Nitmiluk National Park and the sandstone gorges of Katherine
Published on 09/04/2026 at 22:46 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Nitmiluk National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory stretches across sandstone country north-east of Katherine, where the Katherine River cuts a striking series of gorges through ancient rock. Centred on Nitmiluk, also known as Katherine Gorge, and the separate Leliyn area around Edith Falls, the park has been a protected landscape since 1977 and lies on land owned by the Jawoyn people.
Sandstone country carved by the Katherine River
Nitmiluk National Park occupies an expanse of sandstone plateau and river valleys that extends over more than 2,900 km² (around 1,100 sq mi) in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory. The park sits roughly north-east of Katherine and forms a band of protected terrain between the town and the larger Kakadu National Park to the north, linking two prominent conservation areas in the “Top End” of Australia.Nitmiluk National Park Within this landscape, the Katherine River flows across the plateau, dropping into a succession of gorges that together span several kilometres and give the park its best-known scenery.two main sections to the park
The sandstone itself forms steep walls above the river, coloured in red and brown tones that catch the strong northern light. Over time, the river has cut channels through this rock, producing cliffs, ledges and terraces beside the water. Away from the gorge, the plateau breaks into broad valleys and low rises with savannah vegetation, so that forested gullies, open grasslands and rocky outcrops sit within the same protected area.colourful Katherine Gorge with quartzite walls
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and Leliyn (Edith Falls)
The park is structured around two named sectors: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the south and Leliyn, also known as Edith Falls, in the north.Nitmiluk Gorge to the south and Leliyn to the north Nitmiluk Gorge is not a single cleft but a linked system of gorges along the Katherine River, described in park information as comprising thirteen distinct sections that extend for about 12 km (7.5 mi).a spectacular system of 13 gorges At river level the water winds between vertical rock faces, while above the gorge the terrain opens into sandstone country with scattered trees and viewpoints over the river corridor.
Leliyn (Edith Falls) lies some distance to the north of Nitmiluk Gorge and focuses on a series of pools and cascades along a different stretch of water.Leliyn (Edith Falls) to the north Here the rock shelves step down towards the falls, and walking routes lead to viewpoints above and beside the water. The two sections are separated by a drive of around 90 km, with each offering its own mix of river scenery, falls and surrounding bushland within the same national park designation.drive between the two sections
Jawoyn country, rock art and protected status
Nitmiluk National Park was proclaimed in October 1977 and later became one of the areas in the Northern Territory where traditional owners have formal rights over their land.established 19 October 1977 The park sits on Jawoyn country, and information for visitors emphasises that Nitmiluk is owned by the Jawoyn people and managed in collaboration with government agencies.Jawoyn-owned Nitmiluk National Park This arrangement reflects wider land rights settlements in the Northern Territory and means that Jawoyn culture and language are woven into how the park is presented.
Within the park there are sites of Aboriginal rock art on the sandstone walls and in sheltered areas, indicating long-standing connections between people and this landscape.Jawoyn rock art Visitor information mentions Jawoyn stories associated with the gorge and its features, and the use of the name Nitmiluk itself reflects local language rather than the earlier English label of Katherine Gorge.previously named Katherine Gorge National Park Alongside this cultural dimension, the park’s protected status helps conserve habitats ranging from riverine corridors and rainforest gullies to drier savannah areas on the plateau.
Visiting Nitmiluk National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Nitmiluk National Park lies north-east of Katherine in Australia’s Northern Territory, with the main entrance to Nitmiluk Gorge reached by road from the town.
- The terrain around the gorge includes sandstone cliffs, uneven rock shelves and walking tracks that rise from river level to higher viewpoints, requiring steady footing on some sections.
- Leliyn (Edith Falls) forms a separate section to the north, where paths lead beside cascades and pools through bushland, with short climbs to lookouts over the falls.
- The official language is English and the currency is the Australian dollar.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Nitmiluk National Park on social platforms
These links open searches for Nitmiluk National Park on each platform.Frequently asked questions about Nitmiluk National Park
Where is Nitmiluk National Park in relation to Katherine?
Nitmiluk National Park lies north-east of Katherine in Australia’s Northern Territory, with the main entrance to Nitmiluk Gorge reached by a sealed road from the town.
What should visitors expect during a visit to Nitmiluk National Park?
Visitors encounter sandstone gorges along the Katherine River, bushland on the surrounding plateau and, in the Leliyn area, cascades and pools set within savannah vegetation.
What makes Nitmiluk National Park distinctive among Australian national parks?
The park combines a linked system of river gorges, Jawoyn-owned land with Aboriginal rock art sites and twin sectors at Nitmiluk Gorge and Leliyn (Edith Falls) within one protected area.
