The Nitmiluk National Park is one of the most stunning places in the outback of Australia, home to 13 gorges, dramatic cliffs, imposing waterfalls, natural spring pools and abundant wildlife.

This year marks 40 years since the first land claim in 1978, where Nitmiluk was finally returned to the hands of the Jawoyn people in 1989. The Jawoyn people lived on these sacred lands for centuries, perfectly in harmony with nature and their ancestors, keeping their culture and their traditions alive up until today.

It was a fierce battle that turned the ‘Katherine Gorge’ into the ‘Nitmiluk Gorge’ 40 years ago.  “There was a rally put together for ‘rights for whites’,” said Jawoyn Association chair Lisa Mumbin in an interview with ABC.

The people of Katherine town were afraid the gorge would be closed off to the public while the Jawoyn people instead made plans to share their gorge, introducing visitors to the beauty of these lands and to their local culture and traditions. With the help of Nitmiluk Tours, an indigenous tourism operation that is wholly owned and operated by the indigenous Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk National Park became a true landmark of NT Australia.

Today, the Nitmiluk National Park attracts more than 25.000 visitors each year. Visitors from all over the world are taken on an unforgettable adventure in the raw and wild outback of Australia, exploring the gorges, the waterfalls, the wildlife and the Aboriginal tribes with their secret stories and their traditions. There are gorge cruises, canoe trips and helicopter flights, taking visitors straight to the heart of these ancient lands for a magical experience.