If you’re after breathtaking views and unparalleled natural scenery then Nitmiluk National Park in Australia is for you. It won’t be easy to get there … but the journey will be worth it.
While the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia gets most of the attention, the neighbouring Nitmiluk National Park is actually more spectacular.
Located around four hours’ drive south of Darwin, it is during the wet season – November to April – that you should visit it.
Massive electrical storms put on an awe-inspiring display, transforming the park’s Katherine River waterfalls into thundering cascades.
The river boasts 13 spectacular sandstone gorges, a myriad birdlife that converge on the wetlands, as well as an estimated 3 000 rock art sites.
The Hard Bit
Apart from literally travelling to the other end of the earth to get there, to explore the area will require a good pair of walking shoes.
There are various trail options that range in length from a couple of hours to three days, and all start at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre.
Most of the rock art sites in this remote gorge system are only accessible by helicopter, though.
Other activities To Try
The Nitmiluk National Park has something for everyone. There’s a variety of activities for all pockets including
- helicopter rides (which are the best way to see the gorge system),
- canoeing,
- camping and
- fishing (which is one of the most popular activities so don’t forget your fishing rod).
The park also has picnic facilities with gas barbecues, tables and toilets, a swimming area and a fully equipped visitor centre with information, interpretive displays, cafe, souvenir shop and tour booking desk.
Getting There
SAA flies daily to Perth from Johannesburg. From there, catch a connecting flight to Darwin with SAA code-share partner Virgin Australia.
From there, it is a 3,5-hour drive to the town of Katherine and the park is 30 minutes’ drive outside of Katherine. Visit flysaa.com
