Nitmiluk National Park
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| Nitmiluk National Park | |
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| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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| Nearest town/city: | Katherine |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 2,920.99 km² |
| Managing authorities: | Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory Aboriginal traditional land owners (the Jawoyn people) |
| Official site: | Nitmiluk National Park |
Nitmiluk National Park which is in the Northern Territory of Australia, 244 km southeast of Darwin, has been established around a series of gorges on the Katherine River and Edith Falls. Previously named Katherine Gorge National Park, its northern edge borders Kakadu National Park.
These gorges and the surrounding landscape have great ceremonial significance to the local Jawoyn people, who are custodians of Nitmiluk National Park.
In Jawoyn, Nitmiluk means place of the cicada dreaming.
The gorges can be explored by canoe and flat bottomed boat. In the dry season the gorges become separated as the level of the river falls. They are interconnected in the wet.
There is a visitor centre located at the Katherine Gorge, about 30 km east of the town of Katherine. Information displays are set up that explain the geology, landscape and aboriginal history of the National Park. Tours can be booked at the centre or at the visitor centre in the town.
[edit] Katherine Gorge
Katherine Gorge, a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River, is the central attraction of the park. Katherine Gorge is made up of thirteen gorges, with rapids and falls, and follow the Katherine River, which begins in Kakadu.
During the Dry, roughly from April to October, the Katherine Gorge waters are placid in most spots and ideal for swimming and canoeing. There may be freshwater crocodiles in parts of the river. Cruises of various lengths go as far as the fifth gorge.
[edit] Jatbula Trail
The Jatbula Walk is a 66km walking trail from Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk Visitors Centre to Edith Falls, which takes four to five days. Along the trail are the Biddlecombe Cascades, Crystal Falls, 17 Mile Falls, and Leliyn (Edith Falls).
See also: Protected areas of the Northern Territory (Australia)
 Katherine Gorge |
 Prob. George 6 form the air. |
 Edith Falls |
