Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 157m
Min elevation: 117m
Total Ascent: 84m
Essential information
Temperatures across the Northern Territory can be very hot between October and April. It can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some locations. High humidity in the Top End can also make you tire easily. Check forecast temperatures before you visit. Find out how to prepare and stay safe in the heat.
Hike overview
Walking trails in the Park vary in difficulty and length. The Baruwei Lookout Walk walk has varying conditions, but are mainly a short, steep track with an average level of fitness required and are graded as moderate difficulty. The Baruwei Lookout Walk provides views of the picnic area, Katherine Gorge and 17
Mile Valley.
Stay on the marked trails at all times. Trail markers are usually located every 20-50 metres. Intersections are marked by sign posts. If you have walked for 100 metres without seeing a marker, go back to the last marker and find the next marker. Be aware that worn paths through the bush are often animal tracks, not the walking trail.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Practical information
It can be extremely hot between September and April. Temperatures on the escarpment are often 10o C hotter than near the river. Walk in the cool of the day and drink plenty of water. Check at the Nitmiluk Centre for the availability of drinking water
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 157 m
Min elevation: 117 m
Total climbing: 84 m
Total descent: -84 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Nitmiluk National Park.
The network of trails begin near the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. The park’s main entrance is located 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine via a sealed road. Keep a watch out for the many Wallabies €“ a small Kangaroo €“ that are inquisitive of visitors and haven’t yet learned the road rules. Katherine is approximately 320 kilometres southeast of the Northern Territory’s capital, Darwin.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Adelaide River, Barunga, Beswick, Daly Waters, Edith Falls, Jabiru, Jilkminggan, Katherine, Larrimah, Leliyn, Mataranka, Pine Creek
About the region
Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light. Nitmiluk National Park, just 30 kilometres north-east of Katherine, covers a vast area, including 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient sandstone country which stretch for as far as the eye can see. Explore the world-famous park and gorge country on foot, by canoe, boat or helicopter. Accommodation is available within the National Park. Choose from camping, to chalets through to the upmarket Cicada Lodge. Nitmiluk National Park has something for everyone.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Nitmiluk National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.




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