Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Day Trip from Darwin
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
A must-do day trip when visiting the Top End! We travel south along the famous Stuart Highway through the townships of Adelaide River and Pine Creek towards Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park.
Explore this wonderful region in the Northern Territory and relax as your guide provides historical and cultural commentary throughout your journey. A must-see inclusion is the NitNit Dreaming two-hour Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) boat cruise where you will journey through the middle of cliff faces 70m high with the sun’s natural lighting providing ever-changing colours throughout the landscape and rock formations.
Soak in the stories of the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn people of Katherine as you are guided through this spectacular area before we head to the picturesque Edith Falls (Leliyn).*subject to boat cruise timing, Edith Falls (Leliyn) will be visited either prior to or after the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) boat cruise. Then it's time to meander our way back to Darwin.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks.
Child policy 6 years old and over, not suitable for children 5 years old and under.
This itinerary may vary to adapt to seasonal changes and occasionally spots in the parks close or do not allow swimming. As safety is our top priority we plan accordingly to ensure our guests have the most fun and best experience possible while on tour.
Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.
Prior to booking, we strongly recommend guests purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned comfortable mid-sized coach travel
Guided bush walks (1-2km, subject to fitness level)
A boat cruise through Katherine Gorge
Comprehensive local tour commentary
Hosted by an accredited outback driver guide
Meals not included. Guests will have an opportunity to support locals and buy lunch along the way.
Hotel transfers pre/post tour itinerary to a nominated pickup point.
What To Expect
Darwin
We depart Darwin's inner-city early, so we can make the most of our time exploring the Nitmiluk National Park and surrounding areas onboard our Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls day trip.
After leaving Darwin in the morning, we travel south along the famous Stuart Highway through Adelaide River and Pine Creek towards Katherine.
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Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Day Trip from Darwin
Reviews
157 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A long but worthwhile trip
susancK1039PR,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out with our guide Daryl. Edith falls was an oasis and little stops along the way gave an insight to Australian life out in the country. Daryl had lots of information he passed on to us during the day. The boat trip down Katherine Gorge was superb, tranquil and the guide was very knowledgable. It was very very hot but plenty of water available. It’s so lovely that the gorge has not been commercialised and the whole place is very natural we didn’t see any other boats with tourists on!! It’s a very long day but totally worth it and the electrical storm in the at back was an experience too. Would recommend.
A wonderful part of the country, a disappointing experience.
rogerhaigh,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The Gorge itself can never be disappointing. However I can't say the same for the driver/guide who appeared to actively dislike tourists. She actually laughed at one guy when he asked a question. Unfortunately we never received any information regarding the opportunity for swimming and so we had no swimmers with us. This meant we had to sit for 1.5 hours in the middle of the day, in extreme heat, whilst the others swam. The guide was totally disinterested. It was clearly not her problem and she sat and read a book the whole time. She made no effort to entertain us, she didn't even sit with us to chat. There was no apology and no effort to discover why we had not been notified. The day was spoiled for us.
Amazing Day at Katherine Gorge
tanyanU5729DI,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this trip. Tour guide Daryl was excellent, and very informative. Boat cruise was amazing, beautiful scenery and well worth the long drive in the bus. The swim at Edith Falls was great and a welcome relief from the heat. Daryl made plenty of stops on the way to and from Darwin, including a quick stop at Pine Creek pub which was an experience in itself. Autopia Tours were easy to deal with. Thanks Daryl and co.
Great day tour to Katherine Gorge
anglenc,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic full day tour. The information provided by our guide. Leigh, was very informative. He was polite and accomodating. The cruise in the Gorge was great and breathtaking. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - especially not having to drive ourselves.
A long day, but time...
PaulAndrew E,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00A long day, but time passed quickly, great to see places as interesting and as beautiful as Edith falls and Katherine Gorge. Really enjoyed the day
Nitmiluk Gorge September 2025
Scenic06910700660,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"I had an absolutely fantastic time with Autopia Tours! Daryl was an exceptional guide, his knowledge and professionalism combined with his cheery nature was just what I needed as a solo traveller, he made me feel very welcome and comfortable, we had a very long drive to get there, but it was dotted with enough rest spots to keep us comfortable and while we were on a time schedule, Daryl ensured we were always keeping up the pace without feeling rushed, we had plenty of time in each place. We got to experience the true essence of the top end, from marveling at the towering termite mounds, listening to Daryl's expert knowledge of indigenous culture and history, to taking a refreshing swim at Edith Falls. And the Nitmiluk Gorge boat cruise was simply breathtaking. Every moment was filled with wonder and joy. Highly recommend this adventure!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars and if you're lucky enough to have Daryl as you're guide you'll be well looked after.
Absolutely DON'T DO IT!!!!
Lesley4577,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00My review is not about Katherine Gorge or Edith Falls - more about the abysmal transport we were subjected to. Our minibus was so cramped that even though I am very short, my knees were up against the seat in front. My husband had to twist in his seat to try to fit in. There was no room for storage of bags, so we also had to compete with our bags for feet room. It's just disgusting that anyone would be expected to travel like this for about ten hours of driving. I ended up with my knees aching and shooting pains in my legs. If I could give our tour a zero, I would have. Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge were pretty, but most definitely not worth the torture of ten hours driving in these conditions.
Don’t do it!!!
Michael P,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Review by Lesley Pring - Terrible experience travelling 10 driving hours on a mini bus where my knees touched the back of the seat in front - and I am short. My husband had to try to twist sideways to fit in. In addition, there was nowhere to store bags. These had to be placed on the floor at our feet, making it almost impossible to place our feet. People complain about cramped seats in economy on planes but this was so much worse than any plane I have ever been on. I ended up with shooting pains in my knees and legs. Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge were scenic and enjoyable but I would not advise anyone to take the trip on this sort of transport. We left our hotel at 6:30 am and were dropped back at 8:45 - a very long, uncomfortable day.
This trip was a very long...
Jane L,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was a very long day but with our driver, Bogdan, the time passed quickly. He was a great guide, teaching us about the flora and fauna, while being an excellent driver. The boat trip through the gorge was fascinating. The walk between boats would have been challenging for me, but the pathway was well designed with plenty of handrails and non-slip mats and I was able to keep up. The design fitted in well with the natural surroundings, which were pristine. The various stops along our drive were well organised and we enjoyed ourselves, learning so much .
They want your money 💰
Ani19ta,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We decided to take a walk to the 1st waterhole instead taking a boat. We followed a walking path by using a flyer received at the reception. After a 2hrs walk we reached the southern waterhole with boats on the river. We had signs all the way encouraging + showing a pathway to the swimming waterhole, but a boat skipper started screaming at us saying that we are not alowed to swim, if we do they will charge us with $1000 fine. We felt conned! They want you to spend money 💰 🤑 for cruise trips, they don't want you to have a great time on your own, that's for sure!
From A$345.00
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