A visit to Nitmiluk Gorge, formerly Katherine Gorge, is an incredible, not to be missed experience, when in the Northern Territory. A must to visit by boat, but if you have the time, a bird's eye view will blow you away!
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Location
Nitmiluik Gorge, formerly Katherine Gorge, is located in Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. The National Park is located on the lands of the Jawoyn people.
The Gorge is a 30 minute drive from the township of Katherine on the sealed Gorge Road. Just follow the signs and you will find it.
If traveling from Darwin it is a three hour drive along National Highway 1. The distance is 292 kilometres.
By Plane
Experiencing Nitmiluk Gorge by plane is possible through Katherine Aviation. They are based at Katherine Domestic Terminal at Tindal Airport just eight kilometres south of Katherine.
If you are staying in Katherine and want to the experience the gorge and surrounds from the air, plane is a great option.
Not only will you see the gorge from a bird's perspective, you will also see the surrounding landscape, Katherine and waterfalls from the air. It really is an amazing experience.
My Katherine Gorge plane experience was part of my trip on The Ghan with my dad. We had both visited the gorge before and experienced seeing it via boat. Which is an incredible experience as well.
Therefore we wanted to see the gorge from the air. I was amazed at how tiny the gorge looks against the vast wilderness of the Never Never. Seeing how the river cut its way through the landscape.
Not only did we see the vast lands of the Jawoyn people, we experienced seeing waterfalls, indigenous land management of burning off (helps prevent bush fires), escarpments, billabongs, Katherine and its surrounds.
By Helicopter
Alternatively you can view the gorge from the air in a helicopter. Personally if you have the time and money I suggest first doing a boat cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. Then finish your visit with a helicopter flight.
Nitmiluk Scenic Flights are located 3km from the Nitmiluk Centre within the Nitmiluk National Park. There are a variety of flight packages to choose from. You can experience three, eight or all 13 of the gorges that make up Nitmiluk Gorge.
They can even arrange to land on a rock escarpment for a photo opportunity. Or include visiting some rock art and a swim.
Recommended Tours
Nitmiluk Tours are the go to people if visiting Nitmiluk Gorge. They offer gorge experiences as well as cultural experiences. Also the people to contact for Helicopter tours.
If you are planning a day trip from Darwin to visit the gorge, we suggest the below full day Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls tour.
Suggested Accommodation
If visiting the gorge we highly suggest staying in Katherine. Or stay at the luxe accommodation at Cicada Lodge in the park itself.
As mentioned if your wallet allows, and time allows a cruise and a helicopter flight, that's my suggestion to visit the gorge. If it's a return trip to Katherine why not take a plane trip out to see the area like you have never seen it before.
Sara xxx
More Northern Territory Travel
There are endless things to do in the Top End. A couple of our favourite things is watching the sunset over the beach with a cold beer at the Darwin Ski Club, and going for a Darwin pub crawl.
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