NT Police are currently searching for an overdue party in the Nitmiluk National Park, northwest of Katherine.

Acting Commander Michael Hebb said the party – believed to be three German nationals – left on a 4km bushwalk yesterday afternoon and failed to return.

“Parks and Wildlife Rangers have had intermittent contact with the group through a mobile phone,” he said.

At last contact, Police understood the group was physically unharmed but may have run out of water. A ground and air search was mounted this morning.

“Police will continue to work with Parks and Wildlife Rangers and NT Emergency Service volunteers until the party have been located.”