Food
Dining at Cicada Lodge is a celebration of the flavours, landscapes and culture of Jawoyn Country. Begin your evening with canapés and a native botanical infused cocktail while watching the sunset over the sandstone ridges surrounding Nitmiluk Gorge.
Our daily changing three course Chef’s Menu showcases seasonal produce and the best local ingredients from across the Northern Territory. Menu selections may include premium Territory beef, locally sourced chicken, sustainably caught barramundi, and thoughtfully crafted vegetarian and vegan options. Each dish is designed to deliver a contemporary dining experience inspired by the unique flavours of the Top End. View a sample menu here.
Led by Executive Chef Adam [Surname], the culinary team creates dishes that celebrate both the region’s exceptional produce and its rich cultural heritage.
For a deeper destination dining experience, consider Nitmiluk’s Sunset Dinner Cruise or Breakfast Cruise, offering another unforgettable way to experience the beauty and flavours of Nitmiluk Gorge.
Meet our Chef
Executive Chef Adam Woods leads the culinary team at Cicada Lodge, bringing a passion for showcasing the unique flavours and ingredients of the Northern Territory. With a focus on seasonal produce, native Australian ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques, Adam creates menus that celebrate both the landscape and culture of Jawoyn Country. His commitment to quality and innovation has contributed to Cicada Lodge’s reputation as one of the Top End’s premier dining destinations, with the restaurant receiving industry recognition for its exceptional dining experience.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
For guests looking to immerse themselves even further in the beauty of Nitmiluk, the Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a memorable extension of the Cicada Lodge experience. Departing from Nitmiluk Gorge, this signature cruise combines spectacular scenery, rich cultural heritage and exceptional dining in one unforgettable evening.
As the sun sets across the towering sandstone cliffs and tranquil waterways of Katherine Gorge, guests can enjoy a freshly prepared three course meal served on board. The cruise provides a unique perspective of Jawoyn Country, with opportunities to learn about the cultural significance and natural history of this remarkable landscape while taking in the changing colours of the escarpments at dusk.
Perfect for a second evening during your stay, the Sunset Dinner Cruise complements Cicada Lodge’s Chef’s Menu dining experience, allowing guests to discover Nitmiluk from a different perspective while enjoying the region’s renowned hospitality and cuisine.
Testimonials
Just spent 2 nights in the Cicada Lodge. Wonderful experience. Katherine gorge and surrounding area is just beautiful. |The lodge itself was fantastic. The restaurant was 1st class fine dining and a special shout out to all the lovely staff. Couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful.
We had a fantastic time at Cicada Lodge. The rooms were comfortable and clean and the pool was good in the warm weather. Highly recommend enjoying a dinner at their restaurant and the breakfast spread was delicious too. Great location for exploring Nitmiluk!
Dinner at Cicada Lodge was an incredible experience. The setting itself is so serene and intimate, surrounded by the beauty of Nitmiluk, which makes dining here feel extra special. Each course was beautifully presented and full of flavour, showcasing fresh local ingredients and a real attention to detail.
A unique experience at a unique location. The facilities are exceptional, the staff are friendly and responsive and overall as guests we were well accommodated.
Stunning meals and wonderful attentive service, a gem in Katherine food scene for sure. Couldn’t fault the fusion of flavours. Simple presentation on a class level of food. Didn’t eat anywhere better in my 3 month stint.
Cicada Lodge exceeded our expectations. The comfortable rooms, fantastic breakfast, complimentary sunset drinks and canapés, and beautiful setting made it a truly special stay. Perfectly located for Nitmiluk Gorge and nearby walks. Our family loved every moment and wished we could have stayed longer.
An absolutely amazing place to stay in Nitmiluk National Park! The rooms were clean and spacious with a lovely private deck looking out onto the native trees. The food & service was 5* throughout our 2 night stay! Would highly recommend this spot. We got up early to hike up to Pat’s Lookout for sunrise – would recommend doing this 4km (one way) hike! A great spot, would loved to have stayed longer.
Perfect getaway for some R&R and luxurious rooms, great food and spectacular views. The staff were friendly and hospitable. A big shout out to Jake and Alice.
Highly recommend Cicada Lodge.
Luxury Accommodation
Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of Nitmiluk National Park, the rooms at Cicada Lodge offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by native bushland. Each spacious room features contemporary furnishings, Indigenous artwork, air conditioning and a private balcony overlooking the stunning landscape of Jawoyn Country. Thoughtfully appointed with modern comforts and premium amenities, the accommodation provides the perfect balance of luxury and connection to nature. Whether returning from a day exploring Nitmiluk Gorge or simply relaxing at the lodge, guests can unwind in comfort while experiencing the tranquillity and beauty of one of Australia’s most remarkable destinations.
Imagine yourself here
We have 18 exclusive rooms, all with air conditioning, and private balconies overlooking native bushlands.
Immerse yourself in the indigenous culture with original artwork from local artists being displayed in each room.
Where We Are
How to get here
Nitmiluk Is Proudly Part Of Jawoyn Association
When you visit Nitmiluk, you are sharing our vision for the future.
Nitmiluk National Park is owned by the Jawoyn people, made up of 17 clans with the common vision of sharing our country. The collective Jawoyn Association is a progressive, forward thinking business enterprise which provides employment and training for local people.
They have never wavered from the original Elder’s vision of bringing the Jawoyn people together as one nation, caring for country, and developing economic independence.
All proceeds that flow from Jawoyn businesses are re-invested into the community, for human services, employment, education and successful partnerships in tourism and land management.
