Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) is a must for anyone visiting the Northern Territory. The question is, do you explore Nitmiluk Gorge by Air or Water?
13 gorges carved from sandstone for 12kms by the Katherine River as it meanders through the Arnhem Land Plateau.
This majestic gorge is located in Nitmiluk National Park. A treat for any visitor, but it's an absolute photographers' dream by air or water.
Exploring By Water
Cruise past spectacular cliffs that soar up to 70m high. Each twist and turn of the river will reveal a new adventure. Discover sandy beaches, admire the changing colour of the sandstone, see local wildlife up close.
There are a couple of options to explore Nitmilkuk Gorge by water. You can go it alone by canoe or kayak. Or join one of the organised cruises.
Canoe or Kayak
Paddle along at your own pace to explore the gorges and discover waterfalls, ancient aboriginal rock art, flora, and wildlife. Available for hire or buy a permit and use your own. Yes, you will be paddling away with alligators, they trap and move the crocodiles along before they let people on the water at the start of the season.
The river is off-limits to canoes and kayaks during the wet season as you may become a salties snack.
Organised Cruise
During all the guided cruises of Nitmiluk Gorge the traditional owners of the park, the Jawoyn people, will share their stories, culture, and history as you navigate the waters.
The Sunrise and sunset tours highlight the stunning changing colours of the sandstone.
For those really wanting to live it up take the three-course candlelight dinner cruise. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as you cruise the gorge. Dinner features fresh local Australian produce cooked on board.
There are two or three gorge tours that run during the day. The NitNit Dreaming two gorge tour takes 2 hours and you will explore the first two (and longest) gorges in the gorge system.
The three gorge tour is a more leisurely 4 hours. It departs once daily and gives you the opportunity to swim at Lilypond seasonal waterfalls or at the shallow rock pools.
Important note, if you have mobility issues walking is required between the first and second gorges. It is an uneven track that includes 70 stairs.
Full day tours are available from Darwin. Perfect for those short on time and not wanting to spend extra time in Katherine, or those without their own transport.
Exploring By Air
Helicopter
From the air, you will see vast and jaw-dropping views of Nitmiluk Gorge and surrounding areas. From the air you truly appreciate how vast the gorge system is.
The visitor Centre is where flights depart from. Also some exclusive options like swimming in one of the harder to reach gorges. Flights run all year from 8.30am - 5.00pm
Fixed Wing Plane
Depart from Katherine in a fixed wing plane and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the country as you fly out to the gorge. The bonus is you will also get to see Leliyn (Edith) Falls.
Which is better, Nitmiluk Gorge by Air or Water?
Benefits by Air
- The view of the gorge by air is breathtaking.
- You will get an understanding of how the gorge cuts through the Arnhem Land Plateau.
- See more of the surrounding area.
- Perfect if you are short on time.
Benefits by Water
- You get up and personal with the gorge and see all the finer details
- The guides that take you on your cruise are a fountain of local information.
- You will hear stories and learn history of the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.
- You will see more wildlife, including allagtors.
So what do we suggest? Do you explore Nitmiluk Gorge by Air or Water? We suggest going for a cruise on the river and then finish your day with a helicopter flight to get another perspective.
If you only have one option for your first visit to the gorge, then cruise, it is an amazing experience.
Best Time to Visit
June and July is the best time to visit the Top End, the weather is cooler and it isn’t the wet season. January to March it is wet, hot, and sticky, but green and lush.
If you visit Nitmiluk Gorge between April to August, the weather is cooler and dryer. Plus there is less chance of a downpour of rain.
How to Get There
By Air
There are 45 minute flights from Darwin to Katherine 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
From Katherine, it is a 20 minute drive to Nitmiluk. You can hire a car or take a taxi.
Or organise a private flight (helicopter or plane) from Darwin, Katherine, and other areas in the NT.
By Car
Nitmiluk National Park is a 3.5hr drive from Darwin. Drive down the Stuart Highway until you reach Katherine. Then drive along Gorge Rd, Nitmiluk National Park is located 30 minutes out of town.
By Bus
Greyhound travels to and from Katherine daily from Darwin. The travel time is around 3hrs and 45mins.
From Katherine it is a 20 minute drive to Nitmiluk. You can hire a car or take a taxi.
By Train
The Ghan, one of Australia's greatest train journeys, runs between Adelaide and Darwin. The train stops in Katherine allowing guests to explore Nitmiluk Gorge by air or water.