Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The Nitmiluk Gorge is made up of 13 separate gorges. This maze of waterways has been sculpted from the sandstone over countless millennia by the Katherine River. Experience the beauty, history and culture of the Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk National Park.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Nitmiluk National Park
Once you have boarded, your boat driver and Nitmiluk river guide will explain the ancient heritage of the landscape and its' significance to the Katherine region and the Jawoyn People. Between each gorge, there is a 500-meter walk which will require you to disembark the vessel before joining the boat in the next gorge. Those who choose not to do the walk can sit in provided shaded area. Those who choose to continue to the next gorge will have the opportunity to see ancient rock art between the first and second gorge during their walk.
Nitmiluk Tours
Two Gorge Cruise (2-hour) Discover the cultural significance of the first 2 gorges to the traditional landowners - the Jawoyn people. Enjoy a journey of discovery through the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge. Three Gorge Cruise (3-hour) Prepare for a truly memorable experience as you travel through time and the 3 gorges of Nitmiluk Gorge. Marvel at the sheer rock face walls as the scenery becomes more striking as you head further into the Gorge. Freshen up with a swim and light refreshments before you return back to the Nitmiluk Boat Jetty. Dawn Cruise (2-hour) The colors of the early morning awaken as you emerge into the first gorge. See the mist rising above the smooth water’s surface, hear the wildlife stirring from the night and breathe the crisp clean air. This cruise will allow you to discover the unspoiled beauty of the morning - a truly memorable start to the day and a photographer’s dream.
What‘s Included
Tour escort/host
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from attractions
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Two Gorge Cruise 11am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 11am
Three Gorge Cruise 9am
Three Gorge Cruise: 4-hour Katherine River 3 Gorge cruise departing at 9am
Two Gorge Cruise 7am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 7am.
Two Gorge Cruise 9am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 9am
Two Gorge Cruise 2pm
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 2pm
Reviews
678 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nitmulik cruise
748veritym,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful scenery and very friendly and informative commenter . Would recommend . Caravan park pool great too. Enjoyed a great pizza
Thoroughly recommended - key tour whilst in Katherine
gipsona1,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There was only 3 of us taking the cruise, so that meant we were spoilt having one guide (Jamie) to ourselves. Beautiful trip which was enhanced by local knowledge and experiences.
Beautiful gorge - great trip
Nick S,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery and great commentary from our guide , Holly. A truly amazing nature spot in Australia . Thank you Holly for providing such great knowledge of the gorge and the First Nation people.
Loved it. Do it.
Jode01,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came on a day trip with a tour company who were eh, but THIS cruise through 2 of the gorges was fabulous!!! Thank you so much Nitmiluk Tours, your guide Jamie Brookse was sooo good!! Jamie shared great stories and info and spoke so clearly and calmly it was easy to hear plus his sense of humour had us chuckling. Both my husband and I agree it was the best tour and talk we have EVER had.
Great tour but we preferred the Sunset Dinner cruise to the middle of the day one
sopaca,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this cruise in mid October having done it just 12 days earlier at the end of September during our Darwin to Alice Springs road trip. On this second occasion, we were doing it as an excursion off The Ghan train. It was quite a different tour in that there were so many passengers we filled 3 or 4 boats and, because it was about 40C we left at 10.45am, we were told we would only be doing one gorge and not two. I suspect this was more down to the age profile of The Ghan passengers and not normal practice for the cruise operators. We did enjoy this trip and Rachel was our very able, personable and informative skipper and tour guide. The trip lasted 75 minutes and was lovely but the depth of colour in the gorge wall and rock were not as spectacular as the previous Sunset Dinner cruise we'd done 4.30pm-8pm when the colours were amazing. This was a lovely cruise but I would recommend being able to do two gorge (or even three of possible) as we thought the second gorge was much better than the first on our previous trip.
Must-see cruise to Katherine with incredible landscapes of pretty colors
935laurencev,,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.002 grooves cruise with swimming very nice landscapes and color peaceful and informative the center is well documented to understand this region
Beautiful and interesting
Dee K,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved it. Nice time of the day (mid morning). Our guide was friendly, informative and added a little humour. I enjoyed getting the indigenous story and the scientific side.
Great trip!
Philip W,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat trip started on time and the boat was very comfortable. The guide was excellent - I learned a lot about the gorge, the wildlife and nature, the Jawoyn people who live in the area. I recommend to anyone visiting Nitmiluk National Park.
Amazing sites plus magnificent dinner!!
Old60timer,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the evening dinner cruise. This was excellent for the views and commentary by the guide, there is such magnificent scenery and also the history from aboriginal people, a little aboriginal art to be seen on the rocks. Then on return journey we had a most marvelous meal, including kangaroo and crocodile who knew they could be so tasty! Along the way we saw the most beautiful sunset. Nitmiluk does seem a drive from Darwin but well worth the effort. What impressed too was that the Nitmiluk National park is organised by the aboriginal community and activities run by them.
A Guide that would have made me love geology as a child.
dghbs,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Langdon our guide for the 7am was brilliant. I wish he had taught me geology when I was younger. The tour was informative in a way that you enjoy learning about geology and how you think about it. Would recommend this tour for families
From A$129.00
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