Katherine Gorge: Day Trips and Tours from Darwin

Nitmiluk National Park — also known as Katherine Gorge — is a must-see destination for all visitors to this corner of Australia. The main attraction is its deep ravine, which carves out the landscape of the park and reaches depths of over 70 meters.

This 12-kilometer stretch of water is the ideal place to explore the Northern Territory’s diverse scenery, intriguing wildlife and aboriginal ties.

Day trips to Katherine Gorge from Darwin are manageable despite the distance between the two destinations, so long as you start your excursion early.

Here's all you need to know about Katherine Gorge, one of the most exciting day trips from Darwin.

How to get to Katherine Gorge from Darwin?

Katherine Gorge is located within Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is approximately 350 kilometers from the city of Darwin.

From Darwin to Katherine Gorge by car

The journey to Katherine Gorge takes around 3.5 hours by car and follows Route 1 south of Darwin all the way.

Guided tour to Darwin from Katherine Gorge

Another way to make the jaunt to Katherine Gorge is via a guided excursion. These day trips tend to last between 10 and 14 hours, beginning between 6 AM, and 6:30 AM.

You’ll usually enjoy a complimentary accommodation pickup service from any hotel in the city center.

What is the typical itinerary?

After meeting your friendly tour guide, either at a designated destination in the city or at your hotel lobby, you’ll set off on a lengthy drive through the outback of the Northern Territory.

Along the way, you’ll likely make a stop for a breath of fresh air and to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of WWII at the Adelaide River War Cemetery.

Upon reaching the national park, many Katherine Gorge day trips will explore the cooling waters of Edith Falls before enjoying an al fresco lunch and learning about the aboriginal history of the park.

Then you’ll experience the majestic canyon of Katherine Gorge by a boat before returning to the city.

Alternatively, you may opt for a helicopter flight, which journeys across the territory to two national parks and includes a river cruise, before ending your Katherine Gorge excursion.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Katherine Gorge?

There are several different Katherine Gorge day tours available, to suit every interest.

Guided tour to Katherine Gorge from Darwin

After traveling through the scenic outback of Australia, you’ll stretch your legs with a swim in the colossal Edith Falls. Cool off and enjoy a picnic, surrounded by the rocky landscape of the national park before discovering the aboriginal history of the area.

Hop on a boat tour in Darwin and meander along Katherine Gorge, looking out for the wildlife that graces its banks, including turtles, and crocodiles.

Day trip to Katherine Gorge plus Kakadu National Park from Darwin

Thrill seekers can hop on a helicopter tour in Darwin and speed through the skies on a Katherine Gorge day trip instead. After experiencing the deep canyon from above, you’ll take an airborne tour of Kakadu National Park, famed for its biodiversity.

Touchdown in the park for a boat cruise in Kakadu National Park through the billabong of Yellow Water, where you can see buffalo grazing and crocodiles lurking.

How much does a day trip to Katherine Gorge from Darwin cost?

Katherine Gorge day trips cost approximately US$220 per person and include a cruise, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide.

If you wish to opt for a helicopter day tour of Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park, you’ll pay US$1,260 each.

What will you see and do?

Katherine Gorge is in fact not a singular canyon, but a collection of 13 sandstone gorges, which have been carved out by nature over millions of years.

You can view the rock formations from the river, which twists and turns through the southern stretches of Nitmiluk National Park, and travels past numerous thundering waterfalls.

Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles call the gorge home at different times of the year, and can often be seen sunning themselves on the banks of the river.

When is the best time to visit Katherine Gorge?

The best time to plan a day trip to Katherine Gorge is between May and September when the climate is dry, and temperatures range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius.

What are the other day trips from Darwin?

• Litchfield National Park day trips from Darwin
• Corroboree Billabong day tours from Darwin
• Nourlangie day trips from Darwin
• Tiwi Islands day tours from Darwin
• Edith Falls day trips from Darwin

Travel tips

• Be prepared for the heat on your Katherine Gorge day tour with sunscreen, a sun hat and plenty of water.
• Swimming is prohibited in Katherine Gorge between October and March when saltwater crocodiles migrate to the river.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be some walking on rough terrain.