 Katherine Gorge, a string of spectacular canyons interwoven by the Katherine River, continues to enrapture visitors. The gorge started life some 23 million years ago as torrents of water gushing over tiny cracks in the earth. Now it is a magnificent 180,000 hectare national park, featuring 13 gorges and sheltering tantalising glimpses of Aboriginal culture.
All gorges can be visited by foot, air or water, and the further you explore the more of Katherine Gorge you will have to yourself. The sights are magnificent: richly red crags overlooking waterholes of mirror-like clarity reflecting a clear blue sky. In the wet season waterfalls plunge into waterholes, bringing life to dramatic rock formations.
One of the most popular ways to visit Katherine Gorge is a two hour boat trip through the main waterways, or you can soak up the beauty of five of the gorges in a one-day excursion. The more adventurous can try paddling a kayak between gorges and camping along the walking trails on the way. Or a half-hour helicopter flight grants an intimate view.
Katherine Gorge, also called Nitmiluk National Park, is a wonderful spot for bushwalking, with more than 100 kilometres of spectacular walking trails ranging in length from half an hour to five days. Make sure you visit the rock art - Nitmiluk is the traditional home to the Jawoyn people, and you can still see traces of their culture in the rock paintings.
The best time to visit Katherine Gorge is between May and September.
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