Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park
4.5
About
Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk National Park draws travellers from all over the world to experience its majestic beauty and sheer size of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Ancient rock art sites dot the park and the dreaming stories told by Jawoyn people bring the silent gorge walls to life.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
394 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
107
Average
12
Poor
9
Terrible
3
PeterTville
Townsville, Australia12 contributions
Aug 2021
Nitmiluk southern walks - terrible! Read before you go.
I have given this a terrible rating because of recent experience and hope to assist intending visitors. However, make no mistake, Nitmiluk Gorge does have wonderful cultural, landscape and environmental values, but your visit will be so much better if you can sort out what you want to do before you get there.
Water based experiences are probably the best (cruises, kayaks etc), unless you like overnight hikes, because the southern walks are now not what they used to be.
In its wisdom, NT National Parks have decided to make a network of mountain bike trails in the southern part of the park. They have done a really good job of construction as well as providing facilities like signage, track markers, shelter and bike repair station with all manner of tools to help fix bike breakdowns. However, many of these trails have been made on top of the existing bush walks, which creates issues for those who like bushwalking.
1 You may meet mountain bike riders coming head on or from behind with little or no warning. They travel at speed and are not expecting you on what is “their” bike path once they get going and start enjoying their ride.
2 The bike paths have been made with sweeping bends which might be good for mountain bikes, but are a pain for bush walkers, who find that the last 50 unshaded metres they walked, could have been avoided by crossing one or two metres at the start of the bend. As a result, bush walkers have made some short cuts, which will just lead to erosion.
3 Mountain bikes can’t easily ride up or down steps, so a series of stone ramps have been made to help cyclists on steep sections. These certainly don’t help bushwalkers much as they are large flat sloping rocks covered in fine sand and therefore extremely slippery - falls can and will happen. You do not want a broken leg, arm or wrist! You will have to find a way around some of these stone ramps.
4 Finally and what is the worst problem - maps and signs. There is a map of the southern walks and trails - this is on the NP website for Nitmiluk. You will need this map plus ANOTHER map for the mountain bike trails which can also be found on their site. This second map says that the mountain bike trails are part of the walking trails - it even says cyclists give way to walkers, but don’t expect this to happen always. Alas the bush walking map doesn’t tell you this important piece of info about the existence of the mountain bike trails. The mounting bike trail map also has a trail on which bush walkers are prohibited, but that won’t help you much if you have become confused and lost and taken it by mistake.
There are both good quality interpretive signage and good quality directional signage on the walking tracks, but guess what - most of them do not relate to bushwalking and only specify mountain bike trails. These are named and colour coded, but bear no resemblance to the bush walk trails. There is a system of triangular metal markers on some tracks, but the colours do not seem to match the colour coded bush walks. At times you may find orange triangles, blue triangles or orange and blue on one mark or an orange triangle on a blue triangular background. Naturally the new mountain bike trail markers (and names) are excellent, but only confuse you until you work out what has happened.
SO, GET AND STUDY BOTH MAPS BEFORE PLANNING YOUR WALKS.
CARRY BOTH MAPS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.
AT EVERY INTERSECTION, CHECK EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE ON BOTH MAPS AND WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!
Of course, prepare well and carry twice as much water as you would usually take. Walk early in the day. Wear suitable footwear, sun protection and sunscreen as most of the walks are unshaded. If you plan to do a sunset walk, bring a good torch and spare batteries.
So, armed with this information, you should be able to enjoy the southern walks far more than we did.
By the way, National Parks will tell you to download and use Avenza maps. Good luck. I tried several times but the app could not find Nitmiluk or Katherine when searched.
I have given this a terrible rating because of recent experience and hope to assist intending visitors. However, make no mistake, Nitmiluk Gorge does have wonderful cultural, landscape and environmental values, but your visit will be so much better if you can sort out what you want to do before you get there.
Water based experiences are probably the best (cruises, kayaks etc), unless you like overnight hikes, because the southern walks are now not what they used to be.
In its wisdom, NT National Parks have decided to make a network of mountain bike trails in the southern part of the park. They have done a really good job of construction as well as providing facilities like signage, track markers, shelter and bike repair station with all manner of tools to help fix bike breakdowns. However, many of these trails have been made on top of the existing bush walks, which creates issues for those who like bushwalking.
1 You may meet mountain bike riders coming head on or from behind with little or no warning. They travel at speed and are not expecting you on what is “their” bike path once they get going and start enjoying their ride.
2 The bike paths have been made with sweeping bends which might be good for mountain bikes, but are a pain for bush walkers, who find that the last 50 unshaded metres they walked, could have been avoided by crossing one or two metres at the start of the bend. As a result, bush walkers have made some short cuts, which will just lead to erosion.
3 Mountain bikes can’t easily ride up or down steps, so a series of stone ramps have been made to help cyclists on steep sections. These certainly don’t help bushwalkers much as they are large flat sloping rocks covered in fine sand and therefore extremely slippery - falls can and will happen. You do not want a broken leg, arm or wrist! You will have to find a way around some of these stone ramps.
4 Finally and what is the worst problem - maps and signs. There is a map of the southern walks and trails - this is on the NP website for Nitmiluk. You will need this map plus ANOTHER map for the mountain bike trails which can also be found on their site. This second map says that the mountain bike trails are part of the walking trails - it even says cyclists give way to walkers, but don’t expect this to happen always. Alas the bush walking map doesn’t tell you this important piece of info about the existence of the mountain bike trails. The mounting bike trail map also has a trail on which bush walkers are prohibited, but that won’t help you much if you have become confused and lost and taken it by mistake.
There are both good quality interpretive signage and good quality directional signage on the walking tracks, but guess what - most of them do not relate to bushwalking and only specify mountain bike trails. These are named and colour coded, but bear no resemblance to the bush walk trails. There is a system of triangular metal markers on some tracks, but the colours do not seem to match the colour coded bush walks. At times you may find orange triangles, blue triangles or orange and blue on one mark or an orange triangle on a blue triangular background. Naturally the new mountain bike trail markers (and names) are excellent, but only confuse you until you work out what has happened.
SO, GET AND STUDY BOTH MAPS BEFORE PLANNING YOUR WALKS.
CARRY BOTH MAPS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.
AT EVERY INTERSECTION, CHECK EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE ON BOTH MAPS AND WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!
Of course, prepare well and carry twice as much water as you would usually take. Walk early in the day. Wear suitable footwear, sun protection and sunscreen as most of the walks are unshaded. If you plan to do a sunset walk, bring a good torch and spare batteries.
So, armed with this information, you should be able to enjoy the southern walks far more than we did.
By the way, National Parks will tell you to download and use Avenza maps. Good luck. I tried several times but the app could not find Nitmiluk or Katherine when searched.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rachono
Melbourne, Australia119 contributions
Jul 2021
We enjoyed Nitmiluk with the cruise in the gorge and on the same day from a helicopter. Such an amazing location. There are walking tracks too.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fiona150462
Muswellbrook, Australia66 contributions
Jul 2021
If we could give a zero we would for the cabin accommodation. At $340 a night , it’s a filthy disgusting eye gouging rip off. Never been more disgusted by a national park accommodation. We asked to speak to the manager. Not interested. Don’t Care. Rude reception who articulated that they don’t need to worry about trip reviews. Couldn’t care less. Why? Because obviously the government fund it. DO NOT STAY HERE- EVER!
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Georgie
98 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Did the Yambi walk to Eighth Gorge from the visitor centre, return trip, over 2 days. In October, temps reach 40 degrees by midday so we advise planning to walk early in the day (6-10am). Dry heat, no rain yet. Much of track is dusty scrubland but the walk is worth it as you wind around beautiful gorge rock formations and hundreds of termite hills. At Dunlop Swamp, IGNORE the blue arrows around the toilet block; they lead to nowhere. (We spent 30 min orienteering around the area trying to find the next marker to no avail, only to backtrack and realise the path forward was just where the information board was.) Last 3km to Eight Gorge is Grade 5 wilderness track excellently signposted every 20-50m most of the way, although 3 or 4 of the markers were pointed in confusing directions, perhaps moved by nature since their original placement. Ensure you are an experienced hiker if you are attempting this last bit.
Despite this, the track is very well supported. Several rangers work at the park and they make daily 4x4 trips along Yambi Walk to fill the water tanks with clean drinking water. Tanks are situated every 2-5km, marked on the trail map. If you are walking during the hotter hours, make sure you drink and fill up at each tank station as as there is a real risk of dehydration and heat stroke. Also make sure you replace your electrolytes along the way as you will be sweating like a bull. The rangers keep an eye on who might be on the longer tracks - they noticed a car that was still parked in the centre’s parking lot after a couple of days and proactively went looking for the guy out of concern for his safety.
Camping at Eighth Gorge was a mixed experience. Had the camp to ourselves, and the sandy ground was lovely to sleep on, but there were flying and regular ants everywhere! Hundreds of baby cane toads/tadpoles by the waterhole were very cute though. Saw a small freshwater crocodile deeper in the water, far from where we were dipping. The air was very still and hot up until 11pm, when it significantly cooled and made it much easier to sleep. In this current weather, a mozzie dome would suffice for your shelter. First light was around 5.30-6am.
If you enjoy a challenging trail, having the place to yourself, and don’t mind the heat, this walk is for you. If you just want to see a little bit of Katherine Gorge without the challenge, we suggest one of the day walks or kayaking when it’s open again after COVID-19.
Despite this, the track is very well supported. Several rangers work at the park and they make daily 4x4 trips along Yambi Walk to fill the water tanks with clean drinking water. Tanks are situated every 2-5km, marked on the trail map. If you are walking during the hotter hours, make sure you drink and fill up at each tank station as as there is a real risk of dehydration and heat stroke. Also make sure you replace your electrolytes along the way as you will be sweating like a bull. The rangers keep an eye on who might be on the longer tracks - they noticed a car that was still parked in the centre’s parking lot after a couple of days and proactively went looking for the guy out of concern for his safety.
Camping at Eighth Gorge was a mixed experience. Had the camp to ourselves, and the sandy ground was lovely to sleep on, but there were flying and regular ants everywhere! Hundreds of baby cane toads/tadpoles by the waterhole were very cute though. Saw a small freshwater crocodile deeper in the water, far from where we were dipping. The air was very still and hot up until 11pm, when it significantly cooled and made it much easier to sleep. In this current weather, a mozzie dome would suffice for your shelter. First light was around 5.30-6am.
If you enjoy a challenging trail, having the place to yourself, and don’t mind the heat, this walk is for you. If you just want to see a little bit of Katherine Gorge without the challenge, we suggest one of the day walks or kayaking when it’s open again after COVID-19.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracey Mortimer
13 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Have stayed at Nitmiluk National Park (Nitmiluk Tours/Katherine Gorge campgrounds) for the past 3 nights. The grounds are nice, we are staying in the long rig powered sites and its been quite due to COVID so it has been great having lots of space. Dinner by the poolside last night was good and well priced. What lets this park down and will stop me visiting again is the state of the toilet blocks, their disgusting. They have not been cleaned since we arrived and according the the cleaning schedule on the wall it was last cleaned in March 2020. Their is no toilet paper left, has been no hand wash since we arrived and its very very dirty. During a COVID crisis you would think hygiene would be paramount, clearly not here. We have travelled all through the NT from Darwin to the Red centre and are on our way back - I would rate these toilets as bad as some of the roadhouse/servo stops we stopped at on our travelles such as Elliot. I'm a Terittorian and the state of these toilets is just embarrassing!
Clean your toilets Nitmiluk Tours and restock your bloody toilet paper and hand soap.......its not hard.
Clean your toilets Nitmiluk Tours and restock your bloody toilet paper and hand soap.......its not hard.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
david m
Port Douglas, Australia4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Gorge is amazing!
Short walks closed but no info on website. Guy behind desk couldn’t care less.
Cafe serves worst coffee and closes at same time morning gorge tour returns at 2 pm. Meagre offerings.
Short walks closed but no info on website. Guy behind desk couldn’t care less.
Cafe serves worst coffee and closes at same time morning gorge tour returns at 2 pm. Meagre offerings.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
laurie d
Kanata, Canada12 contributions
Nov 2019
The Nitmiluk National park is an absolute gem, 9 different gorges to visit and paddle through (with some portaging depending on the water level), so beautiful! Not many places to kayak inland in the Top End, this is the spot, a few hours to a few days of back country camping and kayaking, Nitmiluk has it. Great swimming throughout too!
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Antony I
3 contributions
Dec 2019
Plan on going early as it gets hot and there are sections with little or no shade.
But the views are spectacular and well worth the effort.
There are spots where you can get close to the river but you have to be wary as crocks inhabit the area.
There are many photo opportunities
Wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water. Sunscreen is a must as well as insect repellent during the wet.
We had a great time and sitting on the deck at the coffee shop sipping an ice cold locally made all natural iced coffee was the perfect cap to the day.
But the views are spectacular and well worth the effort.
There are spots where you can get close to the river but you have to be wary as crocks inhabit the area.
There are many photo opportunities
Wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water. Sunscreen is a must as well as insect repellent during the wet.
We had a great time and sitting on the deck at the coffee shop sipping an ice cold locally made all natural iced coffee was the perfect cap to the day.
Written December 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K72
Melbourne, Australia2,758 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
A lovely area in the Top End. Interesting landscapes and beautiful gorges. Katherine gorge is a highlight for sure. Deep red stones, lots of water. The NP is great to explore, camp and visit. Camp grounds are excellent. Lots of wallabies around.
Written September 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Suzi Krall
Weipa, Australia10 contributions
Aug 2019
Nitmiluk National Park is such a beautiful, relaxing and peaceful place to visit. The beauty of the gorge is just stunning, everywhere you looked took my breath away. This is a must see when visiting Katherine. Our tour guide spoke of the history of the gorge and the Traditional Owners of this area. We did the walk one day, which was hard and then came back the next day to do the river cruise. Thank you:)
Written September 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Krally08,
Thank you very much for visiting our beautiful National Park. The Gorge really is a spectacular place that has been nurturing our people and visitors from all over the world for years.
We are looking forward to welcoming you again!
Written September 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mayo4Sam
London, UK16 contributions
is there any form of transport to get here from katherine centre if you don’t have a vehicle
MAW
Melbourne, Australia300 contributions
Not that l know of, we hired a car, but to do the evening sunset cruise you also require overnight accommodation as you aren't allowed to travel with a hire car sunset and sunrise.
Thera63
Barneveld, The Netherlands14 contributions
De Entree prijs??
DwyerMandy
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
There is no charge to get into Nitmiluk National Park.
Thera63
Barneveld, The Netherlands14 contributions
Hallo een heel mooi verhaal, ik zoek op internet naar de gegevens van dit park maar nergens kan ik een indicatie vinden van gewoon de entreeprijs kan je mij vertellen wat dat ongeveer is? met vriendelijke groet,
WvdL2015
Almere, The Netherlands1,039 contributions
Hallo vakantiegangers,
Wij hebben het Nitmitluk National Park, zowel aan de Noordkant bij de Edithfalls en de zuidkant bij Catherine benaderd en hebben nergens entree geld hoeven te betalen! Wij hebben een korte route gewandeld vanwege de hitte, maar je kan ook het pad lopen, maar dan ben je wel 2 dagen onderweg!
Wat je ook kan doen is het Cuta Cuta Caves National Parc bezoeken, ligt ten zuiden van Catherine, dan kan je onderbegeleiding de Caves in, wat erg mooi is om te doen, kosten 20 dollar p.p
Ik hoop dat je er wat aan hebt!
Groeten Willy van der Linde
berrygirl73
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Hello - how safe is the drive back to Katherine at night after the sunset cruise? Is it a busy run back perhaps with fellow travellers? Thanks!
Faith W
Tieri, Australia545 contributions
You just need to slow down...watch the sides of the road for the little critters and use high beam when no other cars in front or oncoming. Don't get distracted when driving and you'll be fine.
AustraliaZuzu
Australia1 contribution
Hello, I would like to hire a double canoe on the 28th of June. Where can I hire a canoe from? Also I am interested in the sunset tour. Who operates this tour?
Susan
Sally L
Broome, Australia38 contributions
Not too sure about the sunset tour. Ask the visitors centre. Really helpful staff. And some great gifts to take home.
Luise J
Darwin, Australia
Is there a tour from Katherine to the George, i havnt got a car? Luise
VickiKatherine
Brisbane, Australia257 contributions
There are many tours to Katherine Gorge from Katherine. The Katherine Visitor Centre would have the many types of cruises, times, prices etc, there are many varied tours from Katherine. It is only 29 km from town, and tours can be met from hotels.
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editNitmiluk National Park (Katherine) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Nitmiluk National Park
- We recommend booking Nitmiluk National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Nitmiluk National Park tours on Tripadvisor