The southern part of the Arnhem plateau has two accessible attractions which are within Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. Edith Falls is a series of waterfalls and swimming holes from very large pools to smaller pools in a delightful setting. You can find a waterfall to swim under without too much difficulty though lots of effort is required to take on the water pressure and wind effect to get under the flowing water.  There are no concerns about saltwater crocodiles, though freshwater crocodiles that are not dangerous for visitors live in the area. 

  • Upper Falls, Edith Falls
  • Lower Falls, Edith Falls
  • View west of the flatter country

There are several short walks and the falls are very popular with Katherine residents. We visited on the weekend and it was very busy. 

  • Bat colony
  • Gorge 2

Katherine Gorge meanwhile is spectacular. The campground and headquarters are situated at the side of the gorge. Boat facilities (and a large bat colony) are situated nearby where you can take a cruise to the end of the first gorge a few kilometres away. There are subsequent boats available for travel up the second and third gorges, both a few kilometres in length. Canoes can also be hired to access the second and third gorges. We opted for canoeing which was a terrific activity and swimming is also safe in the second and third gorges. The first gorge was unsafe due to the presence of estuarine crocodiles.

  • Gorge 2
  • Gorge 3
  • Canoeing
  • View from the southern walking tracks

The layout of walking paths for views into the gorge are a bit confusing because of the configuration of the gorge. The gorge changes direction several times and runs in a direction parallel at times to the access road. You walk initially up onto an exposed plateau on the southern side of the gorge and then to viewpoints of the various sections. The views are spectacular. There are ten sections of gorge but the boats and canoes only access the first three parts, probably around 7km of length. Beyond this, it’s a solid hike along the walking tracks at the sides of the gorge. There are also mountain bike paths on the plateau accessing many of the lookouts. These would provide a pleasant alternative means of transport for walking for most of the year. It was quite exposed conditions for us even in mid July. There is also a multi-day walk (4 days, 50km or so) to Edith Falls.