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 Outback Group Trip with Meals

3. From Darwin: 4-Day Kakadu Outback Group Trip with Meals

Explore Kakadu National Park with this small group tour from Darwin. See the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world, visit waterfalls, and cruise through wetlands on this unique experience. Day 1: Depart from Darwin and head out to the floodplains of the Mary River to board a Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. Take in the views as you sail to Kakadu. Get an introduction to the park's landscape at the Bowali Visitor Center. Head to your accommodation to relax for a bit before going out to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem land where you can spot crocodiles in the East Alligator River. See the Ubirr rock art as the sun sets over the Nadab Floodplain. Day 2: Partake in an exclusive aboriginal cultural experience. Hike out to Jim Jim or Twin falls and enjoy the shady monsoon forest. Stop for a hearty picnic lunch. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center learn about the culture and management of Kakadu. Day 3: Begin bright and early to catch the sunrise at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout. Have a delicious breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy Rock which houses some of Bininj Aborigional rock art. Drive up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. Travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of the pristine waterfall Maguk. Travel back to your accommodation in Pine Creek to relax. Day 4: Explore and swim at Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge, where you can cool off in the clear water. Start the return trip to Darwin with a stop at Adelaide River, a town steeped in history. Learn about the impact of World War II at the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

4. Darwin: 5-Day 4WD Kakadu Litchfield Tour & Billabong Cruise

Discover the wonders of the Northern Territory Top End and Kakadu National Park as you embark on an adventurous 5-day 4WD expedition. See the best-kept collection of Aboriginal rock art, traverse across wetlands, admire waterfalls, cool off in a natural plunge pool, and uncover magnificent lookout views. Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu Travel to the floodplains of the Mary River. Continue to Kakadu National Park in Jabiru, where you'll be spending the next two nights. Go to Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Visit Ubirr Sunset to see the best-preserved collection of Aboriginal Rock Art in the world and be blown away by the lookout views over the Nadab Floodplains. Day 2: Jabiru Return Visit either the Jim Jim or Twin Falls Waterfall (seasonal access permitting) situated at the bottom of an adventurous 4WD road. Partake in an Aboriginal cultural experience. Stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center and explore the culture of Kakadu. Day 3: Jabiru - Pine Creek Start at one of the best sunrise spots in the park, the Nawurlandja Lookout, before breakfast at Anabangbang Billabong. Discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock which houses fantastic Aboriginal Rock Art of the Bininj at the Anabangbang Gallery. Head up to Kunwarddewardde Lookout for incredible views of Kakadu’s Escarpment. A 4WD track awaits, as you travel south to the plunge pool of Maguk one of the most pristine waterfalls in Kakadu. After a 2km walk, head towards Pine Creek to relax and enjoy the local hospitality. Day 4: Pine Creek - Darwin Visit either Edith Falls or Butterfly Gorge for exploration and swimming (seasonal access permitting). Stop at Adelaide River on your way back to Darwin. Go to the Heritage-Listed Adelaide River War Cemetery and explore the impact WWII had on the area. Afterward, the vibrant Mindil Markets await, where you can grab some local food and watch the sunset. Day 5: Darwin - Litchfield Return Explore Litchfield National Park and experience thick pockets of tropical rainforest. Hop on the iconic Jumping Crocodile Cruise (optional extra) along the Adelaide River. Alternatively, visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. See the incredible monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds, before cooling off in one of the natural plunge pools such as Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit the thundering Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out amongst the rocky escarpment.

Darwin: 1 day Katherine Gorge, & Edith Falls, small group

5. Darwin: 1 day Katherine Gorge, & Edith Falls, small group

Spend the day exploring Kathrine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park in a small, intimate group of 4–6 guests only. We pride ourselves on first-class service and attention to your needs and interests. Featuring Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls, this day trip takes you from Darwin to the home of the Aboriginal Jawoyn people. Cruise through impressive landscapes, learn about the park's history and see local flora and fauna as you explore the park. While traveling in a luxury air-conditioned 4WD vehicle down south along Stuart Highway, learn the fascinating history on the way to Katherine Gorge. Our first stop will be at Adelaide River, where we break for morning tea. At your leisure, you will be able to stroll through Australia's second-biggest war cemetery, a peaceful place to remember. Continuing our journey, hear about the 13 impressive gorges carved from ancient sandstone. Once arriving midday, we enjoy a delicious lunch in Kathrine. Experience the park's rugged landscapes, and cascading waterfalls on your 2-hour boat cruise. You will visit two gorges and go for a short walk between the gorges to see some Aboriginal rock art. Watch out for some sunbathing freshwater crocodiles. Edith Falls invite you for a short walk or dip into the natural pool. Spot some archer fish and other variations of fish in the paperbark and pandanus fringed pool. Afterward, stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, the second biggest in Australia. From here, we are heading back to Darwin after an exciting, but also relaxing day at 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.