Adventure Collective Logo
Katherine Gorge Day Adventure with Sacred Owl Tours - NT - Darwin

Katherine Gorge Day Adventure with Sacred Owl Tours - NT

Darwin Citymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

13 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have a moderate fitness level to manage walking and standing during the boat cruise and a 400-meter uneven terrain walk.

Overview

Spend a full day immersed in the dramatic landscapes of Nitmiluk National Park with Sacred Owl Tours - NT. Experience a culturally rich 2-Gorge cruise, refreshing hot springs, and an optional hike to stunning views.

$550.00
Darwin City, Northern Territory

Katherine Gorge - Nitmiluk National Park - Full Day Tour

Small Group Tour

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a 13-hour adventure to Katherine Hot Springs and Nitmiluk National Park, where relaxation meets exploration. Experience a breathtaking 2-Gorge Cultural Cruise with Indigenous guides, enjoy a delicious lunch, and unwind in natural thermal pools or at Edith Falls. Discover ancient landscapes and create unforgettable memories in the Top End.

Katherine & Nitmiluk 1-Day Adventure

Relaxation Meets Exploration in the Heart of the Top End

Leave the city behind and step into nature’s embrace with this unforgettable 13-hour full-day journey to Katherine Hot Springs and Nitmiluk National Park — an experience designed to reconnect you with the wild, the warm, and the wonderful.

Please note: If you are booking this tour for departure in November, December, January, February March, or April, the Hot Springs are closed, due to the rivers rising and crocodiles, during these summer months we visit Edith Falls instead. Swimming is not always possible during these months, as some parts of Edith Falls also close for swimming due to floods"

Departing Darwin at sunrise, we hit the open road for a scenic 3-hour drive into one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic landscapes. Our first destination? Nitmiluk National Park – home of the jaw-dropping Katherine Gorge.

🛶 2-Gorge Cruise – A Cultural & Natural Wonder

The highlight of your day begins here. Join a local Aboriginal guide for a 2-Gorge Cultural Cruise, winding through the majestic sandstone cliffs carved by the Katherine River. Along the way, disembark for a 400m scenic walk to the second gorge – a sacred landscape echoing with the stories of the Jawoyn people. Learn about ancient traditions, wildlife, and the land’s deep spiritual connection.

🥗 Explore, Eat & Unwind

After your cruise, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the on-site café with a selection of fresh meals. You’ll then have time to explore the park at your own pace:

  • Hike to a stunning lookout (900m uphill) for sweeping views of the gorge system
  • Or Stroll the peaceful riverfront trail instead of the hike.
  • Visit the Nitmiluk Cultural Centre for deeper insight into Jawoyn heritage

🌿 Soak in the Serenity of Katherine Hot Springs

On the way back to Darwin, we stop for a rejuvenating soak at the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal pools are the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure. Surrounded by lush greenery and spring-fed waters, it’s a blissful finale to your journey.

During the wet season, when the hot springs are closed, we visit the beautiful Edith Falls instead – swimming is seasonal at Edith falls, during the wet season, swimming is not always possible on this tour in the wet season, due to floods and crocodile risks.


🔍 Tour Highlights:

  • Intimate small group experience
  • 2-Gorge Cultural Cruise with expert Indigenous guides
  • Visit Nitmiluk Cultural Centre
  • Free time for hiking or relaxing
  • Lunch + morning & afternoon tea provided
  • Swim at Katherine Hot Springs or Edith Falls (seasonal)
  • Return transport from Darwin (6 hours total driving)

🧳 What to Bring:

  • Enclosed walking shoes
  • Swimmers & towel (for the hot springs or Edith Falls)
  • Sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen & hat
  • Refillable water bottle (1.5L recommended)
  • A light jacket (May–August)

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • Not suitable for guests with mobility issues
  • Includes a 400m walk between gorges (stairs and uneven surfaces)
  • No toilets onboard (regular breaks are provided)
  • Tour may vary in the wet season (Dec–Mar) due to river conditions
  • Please advise dietary requirements when booking

Whether you’re craving cultural connection, natural beauty, or total relaxation, this day tour offers it all. Let Sacred Owl Tours guide you through one of the Top End’s most breathtaking regions — where the landscapes are ancient, the waters are warm, and the memories last a lifetime.

Adventure Tips

Bring sturdy walking shoes

The 400m walk to the second gorge includes uneven terrain and stairs—appropriate footwear ensures safety and comfort.

Pack swimwear and a towel

Swimming at Katherine Hot Springs or Edith Falls is part of the tour, so be ready to take a dip and refresh.

Prepare for tropical sun

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are necessary for protection during the open stretch of cruising and walks.

Bring insect repellent

Mosquitoes can be active near the river and hot springs — repellent helps ensure a comfortable experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Freshwater crocodiles (harmless species)
  • Green tree frogs

History

Nitmiluk National Park is traditional Jawoyn country, with rock formations shaped over millions of years and cultural stories that span more than 20,000 years.

Conservation

Sacred Owl Tours supports sustainable tourism through partnerships with Indigenous custodians and practices that minimize environmental impact in the park.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Darwin

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Enclosed walking shoes

Essential

Protects feet on rugged trails and during the gorge walk.

Swimsuit

Essential

Necessary for swimming at Katherine Hot Springs or Edith Falls.

Insect repellent

Essential

Helps prevent mosquito bites near water and wetlands.

summer specific

Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

Essential

Crucial for sun safety during exposed sections of the tour.