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Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge The deep gorge carved through sandstone by the Katherine River is the central attraction of this 292.008 hectare National Park. Upstream, the gorge widens into a broader valley which forms the southern most portion of the Arnhem Land plateau. Swamplands cover the plateau and are surrounded by dry sandy woodland. During the "dry season" (April - September) the Katherine River flows quietly in sections separated by rocks and boulders, while in the "wet season" floodwaters surge through the gorge. Edith Falls Edith Falls is located in the western boundary of the Park. This picturesque waterhole is a favourite stopping point for visitors travelling northwards. Edith Falls can be reached by travelling the Stuart Highway northwards from Katherine for 40 kms and then following a bitumen road for 20 kms. Facilities include an ablution block with toilet and shower facilities, basic park furniture of wood barbecues and tables. Please collect your firewood before entering the Park. The campground at Edith Falls has unpowered sites only. When To Visit The most comfortable months to visit the park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities available. The access road may be cut off for short periods during peak flooding times. Access The main entrance is located 30kms north-east of the township of Katherine. Access is by sealed road. What To See And Do
Visitor Facilities There are two types of camping in the Park. You can stay at the permanent campgrounds at the Gorge or Edith Falls where there is plenty of car parking, tent and caravan sites. Powered (Gorge only) and unpowered sites are available. A small fee is charged for bush camping. Check at the Visitors Centre for availability of sites and to ensure that water is still available. Elsewhere in the Park, bush camping areas have been established for walkers and canoeists who intend to stay overnight. Toilets are provided at some camping areas and a source of water is almost always available nearby. Check at the Visitor Centre first. There are several designated camping areas along the river but the numbers are restricted, so be sure to allow plenty of time to register. Fires are allowed in the established camping areas on the walking tracks system. However, fires are not allowed at the camping areas in the gorge system and campers must supply their own cooking gear and fuel. Picnic areas provide wood barbecues, picnic furniture and toilet facilities. The launch tour boat jetty and canoe hire are located adjacent to the boat ramp. A public swimming area is provided in the picnic area. Information on the flora and fauna, geology, walks, activities and other points of interest can be found at the Information Centre at Katherine Gorge. Boating Private vessels are prohibited from the gorge system during the peak visitor period from 1 June to 31 August each year. At other times, unless the river is closed due to the wet season, private vessels are restricted to the first gorge, due to rock bars that occur between the gorges. Vessels must be under four meters in length and are limited to 10 hp motors and the speed limit is seven nautical miles per hour. Waterway rules apply and rock hazards can be a problem to boaters. All private vessels must be registered at the Visitor Centre prior to launching. Protect Our Park
For Further Information Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
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