moderate
13 hours
Participants should have a moderate fitness level to manage walking and standing during the boat cruise and a 400-meter uneven terrain walk.
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.
Small Group Tour
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
The 400m walk to the second gorge includes uneven terrain and stairs—appropriate footwear ensures safety and comfort.
Swimming at Katherine Hot Springs or Edith Falls is part of the tour, so be ready to take a dip and refresh.
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are necessary for protection during the open stretch of cruising and walks.
Mosquitoes can be active near the river and hot springs — repellent helps ensure a comfortable experience.
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.
Sacred Owl Tours supports sustainable tourism through partnerships with Indigenous custodians and practices that minimize environmental impact in the park.
Protects feet on rugged trails and during the gorge walk.
Necessary for swimming at Katherine Hot Springs or Edith Falls.
Helps prevent mosquito bites near water and wetlands.
summer specific
Crucial for sun safety during exposed sections of the tour.