John and Steph (The Katherine Cowboys)

John and Steph are the proud owners of the family run business, Katherine Helicopters. These two love what they do and with a daily birds-eye view of a place like Nitmiluk National Park, it’s not hard to see why!

Video:Real People, Real Territory: John and Steph

An office with a view

Katherine Helicopters, based in the big smoke of Katherine (population: 8,000), offers an unforgettable way to explore the region. With two Bell Helicopters in their fleet, they provide a variety of scenic flights over Katherine and the world-renowned Nitmiluk National Park.

John, who owns and operates the tours, thrives on the freedom of soaring through the skies.

People can’t believe how wild it is up here,” he says. “From floodplains and crocodiles to rough hills and different terrain.

— John

AERIAL OF NITMILUK — Nitmiluk National Park from the sky.

More than the gorge

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge draws people from all around the world to marvel at its 13 stunning gorges carved into the breathtaking sandstone country. But Nitmiluk National Park offers far more than just the iconic gorge. The park is home to spectacular waterfalls, including Leliyn (Edith) Falls, Crystal Falls, Northern Rockhole, and the seasonal Southern Rockhole. For the even more adventurous, there’s also the epic Jatbula Trail—a 5-day, 62-kilometer trek through this remarkable region.

WOMAN NEAR WATERFALL — Leliyn (Edith) Falls is one of the swimming spots within the park and is accessible almost year round.

HIKING JATBULA — The Jatbula Trail is a bucket list item for avid hikers.

A bustling eco-system

While waiting for their helicopter ride, guests can enjoy the warm company of John and Steph’s friendly farm animals—an experience that families especially love. The Katherine region itself is a haven for rich and diverse wildlife. By day, wallabies graze quietly in the bush, freshwater crocodiles bask on riverbanks, and the skies come alive with the vibrant colours and calls of red-tailed black cockatoos and rainbow bee-eaters. As night falls, the scene transforms, with sugar gliders gliding through the trees and owls taking centre stage, showcasing the magic of this special part of Australia.

Location, location, location

Located just 30kms from Katherine or 320kms from Darwin, Nitmiluk National Park offers an unparalleled sense of vastness and freedom in its wide-open spaces. "The number one comment we hear is about the sheer vastness—people genuinely feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere," says John.

It's a place where nature's beauty and tranquillity take over, creating unforgettable experiences.

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