongs to the Jawoyn people and is filled with beautiful landscapes. You can see rainbow bee-eaters, hear black cockatoos, and spot lacewing butterflies. Nitmiluk Tours, owned by Aboriginal people, offers a variety of experiences, including cruises, hikes, cave tours, swims, canoeing, and helicopter flights. They also provide accommodation options, from camping to luxurious lodges like Cicada.
Similar to the famous Kakadu, Nitmiluk National Park features Aboriginal rock art sites. Some are visible during a gorge cruise, while others are tucked away, like those at the end of the ‘Southern Walks’ circuit, where the scenery is so dramatic it might feel like a Game of Thrones set. Explore these art sites on a multi-day walk, sleeping near breathtaking gorges and pristine waterholes.
As you approach Nitmiluk, the landscape changes, rising with bush and ochre-colored boulders turning into lofty escarpments. Your options for activities are plentiful, with cultural cruises highlighting Jawoyn customs and beliefs, helicopter flights, dinner cruises, and canoe trips. Don’t miss the chance to walk to the first gorge lookout for a stunning sunset or sunrise. If you’re closer to Katherine, Nitmiluk Tours also offers guided walks through the fascinating Cutta Cutta Caves.
