Vast and spectacular: a five-day hike to Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge in Nitmiluk national park

"The first day of a multi-day hike is often filled with optimism, despite the heavy load on your back. You're leaving a busy life behind and venturing into the bush where constant phone notifications can't reach you. Our merry band of hikers four adults and three kids have opted for a five-day walk encompassing Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge in Nitmiluk national park, 30km north-east of Katherine in Australia's Northern Territory."

"The park covers a vast area, including 13 spectacular gorges carved out of rusty red sandstone. In the Jawoyn Dreaming story, the water flows through tracks made by Bolung, also known as the Rainbow Serpent. Tegan Forder navigates the rugged path: It's a rocky challenge for my poor ankles.' Photograph: Claire Salter During the dry season Nitmiluk cicada place (Katherine) Gorge is a magnet for adventure seekers and day trippers from the luxury cross-country train The Ghan."

"Hiking can be a quieter way to explore the park, as some areas can only be reached on foot. After a night in the Nitmiluk campground, we set off. Our packs strain at the seams, with enough water for the warm day ahead, as well as food for the entire hike. We start following the Yambi Walk to Smitt Rock, our first campsite on the trail."

"Rated a grade-four track, it's a rocky challenge for my ankles and, while I think the kids will require regular breaks, it's me who needs to rest. We're rewarded with expansive views across rocky country, with glimpses of the lush gorges below. As we traverse an escarpment, we're surrounded by native grasses, bright green pandanus and sprays of purple, red and yellow dry-season flowers, some sprouting in areas where fires have been."

Four adults and three children undertake a five-day walk to Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, 30km northeast of Katherine. The park contains 13 gorges carved from red sandstone and holds Jawoyn Dreaming of Bolung, the Rainbow Serpent. Hikers carry heavy packs with water and food and follow the Yambi Walk to Smitt Rock, a grade-four rocky track that strains ankles. The route offers expansive rocky-country views and glimpses of lush gorges. Traversing an escarpment reveals native grasses, pandanus and bursts of dry-season wildflowers in fire-affected areas. A detour to Lily Pond Falls requires a steep descent and promises cold water for immersion.

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