Nitmiluk

Nitmiluk is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including over 206 bird species, such as ospreys, red-tailed black cockatoos, and the endangered Gouldian finch. The park's waterways harbor freshwater crocodiles, though saltwater crocodiles may enter during the wet season. Rock wallabies can be spotted on the cliff faces, while antilopine wallaroos graze in the grasslands. The park also supports numerous reptile species, including monitors and geckos. During the wet season, the gorges come alive with various frog species, and the caves provide habitat for several bat species.

The park supports diverse vegetation types, including savanna woodland, monsoon rainforest, and riparian communities. The dominant tree species include eucalyptus, particularly Darwin Woollybutt and Northern Cypress Pine. The gorge walls harbor unique plant communities, including endemic species that have adapted to grow in rock crevices. During the wet season, the landscape transforms with vibrant wildflowers, including native orchids and water lilies. The riverbanks support stands of pandanus palms and paperbarks, while patches of monsoon forest contain fig trees and native bamboo.

The park's most striking feature, the Katherine Gorge system, consists of thirteen distinct gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River over millions of years. The sandstone plateau, known as the Arnhem Land escarpment, was formed approximately 1.65 billion years ago. The gorges were created through a process of fracturing and erosion, where the Katherine River gradually cut through weak points in the sandstone. The walls of the gorges rise up to 70 meters high in places, displaying dramatic layers of red and orange sandstone characteristic of the region.

Nitmiluk National Park experiences a tropical monsoonal climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (May to September) brings warm days around 30°C (86°F) and cool nights around 15°C (59°F), making it the most popular time for visitors. The wet season (October to April) sees temperatures rise to 35-40°C (95-104°F) with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. During this time, flooding can occur in the gorge system, and some areas may become inaccessible. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1,100mm, most of which falls during the wet season.

Nitmiluk (formerly known as Katherine Gorge) has been home to the Jawoyn Aboriginal people for at least 40,000 years. The name 'Nitmiluk' means 'Cicada Place' in the Jawoyn language, referring to the cicada dreaming story of the area. The park was officially returned to its traditional owners in 1989, who then leased it back to the Northern Territory Government for joint management. European exploration of the area began in the late 1800s, with the first detailed survey conducted by Dr. Marcus Baldwin in 1879. The park was officially established in 1962 and has since become a major tourist destination.

The thirteen interconnected gorges form the park's centerpiece, with Katherine Gorge being the most famous. Visitors can explore these through boat tours, canoeing, or walking trails. The Jatbula Trail, a 62km multi-day hiking track, follows an ancient Aboriginal songline. Leliyn (Edith Falls) offers popular swimming spots and waterfalls. The park features significant Aboriginal rock art sites, some dating back thousands of years. The Nitmiluk Visitor Centre provides cultural information and displays, while the Baruwei Lookout offers spectacular views over the gorge system. During the dry season, boat cruises can navigate through multiple gorges, connected by short walks between them.