Nitmiluk national park
Katherine Gorge
(http://www.nt.gov.au/nret...) - located in nitmiluk national park about 30 minutes northeast of the town. there are many ways to experience the spectacular nitmiluk national park katherine gorge and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, canoe, boat or fly. walks over the sandstone plateau range from an hour to 5 days and offer spectacular views of the gorge, as well as other landscapes. some, like the 58 kilometre jatbula trail, take in most of nitmiluk's landscapes - monsoon rainforest, stone country, upland swamp, woodland and river â while the shorter walks may not be quite so varied, but are always spectacular. you can hire canoes at the gorge, or bring your own. commercially operated 2,3.5 and 4 hour cruises are available, as are helicopter flights. rivers rising during december to april can restrict all activities but there is always something to do. swimming and canoeing are generally only activities for may to november. the cruises available vary between the 2 varying seasons. free entry
Leliyn/Edith Falls
(http://www.nt.gov.au/nret...). leliyn/edith falls is on the western side of nitmiluk national park you can enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, although it may be closed to swimming a t times during november and april. the lush, grassy campsites in this scenic bush setting make leliyn/edith falls an idyllic spot for camping. the area is also great for bushwalking. the 2.6km leliyn trail is a steep, rocky loop, offering a challenging walk. there is a chance for a refreshing swim in the upper pool of leliyn/edith falls half way around the trail. you can also enjoy the longer 8.6km return walk to sweetwater pool, a tranquil swimming hole. leliyn/edith falls is the finishing point of the 58km jatbula trail walking track, which begins at nitmiluk national park katherine gorge headquarters.
Jatbula Trail
Nitmiluk national park katherine gorge. the 58km jatbula trail features stunning scenery, waterfalls and jawoyn aboriginal rock art. the trail is a 4 to 5 day walk that is only marked in one direction, from katherine gorge nitmiluk centre to leliyn/edith falls. walkers need to make their own arrangements for transport to the gorge and from leliyn/edith falls, or alternatively, contact nitmiluk tours for transfers. the jatbula trail is a long and potentially difficult walk, however, adequate preparation will ensure a safe and pleasant trip. there is a ferry service across the katherine river as part of the walk on the first day. free entry
Other attractions
Cutta Cutta Caves National Park
(http://www.nt.gov.au/nret...) about 27 km south of katherine via the stuart highway. daily guided one hour tours of the unique cave system plus 20 minute 'tropical woodland walk' directly off car park. check tour times before you visit.
North Australian Helicopters
(http://www.northaustralia...) - lot 1224 victoria highway. tel: +61-8-8972-1666. scenic flights.