| Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge | |
 | |
| Area type | National Park |
|---|---|
| State | Australia |
| Federated state | Northern Territory |
| Institutional website | |
Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge is located in the Northern Territory, and more precisely in the Top End ofAustralia, about 30 km from Katherine, or 350 km south of Darwin.
To know
This park is normally visited by all the tourists and travelers who follow the way from Darwin to Alice Springs or al Uluru (Ayers Rock). Katherine it remains the only truly inhabited center and, from here, the visit can also be done in a day, if you do not have much time available. The park is one of the most visited in the Northern Territory, and with good reason, as the gorge (canyons) formed by the Katherine River are truly magnificent and unique in both the dry and rainy seasons. The Edith Falls (Leliyn) are also part of the park even if to get there you have to follow the Stuart Hwy and return inland, in total 60 km from Katherine.
Geographical notes
The valley of the Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge it is magnificent and in some places the vertical walls seem to never end. If the visit is in the dry season, the river can be navigated with a canoe or with a boat from the park. In the rainy season, the rapids become worse and the passage between the 13 gorges (canyons) can also be impressive in drama. In this case, a walk to the top of the canyon is recommended.
Flora and fauna
The park's animal life and plants are typical of the Top End. One of the most sighted animals is the goanna, a harmless and shy lizard. Do not be afraid. At sunrise and sunset, on the other hand, you can easily spot kangaroos. The birds are the masters with over 150 species in the rain season and much less in the dry one.
The forest all around is mainly covered by small trees typical of the North ofAustralia, of a very intense brown color, almost red. The vegetation changes completely if the visit is made in the rainy season when the green is dominant and the water can cover a good part of the gorge.
When to go
There are mainly two seasons and the recommended season for visiting is the dry one, from mid-May to October. In July and August, temperatures rise throughout the day, so remember to always bring plenty of water with you.
In the rainy season, the show can also be dramatic in some passages between the 13 gorges, but the visit can be more complicated if not impossible on foot, leaving only the helicopter as an alternative. Check the weather and conditions of the area before the visit, taking it as a reference Katherine, city center not far away.
Background
The park was only declared such in 1962 and named Katherine Gorge National Park. Only in 1989 the real owners of the place, the aborigines of the Jawoyn group, managed to legally take possession of it to rename it Nitmiluk and rent part of the territory. Still today the Jawoyn are part of the directorate, as a majority, for the management of the park.
How to get
The nearest inhabited center is Katherine about 30 km with an asphalted road. There are no petrol stations along the way, so plan at least 70–80km of automatic before leaving town.
By car
Rent a car a Katherine and walk the 30 km to get to the park, no problem. If in a group of people the car can be an advantageous option, as well as comfortable, otherwise Travel North [1]. Print the map [2] for the main and interesting points and places of the region.
By bus
Travel North is the only official bus company that connects Katherine with the Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge. Check on the website for timetables that can change from year to year and also according to the season and conditions.
Permits / Rates
Admission is free. Only if you want to camp in the park you need to apply for a permit ($ 4 per night).
How to get around
Download a map [3] of the Nitmiluk National Park - Katherine Gorge. Here you will have a macroscopic view of the area. It soon becomes clear that hiking is the best way to experience the park. A great alternative is also the canoe to go up the river.
What see
- Katherine Gorge. Perhaps the most interesting part of the park. Go up it with the canoe, a unique experience without any particular risk. Crocodiles have been sighted but mostly freshwater, more harmless. The park guides recommend the experience without doubting about safety, so don't be afraid. An alternative is to follow the route to the side of the gorge, there are several walks that will take you from the first gorge (8 km, Windolf) to the eighth (33 km, complicated and with one night included, Eighth Gorge)
- Leliyn (Edith Falls). If you come from Darwin stop here before you get to Katherine (about 40 km). A journey that goes around the two pools and the waterfalls that form along the river. Magnificent, perfect for a photo shoot, from film.
- Jatbula Trail. This is a walk that you will only want to do if you have days available (4-5) and you are fit. 66 are the km that separate Katherine Gorge from Leliyn (Edith Falls), in the middle you will be rewarded by three waterfalls that form excellent pools to regain energy.
What to do
The main recreational activities are related to walking in the sites listed above. Other possibilities:
- Nitmiluk Tours, ☎ 61 1300 146 743.
$ 35-60 (canoe), $ 75-595 (helicopter), $ 56-126 (cruise). This is the park's official tour operator, a security, run by the local aborigines. Rent a canoe for the whole day and go up to the third gorge. Pay attention to the second gorge that you will have to take the canoe with you, but don't worry. At the first gorge, instead, leave it and take another one beyond the rapids. Small bins and bags are available to store your things and shelter them from the water. Helicopter trips are also available here.
$ 35-60 (canoe), $ 75-595 (helicopter), $ 56-126 (cruise). This is the park's official tour operator, a security, run by the local aborigines. Rent a canoe for the whole day and go up to the third gorge. Pay attention to the second gorge that you will have to take the canoe with you, but don't worry. At the first gorge, instead, leave it and take another one beyond the rapids. Small bins and bags are available to store your things and shelter them from the water. Helicopter trips are also available here.Shopping
There are no particular shops for buying souvenirs.
Where to eat
There is not much choice for eating, drinking and sleeping. There is only the bar in the Visitor Center.
- Nitmiluk Bistro (Nitmiluk Center), ☎ 61 (08) 8972 1253. 10$-25$. Breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. The only option in the park.
You can also buy water at Katherine
Where stay
- Nitmiluk Caravan Park (Nitmiluk Center). 20$. The only campsite in the park, visited at sunset by kangaroos and sometimes by goannas, lizards.
Safety
No problem with theft or crime, of course. Just beware of possible snakes, even if they are rare. If you are camping, remember to always close the tent, so as not to find surprises at night.
How to keep in touch
Telephony
The signal for the mobile phone is not the worst. Telstra remains the only operator able to cover most of the territory. If you plan to venture along the Jatbula Trail, consider renting a satellite phone.
Other projects
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