Katherine Gorge is in the Nitmiluk National Park around 244 km from Darwin, the State Capitol of Northern Territory. Many tours embark from Darwin but the closest town is Katherine, at only 30 or so kilometres from the park. Katherine is service by Buses, Rail and domestic Flights from Darwin. Due to the wet season and the heat, the best time to visit is in the dry, May through September. The park itself is serviced by daily bus services from Darwin and Katherine.
There are all sorts of accommodation in and around Katherine including Resorts, Hotels, Motels, Inns, Apartments, Backpackers, Caravan and Camping Sites. At Nitmiluk NP itself there are Chalets, Caravan and Camping Sites.
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In Nitmiluk National Park which borders Kakadu, the Katherine River meanders through the town of Katherine to join the Daly River. In one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Australia, Edith Falls flow into the awesome 12 kilometre long Katherine Gorge with its 70 metre high stunning sandstone cliffs. Made up of 13 gorges with falls and rapids, the 23 million year old Katherine Gorge is a must see experience when traveling the Top End.
Renamed when returned to its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk means ‘cicada dreaming’ which, as well as the gorge and surrounding landscape, figures significantly in their cultural history.
The park is known not only for its awesome landscape but its wildlife as well. Relatively harmless Fresh Water Crocodiles inhabit much of the gorge system; the dangerous Salt Water Crocodiles do invade during the wet season but rangers try to remove them at the beginning of the dry. Bird Lovers will enjoy the park as well with Ospreys, Red Winged Parrots, Great Bowerbirds, Red Tailed Cockatoos and much more to see.
A bush walker’s paradise there at least 100 kilometres of trails in the park including the renowned Jatbula Trail. A challenging and rewarding journey, the 4-6 day 58 km trek covers the length of Katherine Gorge all the way to Edith Falls. A highlight of the walk is the Northern Rockhole, fed by a tall plunging waterfall; the pool is a great place for swim during the dry.
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