Nitmiluk National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls Full-Day Tour from Darwin

1. Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls Full-Day Tour from Darwin

Discover a network of 13 gorges carved into billion-year-old sandstone rock by the Katherine River of Nitmiluk National Park on this scenic full-day sightseeing tour from Darwin. During the tour you will learn about the Aboriginal culture abundant in the area and see rock art sites dotted throughout the park. With its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and lush gorges, the Nitmiluk National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with plentiful flora and fauna. Travel south through tropical country, passing former World War II airstrips en route to the Adelaide River. Make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery to pay your respects to those killed in the air raids of Darwin in the 1940s. Continue to Edith Falls for a refreshing swim in the paperbark and pandana-lined waterhole (conditions permitting). After an inclusive lunch, enjoy a 2-hour scenic cruise through the Katherine Gorge, looking for freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. Keep your eyes open for the many interesting species of birdlife. Enjoy a brief tour of Katherine, hub of the region’s cattle and farming industries. Then, travel via the historic mining town of Pine Creek to an evening stop along the Adelaide River. From May through September lunch can be taken on board your cruise, while dinner is available at your own expense at the evening stop, before your transfer back to Darwin.

From Darwin: Katherine Gorge Cruise and Edith Falls Tour

2. From Darwin: Katherine Gorge Cruise and Edith Falls Tour

Explore one of Top End's most beautiful natural attractions at Nitmiluk National Park. Relax on a scenic boat cruise through Katherine Gorge, followed by a visit to Edith Falls. Depart Darwin in the early morning and travel south along the Stuart Highway through the townships of Adelaide River and Pine Creek. Take in the views of native flora and fauna, endemic to the Northern Territory region, as your guide provides historical and cultural commentary throughout the trip. Then board the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) boat cruise, where you will journey along the river surrounded by stunning cliffs measuring up to 70m high, with the sun’s natural lighting providing ever-changing colors throughout the landscape and rock formations.  Hear about the culture and stories of the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people of Katherine, as you are guided through this wonderful area before you disembark. Visit the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the local area. Then, head towards the picturesque Edith Falls (Leliyn) area where you can take a refreshing dip in the huge natural plunge pool or relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings, before your relaxing journey back to Darwin city center.

From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Small Group Trip

3. From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Small Group Trip

We'll explore monsoon forests, spectacular escarpment country, and the amazing biodiversity of Kakadu's landscapes, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park We drive from Darwin to the wetlands region of WakWak, an hour outside of Darwin, where top-end scenery is on display. Continuing our journey, we arrive in Kakadu National Park, 300 km east of Darwin, and check into our local accommodation. We tour the Bowali Visitor Center before heading to the East Alligator region, the most north-eastern point of Kakadu, for a cultural tour. Guests will join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River bordering Kakadu and Arnhem Land to learn about the creation stories of the area, observe magnificent birdlife, and, of course, see crocodiles. Visit Ubirr Rock, home to some of the best-preserved Aboriginal rock art in the world, and climb high for a spectacular sunset. Meals: L, D. Drive Distance: 420km. Hike & Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3. Day 2: Kakadu National Park The day is spent exploring art galleries and cultural centers that tell the stories of former and present clan groups of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will journey on a guided walk through the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site areas, visiting Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, Nawurlandja, and Naguluwurr. Enjoy the impressive views of escarpments, savannah woodlands, lowlands, and floodplains, and listen to stories and artwork from local traditional owners. After a spectacular sunset on day two of your adventure, we head back to our accommodation for our evening meal and restful sleep. Meals: B, L, D. Drive Distance: 150km. Hike & Grading: 1km grade 2. Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine After a leisurely morning, we head south toward Katherine and Nitmiluk. Showcasing the earthy colours of typical Northern Australian bushland. Look out for the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, Agile Wallabies, wild horses, and buffalo. Through Pine Creek, we stop for some refreshments. We check into our Katherine accommodation and then head to Nitmiluk National Park for a 2-hour NitNit Dreaming Katherine Cruise, a leisurely glimpse at this magnificent region. A 70m sheer rock wall cruise with wildlife hiding around every corner. As we head back to Katherine, we can settle into our comfortable accommodations and enjoy local hospitality before our fourth and final day of exploration. Meals: B, L, D. Drive Distance: 310km. Hike & Grading: none. Day 4: Katherine - Darwin We see more of Katherine today with a dip in the Hot Springs, followed by a visit to the Top Didj Gallery where we have the opportunity to view local art and experience bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. After enjoying a picnic lunch and a plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall at the beautiful Edith Falls. You'll be back in Darwin this evening, reflecting on all the adventures and new friends you've made. Meals: B, L. Drive Distance: 350km. Hike & Grading: 1km Grade 1.

Darwin 5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Adventure

4. Darwin 5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Adventure

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu National Park Begin your adventure in Darwin by heading out to the Wetlands Region, where the stunning scenery of the top end awaits you. On the way, we'll see plenty of Top End birdlife and apex predators... crocodiles! The next two nights will be spent in Kakadu National Park. At Bowali Visitor Centre, we enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Across the border from Arnhem Land to Kakadu, we reach Cahills Crossing. At sunset, we'll visit Ubirr Rock, a rare collection of Aboriginal rock art. Sunset over the Nadab Floodplain will take your breath away. We enjoy an evening at our cozy private camp with our fellow travellers. Drive Distance: 420km. Hike & Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3. Day 2: Jim Jim Falls - Plunge Pools - Jabiru Return On day 2, we head south into Kakadu National Park. We will explore lush monsoon rainforests, hike through pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs today. Depending on the group's physical ability, we will visit one or more waterfalls. Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls or Moline Rockhole can be included. We explore the stories of the artefacts at Warradjan Cultural Centre and Gallery, if time permits. We return to camp for dinner and a well-earned rest. Drive Distance: Minimum 150km depending on waterfall access. Note that each journey includes 40km offroad. Hike & Grading: 1.5km - 4km Grade 5/6. Day 3: Kakadu - Katherine Today, we found Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and Nawurlandja Lookout. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock has incredible Aboriginal rock art. Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, another 4WD track, is one of Kakadu's most picturesque and pristine waterfalls. Fitness and agility are required to trek through the monsoon forest to the plunge pool. Following our 2km walk, swim, and lunch, we can relax under the stars at our private safari campsite in Katherine. Drive Distance: 420km. Hike & Grading: 1.5km Grade 3. Day 4: Katherine - Nitmiluk National Park It's an early start to reach Nitmiluk National Park and board the two-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise. You will marvel at your surroundings and the relaxed cruise atmosphere in this area rich in creation stories. After the cruise, you can take a scenic helicopter flight (optional) to see Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge. Take a dip beneath a cascading waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch at Edith Falls! After a day of culture, walks and swimming, our private campsite awaits. Drive Distance: 470km. Hike & Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked on. Day 5: Katherine - Litchfield - Darwin On our fifth day, we travel back to Darwin via Litchfield National Park. Visit Buley Rockholes and Wangi Falls after viewing the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield. Enjoy Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls among the rocky escarpment. Take a relaxing ride back to Darwin after exploring the Top End. Drive Distance: 470 km. Walking: 1km - 2km.

Katherine Gorge - Mataranka - Edith Falls - Adelaide River

5. Katherine Gorge - Mataranka - Edith Falls - Adelaide River

Pick up at 5.30 AM, to confirm with Mattia. Drive to Adelaide River War Cemetery for Breakfast and Sunrise. Drive to Edith Falls for a morning swim. Drive to Katherine Gorge, enjoy 2 hours in this majestic natural formation. (pic nic lunch provided by Mattia. It can be taken on the boat. It will save time to do more activities.) Drive to Mataranka for a Swim in this crystal-clear hot spring Drive to Pine Creek quick visit at the old Station and the Lookout. Drive to Adelaide River Pub for a Dinner in a typical NT Outback location. Drive Back to Darwin. It is the most complete day tour to Katherine! It will be a long day, a long drive. It is the best you can get in less than 24 hours. More infos and details on: www.nttopadventures.com.au (you really should visit the website) (conditions can change suddenly in the wet season from October to April).

Other Sightseeing Options in Nitmiluk National Park

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What people are saying about Nitmiluk National Park

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 116 reviews

It’s hard to go wrong with the magnificent locations chosen for this tour, but it was our guide that made the trip so memorable. Ben’s passion for this country and its people was contagious. Rather than feeling like tourists, we felt like we were part of it all. My 12 year old daughter and I have seen many beautiful places around the world, but Ben made this the best holiday we’ve ever had.

I enjoyed the cruise at Nitmiluk and swimming at Edith falls however I felt like time dragged on abit in.regards to stopping and I think our time could have been longer at Edith falls. good value for money though I do recommend it

Absolutely awesome tour. Had the best day. Definitely recommend doing. Bus driver was awesome as well. He really looked after us well and his driving skills were second to none.

We loved this trip. Lots of physical activity, a very knowledgeable guide, 4 days packed with interesting information and activities

Prem was superb. Great driver, really god at keeping us on time and so well informed about allsorts.