The ultimate guide to visiting the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge
The Nitmiluk Gorge, most commonly known as Katherine Gorge, is one of the most iconic places to visit in the Northern Territory. Located in Nitmiluk National Park on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, you cannot skip a trip here. Explore the ancient landscape while learning about one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, and see first-hand some 10,000-year-old rock paintings while you are at it. Consisting of 13 different gorge systems, the views and landscapes of the Katherine Gorge are breathtaking. Hike, canoe, cruise down along the gorges, or enjoy the view from the restaurant over the first gorge. The Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge will not disappoint, no matter what you come for.
How to get here from Katherine:
Getting to the gorge from Katherine is easy. A 20-25 minute drive on the sealed Gorge Road will take you to the main section of the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. There is sadly no public transport available to transport you, so a personal vehicle, ride share or private charter is the only way to get here unless you feel like walking! At the end of the road, you will find the central car park and camping area, as well as the restaurant, gift shop and information centre.
What to bring:
If you are coming for a day trip, we recommend bringing along most of the list below. Of course, it is all a personal choice.
- Water bottles (if hiking, carry at least three litres of water each)
- Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Good walking shoes
- Camera
- Snacks
- Charged phone
- Insect repellent
- Wear long, lightweight clothing
- Bathers
- Quick drying towel
- Lightweight day-pack
Where to stay:
Nitmiluk Caravan Park:
The Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) Campsite/caravan park is the closest campsite to the information centre and is perfect for travellers. It is the most convenient place to stay with a pool, laundry facilities, bbq areas, two outdoor kitchens, and both powered and unpowered sites! Only a 10-minute walk away from the Gorge tours jetty, you will be able to relax and not rush to your tours and enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the gorge.
Prices:
Unpowered site (wet season):
Adult $17.50
Children: $10.50
Family Rate (2A+3C) $42.00 per night
Unpowered site (dry season):
Adult $25.00
Children: $15.00
Family Rate (2A+3C) $62.00 per night
Powered site (wet season):
$47.00 per site (based on two persons)
Additional adult $23.50, extra child $10.50
Family Rate (2A+3C) $58.50 per site, per night
Powered site (dry season):
$62.00 per site (based on two persons)
Additional adult $31.00, extra child $15.00
Family Rate (2A+3C) $79.00 per site, per night
Nitmiluk Cabins:
Located only 600 meters from the boat tour’s launch jetty, these cabins are an excellent choice for accommodation at the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. Cabins come in one-bedroom or two-bedroom sizes, including a balcony where you can relax and watch the wildlife.
Prices:
One-bedroom cabin:
Max – 2 people (1 x queen bed): $229.00 – $299.00
Two-bedroom cabin:
Max – 5 people (1 x queen bed, 1 x double and 1 x single fold down bed): $289.00 – $499,00
Cicada Lodge:
If you want a little more luxury for your stay, then the Cicada Lodge is for you. Included in your stay are sunset drinks and canapes each evening, breakfast, king or twin bedrooms, air conditioning and a private balcony.
Prices start at ~AU$415–510 per night, so it’s not for everyone, but worth looking into if money is no object for you.
Places to eat at the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge:
The Nitmiluk Cafe is the closest eatery to the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge and has the most spectacular view of the Katherine River. Situated inside the information centre, it is a great place to relax before or after visiting the gorge and a great site to plan your day with a coffee. The outside deck is where you want to be enjoying the sunset if you are not out hiking.
Dry Season (1 April–30 September):
Breakfast and lunch: 7:30am–2:30pm daily
Dinner (until late September): 5pm–8pm
Wet Season (1 November–31 March):
Kitchen: 8am–2pm
Drinks, ice creams, snacks from Tours Desk: 2pm–4pm
Things to do in the Nitmiluk Gorge:
Hikes in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge:
Due to the number of walks, I have made another post about hiking in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. There is over 100 km of walking/hiking trails in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge, so you have no excuse not to do at least one hike! The scenery and wildlife are incredible on all the hikes, and there is a hike for everyone to enjoy. Click here to find out more.
Swimming in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge:
Swimming in the freshwater pools and swimming holes in Nitmiluk National Park is incredible, but you need to know where you can swim. Multiple swimming sites around the park are open during the dry season (April–October) but can be hard to access or close due to water levels/crocodiles—always check signage and park updates first. Below I have listed the three most accessible swimming holes in the Nitmiluk National Park.
Northern Rockhole:
Half a day’s walk away from the Nitmiluk Centre, the Northern Rockhole is a gorgeous spot for a swim or picnic. It is also one of the stops on the first day of the Jatbula Trail, and a ferry ride is required to cross the Katherine River, which you can book at the visitor’s centre before departing. Furthermore, please register your walk at the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre.
Southern Rockhole:
Approx. a 5km walk from the visitors centre, the Southern Rockhole is the perfect spot to relax and cool off. It is located on the Waindolf walk to Pat’s Lookout. If you don’t feel like walking, Nitmiluk Tours also operates a ferry service to the rock hole.
Leliyn (Edith Falls):
While not precisely in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge area, it is in the same Nitmiluk National Park (~60km north of Katherine) and is the perfect spot on the way to or from Katherine to stop for a swim (plunge pool typically reopens May dry season).
Canoe tours:
Three different canoeing trips are on offer, operated by Nitmiluk Tours in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. These tours are a great way to explore the gorges independently. Great for families or people looking for a little more adventure! Please note that children six to twelve are permitted to join the canoe tours but must be in a double canoe with an adult. Children under six are not allowed to join in for safety reasons. Due to poor weather and hazardous river conditions, there is no canoe hire during the wet season (1 November–31 May). A ~AU$50–60 cash deposit is needed on the day before you start your session.
Kuluyampi Explorer:
Duration: 9.5 hours (8 am to 5:30 pm)
Available: Daily between early June – October
Prices:
Double canoe*: $110.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry 2x adventurers*
Single canoe: $125.00 per person
Beginning with a boat trip through the first gorge to the second gorge, this 9-hour tour is something you will never forget. You are allocated your canoe at the second gorge, and your real adventure begins. Experienced canoeists may reach the end of the fourth and fifth gorges. Tip: Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water with you on the trip!
Malappar Travellers:
Duration: 4.5 hours (8 am – 12:30 pm or 1 pm – 5:30 pm)
Available: Every day between June and October.
Prices:
Double canoe: $85.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry two adventurers*
Single canoe: $95.00 per person
This self-guided canoe tour begins with a boat ride to the end of the first gorge, then a short walk to the second gorge, where you will be given your canoe. If you wish to continue onto the third gorge or even further, please be aware that you must carry your canoe between the gorges.
Barrak Barrak – 2-Day Adventure:
Duration: two days, one night
Available: Daily from early June to October
Prices:
Double canoe*: $175.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry 2 adventurers*
Single canoe: $200.00 per person
A high level of fitness is required for this tour, but this is the perfect tour for avid adventurers! As per the other two tours, you will start the trip with a boat ride to the second gorge, where you are allocated your canoe. From there, enjoy the gorges at your own pace and let yourself be taken away on this incredible journey. The first campsite is at the 5th gorge, around 9km from the Visitors Centre. All guests must provide their camping gear, food and water. A permit is required for camping from Parks and Wildlife.
River cruise tours:
There are multiple different river cruise options operated by Nitmiluk Tours that explore the gorge. Below, I will briefly outline all of them for you.
NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour:
Duration: 2 hours
Available: operates daily all year
Prices:
Adults – $105-110
Children – $52-55
One of the most popular tours, this guided tour takes you through the first two gorges of the 13 gorge system that makes up the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. Learn about the names of these gorges, Nitmiluk and Blue Winged Kookaburra, and their significance to the Jawoyn People and the Dreamtime. The boat takes you to the end of the first gorge; from there, you will walk over the 400m path that leads into the second gorge. Experience some of nature’s most beautiful work.
Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Tour:
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Available: Daily from June – September at 4:30 pm; May & October on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Prices:
Adults – $210
Children (6-15 years) – $150
A two-gorge tour experience with a three-course meal prepared on the boat; if you are looking for dinner with a view, this is for you. After being greeted with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity while learning about the Jawoyn culture and history. Watch as the gorge changes colour as the sun sets and indulge on fresh, local Australian produce.
Timeless Land Three Gorge Tour:
Duration: 4 hours
Available: 9 am departures May – October daily
Prices:
Adults – $165
Children (6-15 years) – $85
Learn from expert tour guides about the almost ten thousand-year-old Indigenous rock paintings in the three gorges while taking in the stunning scenery around you. In the third gorge, you can swim in the Lillypond seasonal waterfalls or the shallow rock pools. Furthermore, depending on what time of year you take the tour, you may be able to swim in the first and second gorge rock pools as well. This is a slower, more relaxed tour, so you have time to chat and ask questions with the tour guides! Includes a small snack pack and bottle of water on the boat.
Dawn Tour:
Duration: 2 hours
Available: 7 am daily departures, May – October
Prices:
Adults – $110
Children (6-15 years) – $55
This is the perfect way to see the sunrise for all the early birds. Experience the ‘unspoilt’ beauty of the morning as the sun lights up the first and second gorges. The soft lighting is ideal for photos, so great for any photographer. The short walk between the first and second gorges offers a look at some of the incredible indigenous rock art in the gorge. You will not find a better way to start your morning at the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge than this.
Southern Rockhole Ferry
Available: Only during the summer (wet season) months of December to March.
Drop-off times: 9 am, 11 am and 2 pm.
Pick-up times: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Price
$18 one way; $36 return
The Southern Rockhole is a seasonal waterfall located in the first gorge, which is reachable either on foot (a 5km each way walk) or via ferry. The ferry will take you within 150m of the Southern Rockhole; then, you will walk the rest of the way. The path is not artificial, and some fitness and mobility is required as some rock-hopping is involved. The Rockhole is excellent for swimming, relaxing, and cooling off in the hot summer. Please note that swimming is only permitted in the Southern Rockhole when Parks and Wildlife have opened it.
Helicopter flights over the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge:
There is a range of helicopter flights available over the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge, offered by various companies. Below I have briefly outlined a few of what the companies can offer.
Nitmiluk Tours:
Scenic flights:
3 Gorge (approx 10 minutes) $120.00
8 Gorge (approx 15 minutes) $194.00
13 Gorge (approx 20 minutes) $267.00
Optional Upgrades (not available on 3 Gorge Flight):
Remote landing: $46.00
Upgrade to 17 Mile Valley: $76.00
Nitmiluk Ultimate Tour (private):
Available: year-round, seasonal swimming Dec-Jan.
Prices
$950.00 per person
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $46.00 pp 17 Mile Valley: $76.00 pp
This tour takes you to an authentic Indigenous art site, followed by a swim at a private waterfall and rockpool.
Jawoyn Rock Art Tour (Private):
Available: Summer months only (December-April)
Prices
$650 per person
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $46.00 pp – 17 Mile Valley: $76.00 pp
Fly over all 13 gorges after a relaxing swim. Fly into an incredible Jawoyn art site, and learn some fantastic facts about this ancient land and culture.
Adventure Swim Tour (Private):
Available: Summer months, December to April
Prices
$650
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $46.00 pp – 17 Mile Valley: $76.00 pp
Fly over all 13 gorges and explore private wild rockpools on this tour.
HeliSpirit:
HeliSpirit operates award-winning helicopter flights over the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge (office 8am–4pm; flights Apr–Oct; outside hours on request).
Katherine Gorge Special:
Flight Duration: 8 minutes
Cost: $119 per person
Katherine Gorge – Butterfly Gorge & Lily Ponds:
Flight Duration: 12 minutes
Cost: $189 per person
Katherine Gorge Highlights:
Flight Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: $229 per person
The Full Katherine Gorge Experience:
Flight Duration: 20 minutes
Cost: $299 per person
Katherine Gorge & 17 Mile Valley Waterfalls:
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $449 per person
Ultimate Nitmiluk Experience – Katherine Gorge & Waterfalls:
Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $649 per person
Katherine Helicopters:
Katherine Helicopters offer multiple different tours, not just over the Katherine Gorge but also Kakadu and the greater Nitmiluk National Park. They have eight tours to choose from, ranging in price from ~AU$230/person for a 20-minute flight to ~AU$2,000/person for a full-day experience with over 3.5 hours.
Cultural experiences with Nitmiluk Tours:
2hr Footsteps Tour:
Duration: 2.5 hours approx.
Available: May – October (on group request)
Prices
Adults – $105
Children (6-15 years) – $55
Learn more about the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people and their culture first-hand during this group experience. Indigenous guides will teach you about traditional methods of basket weaving, painting, how to light fires, spear throwing and even didgeridoo playing. Located at the Nitmiluk Cultural Centre, 4km from the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre at the entrance to the park.
Footsteps of our Ancestors 5 hr tour:
Duration: 5 hours approx.
Available: May – October (on group request)
Prices
Adults – $170
Children (6-15 years) – $135
This tour includes a short cultural walk, basket weaving, painting, how to light fires, didgeridoo playing and spear throwing. A BBQ lunch is provided.
Ancient Harlarr River Safari:
Duration: 2.5 hours
Available: 12:30 pm daily, May to October
Prices
Adults – $170
Children (6-15 years) – $135
Hear stories from Jawoyn Tour Guides as you cruise down the first and longest gorge. Learn about life for the Jawoyn people in the past and the geology and geography of the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. Go to a rock art site at the end of the first gorge, and depending on the time of year, you may even go swimming.
Fishing in Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge
The NT is known for great fishing, so why not throw a line in while at the gorge? Common fish in the area are Black Bream (Sooty Grunter), Barramundi (min 55cm, 5/person bag limit), Bream, Mullet and Catfish. Normal barramundi fishing controls apply. No bait fishing is permitted; lure fishing only.
No matter the reason you come to the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge, you cannot be disappointed. This experience will stay with you forever, so make the most of it while you can, and get some great photos while you are at it! If you found this guide helpful, please let us know in the comments below or share it with your friends and family!
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