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Cicada Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge that offers an authentic and immersive experience of the Australian outback. Located in the Nitmiluk National Park, home to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, this lodge is owned and operated by the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land. You’ll stay in stylish and spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the bush, and enjoy gourmet cuisine with native ingredients. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape and wildlife on foot, by boat, by helicopter or by canoe, guided by local experts.
What makes Cicada Lodge unique is its connection to the Jawoyn culture and history. The lodge is named after the cicada, a symbol of creation and renewal for the Jawoyn people. The lodge showcases original artworks by local artists, depicting stories and legends of the area. The lodge also offers cultural tours and activities that allow you to learn about the Jawoyn way of life, past and present. You’ll visit sacred sites, hear stories and songs, and participate in ceremonies and workshops.
Cicada Lodge is situated in the heart of the Nitmiluk National Park, a vast and diverse wilderness that covers more than 2900 square kilometres. The park is famous for its 13 gorges carved by the Katherine River over millions of years. The gorges are a stunning sight, with towering sandstone cliffs, crystal-clear water and lush vegetation. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, wallabies, bats, turtles and birds. Cicada Lodge is a modern and elegant lodge that blends in with its natural surroundings. The 18 rooms are designed to maximise comfort and privacy, with king-size beds, en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and ceiling fans. The rooms also feature large windows and balconies that offer panoramic views of the bush. The main lodge has a lounge area with a fireplace, a library, a dining room and a gift shop. The lodge also has an outdoor pool where you can cool off and relax.
Sustainability
Cicada Lodge is committed to sustainability and conservation. The lodge uses solar power and generators for electricity, and recycles water and waste. The lodge also minimises its environmental impact by using eco-friendly products and practices. The lodge supports local conservation initiatives such as the Nitmiluk Land Management Program, which aims to protect and restore the natural and cultural values of the park. The lodge also educates guests about the importance of respecting and preserving the environment.
Cicada Lodge strives to have a positive impact on the local community and empower them to share their culture and country with visitors. The lodge is owned by the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, which represents over 1000 Jawoyn people living in 28 communities across the region. The lodge provides employment opportunities for local people, especially young people who are trained as guides, chefs, housekeepers or managers. The lodge also supports local businesses by sourcing food, art and services locally. Cicada Lodge is part of Nitmiluk Tours, a company that offers a range of tourism products and experiences in the park.
Rooms
Cicada Lodge has 18 rooms that can accommodate up to 36 guests. Each room has a king-size bed or two single beds with duvets and pillows, an en suite bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, and a large balcony overlooking the bush. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, refrigerator, mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes, television with free-to-air channels and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are decorated with wooden floors and walls, contemporary furniture and original artworks.
Food and drink
The food at Cicada Lodge is fresh and delicious, prepared by a professional chef using local produce and native ingredients. You’ll enjoy three meals a day in the dining room of the main lodge or on the poolside deck overlooking the gorge. The menu features dishes such as kangaroo fillet, barramundi curry, lemon myrtle chicken salad, quandong cheesecake and wattleseed ice cream. You’ll also have access to snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Things to do
The main activity at Cicada Lodge is exploring the Nitmiluk National Park and its 13 gorges. You can choose from a variety of options, such as boat cruises, helicopter flights, canoe trips or walking trails. You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will share their insights and stories about the park’s natural and cultural features. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife such as crocodiles, wallabies, bats, turtles and birds. Other activities include cultural tours and workshops, where you can learn about the Jawoyn history and culture, visit sacred sites, hear stories and songs, and participate in ceremonies and crafts.
Wider region
Cicada Lodge is located in Katherine, a town in the Northern Territory that serves as a gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic attractions. Katherine is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity and adventure opportunities. You can explore its museums, art galleries, markets and historical sites, such as the Katherine Museum, the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre, the Katherine Hot Springs and the Railway Museum. You can also visit nearby attractions such as the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, the Mataranka Thermal Pools, the Elsey National Park and the Leliyn (Edith Falls). Katherine is also a great base for exploring other regions of the Northern Territory, such as Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Arnhem Land.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Cicada Lodge is by flying to Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. From there, you can take a 3-hour drive to Katherine along the Stuart Highway. Alternatively, you can take a train or a bus from Darwin to Katherine. From Katherine, you can take a 30-minute drive to Nitmiluk National Park along Gorge Road. The lodge is located inside the park near the visitor centre.
- Ecosystem preservation
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Promotes local businesses
- Education
- Preservation of cultural heritage
- Community led or owned
- Empowerment
- Community conservation
- Respect for culture
- Culture
- Rural
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Disabled
- Lodge
