Northern Rockhole (9km), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Northern Rockhole is a 9km, grade 3 hike located in the Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 3.5 hrs to complete.

Length: 9km

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Grade: 3

Style: Return

Start: Nitmiluk Visitors Centre

End: Nitmiluk Visitors Centre

Location: Nitmiluk National Park

Closest town: Katherine

Northern Territory

From state capital: 345km

Longitude: 132.420788

Latitude: -14.315494

Hike summary

Northern Rockhole, in Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), is an enjoyable half day walk from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre at Katherine Gorge. It's also a lovely lunch spot on the first day of the iconic Jatbula Trail. You'll climb over dark volcanic rocks to reach the base of the falls, where you can see many layers of sedimentary rocks in the cliff face. A lovely swimming spot, in the early half of the year, is usually a single drop waterfall that you can bathe beneath. As it starts to dry out, the smooth green pool provides unusual 'must see' reflections.

You can do the return walk from the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre to Northern Rockhole in a day. Walkers must register at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and will need to book a short Ferry ride to cross the Katherine River – You can book this at the Visitors Centre.

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Gear you might need

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Location

Getting there

Jatbula Trail, Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), Katherine, Northern Territory

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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.

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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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