Katherine Gorge is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Just 30 kilometres from the town of Katherine, nestled in Nitmiluk National Park, this impressive 12 kilometre gorge has been carved out by the Katherine River over the last 23 million years. Surrounded by lush rainforest and broad valleys, Katherine Gorge boasts 70 metre-high sandstone cliffs, 13 gorges and a series of breathtaking falls and rapids.
Katherine Gorge is found on the lands of the Jaowyn people. It was renamed Nitmiluk, meaning ‘place of the cicada dreaming’ referring to the Creation Time story of the traditional owners. With its majestic beauty, the sheer size of this impressive gorge is a sight not to be missed. Whether you choose to experience the landscape by foot, boat or on a helicopter tour, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge will steal your heart as one of the Top End’s most magical places.
Australia's Top End and the Kimberley await with adventures to be had, dreamtime culture to enlighten and glorious nature to explore. Marvel at the termite mounds of Litchfield National Park, see Rock Art and cruise the Yellow Water wetlands in Kakadu, discover Katherine Gorge and the Ord River, soar above the Bungle Bungles, see the Derby Boab Tree for yourself, then finish with a camel ride on stunning Cable Beach.
This epic adventure heads into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 1 night in Adelaide before travelling overnight in Gold Service onboard the mighty Ghan. Enjoy a night in Alice Springs visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges, then see the wonders of Uluru with 3 nights at Yulara including the stunning Sounds of Silence dinner. Re-board the Ghan for another night before finishing with 1 night in Darwin.
Delve into Darwin and the Northern Territory’s epic Top End on this 8 day journey of discovery. From exploration on Tiwi Island, dreamtime legends to an Arnhem Land scenic flight, we have everything covered. We’ll marvel at the termite mounds of Litchfield National Park, see the Aboriginal rock art site of Burrungkuy and cruise the Yellow Water wetlands in Kakadu, take a thrilling Tom Curtain’s Katherine Outback Experience cruise and get a real taste of life at Seafood on Cullen Bay in Darwin.
Round out your Top End experience with a tour of Katherine Gorge. Begin your visit by stopping in at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre at the entrance to the gorge; get your bearings, plan your day, and take in the cultural displays.
As for touring Katherine Gorge itself, there’s a host of options on offer to suit all travellers who want to delve into the beauty of this rugged and untamed landscape. Witness the ever-changing colours of the gorge’s majestic sandstone cliffs aboard a Katherine Gorge cruise, or choose a sunset dinner cruise to enjoy spectacular views of this natural phenomenon while learning about the traditional owners of the land, the Jaowyn people.
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Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts may opt to walk one of the many trails through the national park. A range of short walks will unveil secret vistas and ancient history, whilst the epic Jetbula Trail at 62 kilometres in length offers an experience like no other. Alternatively, scenic helicopter tours present a chance to experience the grandeur of the gorge from above.
With its endemic flora and fauna, its cultural heritage and remarkable landscape, a tour of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a must-do when visiting the Top End. Come and see for yourself; you can view our range of Northern Territory tours here.
Like its neighbour Kakadu, the best time to visit Nitmiluk is throughout the dry season which runs from April to October. Daytime temperatures during the peak months of the dry season average 29-30°C, and the waters of Katherine River at this time of the year are tranquil and perfect for canoeing and swimming in the many waterholes.
Wildlife is in abundance during the dry season, with a chance to spot relatively harmless freshwater crocodiles nesting on the shores. Bird lovers will also wonder at ospreys, red-tailed black cockatoos and great bowerbirds.
There are various ways to explore the area. Visitors can take guided boat tours that navigate through the gorges, providing close-up views of the dramatic cliffs and rock formations. There are also options for canoeing and kayaking, allowing you to paddle along the river and experience the tranquillity of the area.
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