Fishing

Mataranka & Roper River

Roper River

This is one of the world’s truly great rivers. The headwaters at Mataranka have crystal clear springs flowing into it all year and are the starting point for a 250km journey east to the sea. The river travels through the largest stand of Livistonia rigida palms in the world and its beautiful emerald green waters are home to the famous barramundi. The river flows through Elsey National Park – launch your own boat at the 4 mile or 12 Mile Yards (maximum 15 horse power outboard) and catch barramundi. There are some great bushwalks in the national park. A moderate 8km return walk to Mataranka Falls (Korowan) takes you down the Roper River to the tufa dams that traverse it and form gentle rapids. Alternatively, take a picnic basket and enjoy the solitude of Stevie’s Hole, a short 1.2km walk from Mataranka Homestead.

Connection to country

Nitmiluk

The traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people of Katherine welcome you to Nitmiluk – the place of the cicada dreaming. Our vision is to create authentic and unforgettable holiday experiences, sharing and sustaining the ancient cultures and stories of the Jawoyn people. To be leaders in driving Aboriginal tourism growth by taking a proactive and strategic approach to promoting

the destination and the Northern Territory in its cultural context. Through sustainable and culturally sensitive business practices becoming advocates for showcasing immersive Indigenous and nature- based outback adventures.

We welcome you to our land and invite you to experience our culture, to enjoy our outback tours and to learn the secrets and stories of our culture and our traditional lands.

Nitmiluk Centre

The Nitmiluk Centre is your base to explore the National Park. Here you’ll find informative displays outlining the Jawoyn connection to country and culture, geology, landscape and Aboriginal history. The centre offers a souvenir shop, toilet facilities and a kiosk overlooking the Katherine River. You can contact the centre on 1300 146 743.

Adventure the way you want it

Nitmiluk

There are a number of different ways to explore the Katherine River Gorge system.

Boat cruises

Boat cruises operate through the gorge and offer guided commentary explaining its history. There are a variety of cruise options, which vary depending on the season, including high powered speed boats during the Top End Summer.

Bush walking

The park has over 100 kilometres of marked walking trails, leading to various waterfalls and lookouts.

Canoeing

Paddling up the gorge is a rewarding experience enabling you to encounter wildlife and travel at your own pace. Half day, full day or overnight trips, staying in one of the bush camps located along the gorge, is available. For overnight canoe trips you will need to book the campground online before departure.

Fishing and boating

Regulations govern fishing and the use of private boats and canoes in the gorge. Fish size, bag limits, locations and motor sizes are restricted and only lure fishing is permitted within the gorge. It is advised to check with Parks and Wildlife Rangers to maximise your enjoyment of these activities, seasonal closures to boats apply.

Jatbula Trail

The Jatbula Trail is an iconic five day walk, covering 62 kilometres of tropical bushland. The walk begins at the Nitmiluk Centre and ends at Leliyn (Edith Falls). All walkers must register before completing overnight walks. Registrations open February and book out fast.

Leliyn (Edith Falls)

Leliyn (Edith Falls) is part of Nitmiluk National Park and is accessed from the Stuart Highway, 46 kilometres north of Katherine then following a sealed road for another 20km. Adjacent to the car park at the base of Leliyn (Edith Falls) is a large pandanus fringed plunge pool, which is a popular swimming area. The park offers a variety of walking tracks, including the Leliyn Trail which is a 2.6-kilometre round trip that climbs to the top of the escarpment and then down to the upper pools. The walk offers fantastic views over the waterfalls and the Edith River and swimming is allowed in the beautiful Upper Pool. A longer 8.6 kilometres return walk will take you to Sweetwater Pool, a beautiful secluded swimming hole on the Edith River.

A picnic area and campground (non-powered sites only to be booked online before arrival) are provided near the base of the falls. Both areas are well shaded and grassed. A kiosk offers food and drinks. During the Top End Summer rains, the plunge pool may be closed for swimming and access to the park may be restricted at these times. No pets, fishing or generators.

Scenic flights

Helicopter flights offer a variety of options, depending on the extent of the gorge system you wish to see. These scenic flights provide an excellent view of the Arnhem Land plateau.

Connection to country

Kathrine & Big Rivers

Whenever you travel in the Katherine Region, you’ll pass through country traditionally associated with different Aboriginal language groups. The first people of the area were the Jawoyn and Dagomen people. Aboriginal people are proud of their land and welcome visitors who come to learn about their country and culture.

The Katherine and Big Rivers Region stretches from Dunmarra in the south, to the Daly River region in the north. From east to west, it embraces both the Queensland and Western Australian borders and in total covers around 480,000 square kilometres. The region boasts the magnificent Nitmiluk National Park.

Katherine is a modern town located 317km south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway, an area the size of Victoria, it’s the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory. Katherine is often referred to as the ‘Crossroads of the North’, as the Explorer’s Way and Savannah Way lead north, south, east and west from this point.

Surrounding Katherine, you will discover such treasures as Borroloola and the Gulf Region across the Roper River – Elsey National Park, Mataranka Thermal Pools, the majestic scenery of the Victoria River Region, Pine Creek and the Douglas and Daly River areas.