The Best Katherine Gorge Walks | Hiking in Nitmiluk National Park

The Katherine Gorge, also known as the Nitmiluk Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park, is a true gem of the Northern Territory. Located an easy 20-minute drive from Katherine CBD, you have no excuse to miss this extraordinary place if you are road-tripping through the NT. There are so many ways to explore and experience the Katherine Gorge, and hiking is one of the most beautiful and calming ways. As many other methods exist, we divided all the information into two posts. The Ultimate Guide to the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge and this one, hiking in Nitmiluk National Park – The best Katherine Gorge Walks. For all your hiking needs, this post will detail each walk in the gorge and some of the best lookouts close to the visitor’s centre!

What to bring hiking in the Katherine Gorge:

Sturdy, enclosed walking shoes
three litres of water in reusable bottles
Light daypack
Snacks
Lightweight, protective clothing and sunscreen
Insect repellent
PLB (personal location broadcaster) or satellite phone on longer walks
Cooking stove, lighters and fuel if camping overnight – no campfires allowed.
Offline or hardcopy maps of the walking trails.
Sunscreen and hat!

Things to know before hiking in the Katherine Gorge:

Try to walk early in the morning to beat most of the heat, and wear sun protection – sunscreen, light protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
Consider postponing your walk if it is sweltering – around 32 degrees Celcius plus it is too hot to walk.
Take breaks in the shade.
Three litres of water per person is suggested if you are looking at doing more than a 5km walk. There are some water tanks along the way, but only a few.
Stay informed about potential track closures due to the extreme heat.
Have a hard copy or an offline map ready to go – you can only sometimes rely on good reception in the Katherine Gorge. Download Avenza Maps for all the NT maps on the go.
Be aware that some trails are shared with mountain bikers.
Do not swim anywhere unless it is signed. Always be Croc-Wise; if it doesn’t say you can swim, assume there are crocodiles in the water.
No campfires are allowed in the Nitmiluk National Park, so overnight hikers must bring their fuel and stove.

Best looks out and photo sites in the Katherine Gorge:

Pat’s Lookout: Great views over the first gorge, not too far from the Visitors Centre. Furthermore, it is next to the Southern Rockhole, so pack your bathers!

Jedda’s Rock: The unbeatable views of the second gorge will take your breath away. Not too much further from Pat’s Lookout, so worth the extra effort to get to both.

Baruwei Lookout: The closest lookout to the visitors centre, this lookout is perfect for all visitors to enjoy without too much of a walk! With gorgeous views of the First Gorge, this is an incredible spot to watch the sunset.

Short Walks in the Katherine Gorge (from the Nitmiluk Centre):

Baruwei Loop (to Lookout):

Distance: 1.8 km; allow 45 minutes.

Difficulty: Grade 3 – moderate. Short, steep track.

Trail marker colour: Yellow.

Easy, short walk to the first Lookout with magnificent views of 17 Miles Valley and the Katherine Gorge. Track condition varies, but an overall simple trail.

Baruwei Loop (via Lookout):

Distance: 4.9km; allow 2 hours.

Difficulty: Grade 3 – moderate. Short, steep track.

Trail marker colour: Yellow.

Starting the same as the walk mentioned above, however, it continues from the Lookout along the escarpment back towards the Nitmiluk Centre. A great hike that isn’t too long or difficult.

Windolf Walk (via Gurumal Trail):

Distance: 9.1km; allow 3.5 hours.

Difficulty: Grade 3 – Moderate.

Trail marker colour: Green.

This trail has gorgeous views of the First Gorge from Pat’s Lookout, and seasonal swimming is available at the Southern Rockhole. Overall, not too hard of a hike, but it is hard in extreme heat.

Butterfly Gorge (via Yambi Walk & Gurunal Trail):

Distance: 11.8km; allow 4.5-5 hours.

Difficulty: Grade 3 – Moderate.

Trail marker colours: Blue and orange.

Mostly an inland trail, this walk is suitable for comfortable walkers looking to do a little more distance. Before dipping in the water (seasonal swimming), walk through the rainforest on this walk while taking in the calming nature around you.

Lily Ponds (via Yambi Walk & Gurunal Trail):

Distance: 21.1km; allow 6.5-7 hours.

Difficulty: Grade 4 – moderate to complex. The last 1km is rough.

Trail marker colours: Blue and orange.

Breathtaking views of the third gorge await you at the end of this trail. Moreover, you might even catch a glimpse of the seasonal Lily Pond Falls or be able to swim in the river.

Smitt Rock (via Yambi Walk & Gurunal Trail):

Distance: 23.8km; allow 8.5 hours.

Difficulty: Grade 4 – moderate to difficult. The last 2km are challenging.

Trail marker colours: Blue and orange.

Seasonal swimming is available below Dunlop Swamp at Smitt Rock. Camping is available at Dunlop Swamp, 17.8km from the Nitmiluk Centre and Smitt Rock, meaning you can change this into an overnight hike if you please. Further, please ensure you book your campsite before heading out if you are planning to camp.

Multi-day hikes in the Nitmiluk National Park:

Waleka Walk:

Distance: 18km one way, 36km return. 2-3 day hike.

Difficulty: Grade 5 – Difficult hike. Wilderness trail with track markers. Be aware of extreme heat from September – April.

Trail marker colour: Green.

Passing through Pat’s Lookout, this trail takes you to the 8th gorge. With Spectacular views along the way, especially at Jedda’s Rock which overlooks the second gorge, this hike is not to be missed if you have the time. This walk is excellent for anyone who has a few days and loves the wilderness.

Eight Gorge (via Yambi Walk & Gurunal Trail):

Distance: 33.8km; allow two days.

Difficulty: Grade 4 – moderate to difficult. Wilderness trail with track markers. Extreme heat from September to April was experienced on the trail.

Trail marker colours: Blue and orange.

Stunning views of the upper gorge area and valley with extensive rock outcrops. This walk is excellent for people looking to get away from the crowd. Seasonal swimming is available at the campsite and in the river.

Eighth Gorge and Jawoyn Valley return (via Yambi Walk & Gurunal Trail):

Distance: 38.5km; allow 2-3 days.

Difficulty: Grade 4 – moderate to difficult. Wilderness trail with track markers. Extreme heat from September to April was experienced on the trail.

Trail marker colours: Blue and orange.

Same as above, but with a walk through the galleries of the land’s traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, and rock paintings. See some paintings that are almost ten thousand years old. Again, exceptional views of the upper Katherine Gorge area. A great walk to escape the crowd and take your time admiring the ancient rock paintings.

The Jatbula Trail – Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls:

Distance: 62km, 5-6 days walk.

Difficulty: Grade 4 moderate – difficult.

Trail Marker Colour: Blue.

The Jatbula Trail is one of Australia‘s most popular multi-day hikes, and there is no question why. After the Larapinta Trail in Alice Springs, this is the next great hike in the Northern Territory. Spanning 62 km from the Katherine Gorge to Edith Falls through the remote Nitmiluk National Park, you will finish every day with a refreshing swim at the natural freshwater swimming holes at each campsite. The Jatbula Trail can only be walked one way and must take 5-6 days, no longer, no shorter, as you cannot skip a campsite. There are five campsites, with only one camp, the Sweetwater Pool, being an optional stop.

Permits are required to walk the Jatbula Trail and can sell out within an hour of release, as there are only 15 permits per day. Therefore, if this trail interests you, you must plan and prepare well ahead of time! Furthermore, you will have to have remote hiking experience and preparation. You will need to carry all your food for six days from the beginning and be completely self-sufficient. Some companies operate trail tours if you do not want to be completely autonomous. Follow the link for more information about the Jatbula Trail and how to get your permit.

The Northern Territory is one of those places you travel to that you cannot get enough of. With its rich Indigenous history and culture, stunning landscapes and gorgeous weather, there is something for everyone up here. Katherine is no exception and should be a must-visit for any traveller in the NT.

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