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 Visitor Centre

End: Nitmiluk Visitor Centre

Location: Nitmiluk National Park

Closest town: Katherine

Northern Territory

From state capital: 345km

Longitude: 132.42121160232543

Latitude: -14.315452545849421

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Check the weather

Warning

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

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.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 8769 m
Max elevation: 158 m
Min elevation: 116 m
Total climbing: 253 m
Total descent: -253 m

Download file: Northern Rockhole.gpx

Tips

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

Trail location

Getting there

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.

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Gallery

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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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Susie Bell

Sue Rodwell Dee Dickson ?

02/07/2020, 17:02

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Acknowledgement of Country

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