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The ultimate guide to visiting the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge
The Nitmiluk Gorge, most commonly known as the Katherine Gorge, is one of the most iconic places to visit in the Northern Territory. Located in the Nitmiluk National Park, you cannot skip a trip here. Discovered on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, explore the ancient landscape while learning about the most ancient civilisation in the world, 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
- Small day pack
- 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
Rate valid 1 November 2022 – 31 March 2023
Unpowered site (dry season):
Adult $25.00
Children: $15.00
Family Rate (2A+3C) $62.00 per night
Rate valid 1 April 2023 – 31 October 2023
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
Rate valid 1 November 2022 – 31 March 2023
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
Rate valid 1 April 2023 – 31 October 2023
Nitmiluk Cabins:
Located only 600 meters from the boat tour’s launch jetty, these cabins are an excellent choice for accommodation at the Nimiluk/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)
1 April 2023 – 31 May 2023; 1 October 2023- 31 October 2023; 1 March 2023 – 31 March 2023 $252.00 per night
$271.00 per night from1 June 2023 – 30 September 2023
1 Nov 2022 – 28 Feb 2023 $202.00 per night
Two-bedroom cabin:
Max – 5 people (1 x queen bed, 1 x double and 1 x single fold down bed)
1 April 2023 – 31 May 2023; 1 October 2023- 31 October 2023; 1 March 2023 – 31 March 2023 $316.50 per night
1 June 2023 – 30 September 2023 $343.00 per night
$250.00 per night from 1 Nov 2022 – 28 Feb 2023
To book, click here.
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 $583 per night, so it’s not for everyone, but worth looking into if money is no object for you.
Book here.
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.
Opening hours (dry season):
Breakfast and lunch – 7 am to 3 pm
Dinner (until late September) – 5 pm till 8 pm.
Opening hours (wet season):
The kitchen is open from 8 am to 2 pm, then drinks, ice creams and other snacks can be purchased from the Tours Desk between 2 pm to 4 pm.
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 100km 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 pool 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 but can be hard to access. Below I have listed the three most accessible swimming holes in the Nitmiluk National Park. Further, before heading out, please check what is open, as these locations can close due to water levels.
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. For more information on that, keep reading below!
Leliyn (Edith Falls):
While not precisely in the Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge area, it is in the same Nitmiluk National Park and is the perfect spot on the way to or from Katherine to stop for a swim.
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 (November/December – May). A $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*: $101.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry 2x adventurers*
Single canoe: $117.00 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!
Book here.
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: $80.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry two adventurers*
Single canoe: $91.00 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.
Book here.
Barrak Barrak – 2-Day Adventure:
Duration: two days, one night
Available: Daily from early June to October
Prices:
Double canoe*: $164.00 per person *doubles canoes must carry 2 adventurers*
Single canoe: $188.00 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.
Book here.
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 – $100 ($105 from April 2023)
Children – $50 ($53 from April 2023)
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.
Book here.
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 – $197
Children (6-15 years) – $141
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 sunsets and indulge on fresh, local Australian produce.
Book here.
Timeless Land Three Gorge Tour:
Duration: 4 hours
Available: 9 am departures May – October daily
Prices:
Adults – $156
Children (6-15 years) – $79
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.
Book here.
Dawn Tour:
Duration: 2 hours
Available: 7 am daily departures, May – October
Prices:
Adults – $105
Children (6-15 years) – $53
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.
Book here.
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
$17 one way; $34 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 man-made, 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.
Book here.
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) $113.50 – From 23 April $120.00
8 Gorge (approx 15 minutes) $184.00 – From 23 April $194.00
13 Gorge (approx 20 minutes) $254.00- From 23 April $267.00
Optional Upgrades (not available on 3 Gorge Flight):
Remote landing: $43.00 pp – From 23 April $46.00
Upgrade to 17 Mile Valley: $72.00 pp – From 23 April $76.00
To find out more, click here.
Nitmiluk Ultimate Tour (private):
Available: year-round, seasonal swimming Dec-Jan.
Prices
$898.00 per person
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $42.00 pp 17 Mile Valley: $72.00 pp
This tour takes you to an authentic Indigenous art site, followed by a swim at a private waterfall and rockpool.
Find out more here.
Jawoyn Rock Art Tour (Private):
Available: Summer months only (December-April)
Prices
$578.50 per person – From 23 April, $608.00
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $42.00 pp – 17 Mile Valley: $72.00 pp – From 23 April $46.00/$76.00
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.
Book here.
Adventure Swim Tour (Private):
Available: Summer months, December to April
Prices
$578.50 – From 23 April, $608.00
Optional Upgrades:
Remote landing: $42.00 pp – 17 Mile Valley: $72.00 pp – From 23 April $46.00/$76.00
Fly over all 13 gorges and explore private wild rockpools on this tour.
Book here.
HeliSpirit:
HeliSpirit operates an award-winning helicopter fight over the Nitmuilk/Katherine Gorge. Office hours are 8 am – 4 pm. However, flights can be arranged to be outside this time on request. Flights are offered between April and October. See below their flights on offers.
Katherine Gorge Special:
Flight Duration: 8 minutes
Cost: $115 per person
Katherine Gorge – Butterfly Gorge & Lily Ponds:
Flight Duration: 12 minutes
Cost: $169 per person
Katherine Gorge Highlights:
Flight Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: $209 per person
The Full Katherine Gorge Experience:
Flight Duration: 20 minutes
Cost: $279 per person
Katherine Gorge & 17 Mile Valley Waterfalls:
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $399 per person
Ultimate Nitmiluk Experience – Katherine Gorge & Waterfalls:
Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $589 per person
To book, or to find out more, click here.
(get a photo of the map from link)
Katherine Helicopters:
Katherine Helicopters offer multiple different tours, not just over the Katherine Gorge but also Kakadu and the greater Nitmuil National Park. They have eight tours to choose from, ranging in price from $220 per person for a 20-minute flight to $1970 per person for a full-day experience with over 3.5 hours of flight time. To find out more or to book, follow the link here.
Cultural experiences with Nitmiluk Tours:
2hr Footsteps Tour:
Duration: 2.5 hours approx.
Available: May – October (on group request)
Prices
Adults – $97
Children (6-15 years) – $49
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 Nitmiul Cultural Centre, 4km from the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre at the entrance to the park.
To book, click here.
Footsteps of our Ancestors 5 hr tour:
Duration: 5 hours approx.
Available: May – October (on group request)
Prices
Adults – $159
Children (6-15 years) – $125
This tour includes a short cultural walk, basket weaving, painting, how to light fires, didgeridoo playing and spear throwing. A BBQ lunch is provided. For bookings, click here.
Ancient Harlarr River Safari:
Duration: 2.5 hours
Available: 12:30 pm daily, May to October
Prices
Adults – $161
Children (6-15 years) – $129
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.
Book here.
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, 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! We love travelling and exploring, and we hope our guides here at yentldoggen.com are helping you with your adventures.
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