Northern Territory · Attraction
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
Australia's only open tropical caves
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park protects a rare karst limestone landscape 27 kilometres south of Katherine, home to the only tropical show caves open to the public in Australia. Guided tours lead visitors through a labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient limestone formations that have been growing for millions of years, while the surrounding tropical woodland shelters rare bat species and diverse birdlife.
The cave system extends around 750 metres in total, with a portion of passages made accessible on guided tours. Tours depart on the hour through the day from May to October, led by knowledgeable guides who explain the geology, hydrology, and ecology of the caves. Visitors must wear enclosed shoes, as the paths inside are uneven. The caves maintain a naturally cool temperature, providing welcome relief from the tropical heat above ground.
Outside the cave entrance, a short woodland walk winds through tropical savanna, where you may spot the rare orange horseshoe bat, brown tree snake, and a variety of birds. The park also contains populations of the ghost bat, one of Australia's few carnivorous bat species. A visitor centre, kiosk, and picnic area are available near the car park.
The park is closed from December to April when seasonal flooding fills the cave passages. Guided tours are operated by Nitmiluk Tours, with advance bookings recommended during peak season. The park is easily reached from the Stuart Highway, making it a convenient stop on any road trip between Katherine and Darwin.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park.
You may also like
Katherine
Nitmiluk National Park
Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk)
Mataranka
Kakadu National Park
Watarrka National Park
Arnhem Land
Tennant Creek
Mount Conner (Atila)
Larapinta Trail
Yulara
