Nitmiluk Gorge

Officially named Nitmiluk Gorge, which is the Indigenous Jawoyn word for the cicadas associated with the creation stories of the area, this stunning canyon (also known as Katherine Gorge) formed by the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park is actually a series of 13 gorges, each separated by a jumble of boulders. The gorge is 12 km (7½ miles) long, and in many places the red rocky walls are almost 230 feet high. During the wet season (November through April), the gorges are full of raging water and saltwater crocodiles, but during the dry season you can hire canoes or take a cruise to explore them up close. Rangers clear the river of dangerous saltwater crocodiles at the start of each season so you can also swim, if you aren't bothered by freshwater crocodiles (which aren't known for attacking humans but can bite if provoked).

While you're in the area, it's also worth checking out the beautiful Leliyn (Edith Falls) 60 km (37 miles) north of Katherine.

All visitors to Nitmiluk Gorge National Park require a parks pass, which must be purchased online in advance (nt.gov.au/parks/parks-pass). It costs A$10 for a one-day pass, A$30 for a two-week pass, or A$60 for an open pass, which is valid for one year.