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

<p>Walking the rocky and remote Northern Territory terrain, <strong>Tegan Forder</strong> finds lush ravines, undulating trails, delicate native flowers and stunning sunsets</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/newsletters/2019/oct/18/saved-for-later-sign-up-for-guardian-australias-culture-and-lifestyle-email?CMP=cvau_sfl">Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email</a></p></li></ul><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/northern-territory">Northern Territory</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/sep/28/smitt-rock-eighth-gorge-nitmiluk-national-park-five-day-hike-northern-territory-spectacular">Continue reading...</a>