Windolf Walk in Nitmiluk National Park

The climb to the first viewpoint is already quite disappointing: via an endless series of stairs we finally reach Baruwei Lookout. It’s barely 9:00 in the morning and we are already drenched in sweat. However, the viewpoint is worth it double and thick. We have a beautiful view of the Katherine River and the canyon it has carved. We already see a boat sailing on the water, but apart from that, it looks calm and deserted. Our ears can also enjoy absolute silence here, just like in Litchfield National Park.

The path to the next lookout point goes through a typical monsoon landscape filled with dry and partially burnt eucalyptus trees. What beautiful trees: with their black trunk, white branches, and green canopy, they contrast beautifully against the bright blue sky. The landscape we are walking through is truly captivating, and this is really a lovely part of the hike. After a good five kilometers, we reach Pat’s Lookout. Again, we have a beautiful view of Katherine Gorge, this time at a bend in the river. We take a short break to catch our breath and eat our lunch. It is wonderfully peaceful here and we enjoy the silence and the impressive nature around us.

The path to the last viewpoint, Jeddas Rock, is less than a kilometer further, but the trail becomes rougher and less pleasant to walk on. The path is very uneven and less clear. Many turn back at Pat’s Lookout. However, since we want to visit an extra viewpoint and take a loop hike, we continue on. In hindsight, that turns out to be a mistake. Not only is Jeddas Rock an insignificant viewpoint that offers nothing new compared to the two previous panoramas, but the hiking trail also worsens. A large part of the return journey involves scrambling and climbing over large rocky blocks.

The sun is blazing, it’s 41° and here we are climbing. Moreover, the landscape remains unchanged: still beautiful, but not really surprising anymore after more than ten kilometers. Meanwhile, we are increasingly bothered by swarms of flies as the day progresses. Luckily, we come across two drink stations along the way with purified water to refresh ourselves from time to time and especially to drink enough. In any case, we are both very happy when the finish line is finally in sight.

Of course, Windolf Walk is a beautiful hike, but we would recommend sticking to Burawei Lookout and Pat’s Lookout. Feel free to return via the same path afterward, and you can look back on a wonderful adventure.