Best trails in Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park is located on the Katherine River in the Northern Territory, which explains why the park's name was originally Katherine Gorge National Park. It encompasses many beautiful gorges that you can paddle on as well as Edith Falls. In the Jawoyn language, Nitmiluk means "place of the cicada dreaming".
Top trails
1
(174)
•Easy
•1.9 mi
•Est. 57m
An easy short walk that packs a lot in close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This loops around the falls and rock pools via a steep, rocky loop through paperbark and pandanus. Stop for a swim in the upper pool of Leliyn, which is at the halfway point of the trail. It is recommended to arrive at the upper pool for sunset, it's been said it could be one of the best sunset spots in the NT.
Highlights of the walk:
- Upper Pool
- Edith Falls
- Waterfall viewpoint
2
(172)
•Moderate
•2.9 mi
•Est. 1h 17m
A 5km walk past the iconic Katherine Gorge and close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This walk is best done in an anticlockwise direction as going clockwise also involves climbing many steps. depending on the time of year it is best done in the early morning as the section away from the river is in the open and more subject to the heat of the sun. Once past the lookouts over the river and gorge, there is not a great amount of view or points of interest.
Highlights of the walk:
- ...
3
(164)
•Moderate
•7.3 mi
•Est. 2h 56m
This moderate bushwalk in Nitmiluk National Park, on the land of the Jawoyn people and close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
A wonderful trail that allows you to see some of the most accessible points of interest of the gorge in about half a day.
From the car park at the Visitor's Centre you will venture into the quintessential Top End terrain of red rock outcrops and deep river gorges. Following the Windolf Track all the way to Pat's Lookout where you can overlook the Katherine...
4
(81)
•Moderate
•0.6 mi
•Est. 18m
A short loop trail with stunning views of the iconic Katherine Gorge that is close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This walk starts with a short steep climb up to the lookout then involves climbing many steps. it heads back down to Katherine/gorge via an undulating trail. The views are incredible from almost every point on the trail.
Highlights of the walk:
- Katherine Gorge
- Baruwei Loop
5
(89)
•Moderate
•5.2 mi
This moderate bushwalk in Nitmiluk National Park, on the land of the Jawoyn people and close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
An easy to follow track starting at the visitor's centre and following the Windolf Walk just over 4kms to the beautiful views at Pat's Lookout. From the lookout, you will see boat tours operating below and see the stretches of the Katherine River Gorge in both directions with serene red rock cliffs across the river reflecting the last bits of sunlight. It is...
6
(72)
•Moderate
•7.2 mi
•Est. 3h 2m
A stunning 12km out and back hike, that is close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
The first section 4kms along the Southern Walk passs by land scape that is not that valid but its worth it to arrive at the path that heads down through rainforest with butterflies all around before arriving at Katherine Gorge. You can swim here in the deep waters of the gorge, plus there are some jumps off the rock ledges. Be aware that it can shut in certain seasons.
There is a water tank with...
7
(75)
•Moderate
•2.8 mi
•Est. 1h 7m
This beautiful walk is a tale of two swimming spots, connecting the serene Sweetwater Pool with the spectacular Leliyn (Edith Falls). The trail follows the Edith River, leading you through classic Top End landscape dotted with pandanus and gum trees. It's a relatively cruisy walk, letting you soak up the last of the peaceful bush atmosphere.
The real prize is finishing at Leliyn, a massive and incredibly beautiful waterfall and plunge pool. Plunging into the cool water is the perfect way to...
8
(50)
•Moderate
•5.5 mi
•Est. 2h 13m
A medium length out and back hike, with the option to camp, that is close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This route is the last section of the multiway Jatubla trail, but also popular as a day or overnight walk. The walk to Sweetwater Pool is is an 8.6 km return hike, with a couple of sections that are a bit of a rock scramble, but worth it to get to swim here, the pools are stunning. Camping is limited to 15 people so if you want to stay book in advance
It is recommended to head...
9
(31)
•Moderate
•1.3 mi
•Est. 39m
An easy short walk close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This horseshoe shaped out and back walk leads you by the falls up to the rock pools via a a steep, rocky loop through paperbark and pandanus. Stop for swim in the upper pool of Leliyn. Note that are closed at times between November through to April. It is recommended arrive to the upper pool for sunset , it's been said it could be one of the best sunsets spots in the NT. You can continue along the track and make this a loop...
10
(47)
•Hard
•38.3 mi
This is a spectacular multi-day backpacking trail in Nitmiluk National Park, the land of the Jawoyn people, close to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
This route is a beautiful 6-day through breathtaking Australian bush landscapes that change every kilometre from dry savannah country to escarpment, rocky, and sandy trails. Each camping area along the trail has a different waterhole or cascade nearby to cool off after a day of walking. You need to pay for the camping sites each night, and...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Nitmiluk National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Nitmiluk National Park is Edith Falls Plunge Pools via Leliyn Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 174 reviews. This trail is 1.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 380 ft.
What is the longest trail in Nitmiluk National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Nitmiluk National Park is Jatbula Trail. This trail is estimated to be 38.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Nitmiluk National Park?
There are 19 trails in Nitmiluk National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,121 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Nitmiluk National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Nitmiluk National Park has you covered. Jatbula Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 3,248 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Katherine River Southern Walking Trails to Eighth Gorge, which will get you 2,129 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Nitmiluk National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Nitmiluk National Park and the most popular is Jatbula Trail: Sweetwater Pool to Leliyn with an average 4.6 star rating from 75 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Nitmiluk National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Nitmiluk National Park and the most popular is Katherine Gorge and Baruwei Loop with an average 4.4 star rating from 172 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Nitmiluk National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Nitmiluk National Park and the most popular is Jatete Mountain Biking Trail with an average 4.0 star rating from 7 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Nitmiluk National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with waterfalls in Nitmiluk National Park, including Edith Falls Plunge Pools via Leliyn Trail, Jatbula Trail, Jatbula Trail: Crystal Falls to 17 Mile Falls, Jatbula Trail: Biddlecombe to Crystal Falls, and Jatbula Trail: Nitmiluk Gorge to Biddlecombe Cascades.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Nitmiluk National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with scenic viewpoints in Nitmiluk National Park, including Edith Falls Plunge Pools via Leliyn Trail, Katherine Gorge and Baruwei Loop, Pat's Lookout and Jedda's Rock via Windolf and Waleka Walk, Baruwei Lookout Loop, and Pat's Lookout via Windolf Walk.
Are there any trails with lakes in Nitmiluk National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a lake in Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine River Southern Walking Trails to Eighth Gorge.
Are there any trails with rivers in Nitmiluk National Park?
Yes, there are 17 trails with rivers in Nitmiluk National Park, including Edith Falls Plunge Pools via Leliyn Trail, Katherine Gorge and Baruwei Loop, Pat's Lookout and Jedda's Rock via Windolf and Waleka Walk, Baruwei Lookout Loop, and Pat's Lookout via Windolf Walk.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Nitmiluk National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with archaeological sites in Nitmiluk National Park, including Jatbula Trail and Jatbula Trail: Crystal Falls to 17 Mile Falls.