Nitmiluk National Park, Nature reserve in Northern Territory, Australia.
Nitmiluk National Park protects a 12 km chain of thirteen gorges cut by the Katherine River into the Arnhem Plateau, with sandstone walls up to 70 m high. The river links the gorges, which separate in the dry season and join in the wet. Edith Falls lies at the park's western edge.
The park received official protection as a national park in 1989, representing a major step in safeguarding the natural environment of the Northern Territory. However, the Jawoyn people have inhabited and cared for this landscape for thousands of years before formal recognition.
The name Nitmiluk means "place of the cicada dreaming" in the Jawoyn language. The Jawoyn are the park's custodians, and it was handed back to them; it is jointly managed with the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory under their traditional laws. Historic rock paintings remain in the park, and the Jatbula Trail follows a route generations of Jawoyn walked between Katherine Gorge and Leliyn.
The park offers access through two main areas: the Katherine Gorge closer to town and Leliyn Falls further north. Bring plenty of water and check conditions before visiting, as wet season rains can affect road access and water levels.
The Jatbula Trail follows a route walked by generations of Jawoyn people between Katherine Gorge and Leliyn. It is named for Peter Jatbula, who helped secure land rights for his people and walked the route with his family; relatives still live in the area and help look after the country.
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