A Katherine Gorge tour & Edith Falls excursion is the best way to see the NT’s wild Top End scenery in one short trip. You will sail between tall sandstone walls that were sculpted by the Katherine River long ago. You will hear local legends that bring Nitmiluk Country to life, and you will cool off in the kinds of swimming holes that travellers have been talking about for years.
With Edith Falls‘ gentle waterfalls and natural rock pools, you get a day that combines culture, nature, and true Northern Territory beauty. It’s one of those outings when you conclude the day feeling warm, refreshed, and thankful that you brought your swimsuit.
Tour code: KG-B
Operates: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun (May–Sep) / Fri, Sun (Oct–Nov) / Sundays (Dec–Apr)
Time frame: 13.5 hours
Leaves at 6:00 a.m.
Return time: 2:00 p.m.
Katherine Gorge sightseeing excursion
Led by a certified driver-guide
Comfortable transportation in a mini-coach with air conditioning
Educative commentary all along the way
Pick-up and drop-off from specific locations in Darwin
Size of group: 8–28 passengers
Take a trip to Nitmiluk National Park, one of the Northern Territory’s most beautiful natural places and the ancestral home of the Jawoyn people. The journey goes south along the Stuart Highway, passing through the ancient communities of Adelaide River or Pine Creek before reaching the friendly town of Katherine. As the scenery changes, you’ll pass through areas that are home to natural plants and animals found only in the Top End. During the trip, your guide will share insights into the area’s history, culture, and nature, helping you learn more about this unique part of Australia.
The NitNit Dreaming two-hour trip down Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) is one of the best parts of the program. As you glide between towering sandstone walls that rise up to 70 meters, you’ll see the canyon lit by changing natural light, which brings out geological structures hundreds of years old. The Jawoyn Traditional Owners manage this area, which holds significant cultural meaning for them. Their long history with the area adds to the experience as you cruise through these stunning surroundings.
After the gorge cruise, the trip continues to the peaceful waters of Edith Falls (Leliyn), another well-known spot in the park. Depending on when the cruise leaves, the visit may happen before or after your time on the sea. If the weather is right, you can swim in the big natural plunge pool, which is a great way to relax in nature. If you don’t want to swim, just rest by the water and enjoy the peaceful setting.
After you’ve finished your visit to Leliyn, you can take the same route back through either Pine Creek or Adelaide River. This will give you time to reflect on the landscapes and tales you encountered throughout the day. When you arrive back in Darwin, you’ll have a better understanding of the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and remarkable experiences you had at the heart of the Top End.
Meals: n/a
Driving Distance: 820 km
Walking Distance: 500 m
At 6:30 a.m., the trip departs from the Travelodge Resort Darwin (THE LEEA DARWIN), located at 64 Cavenagh St. in Darwin City. Kindly wait outside Cavenagh Street‘s front gates.
Schedule of Pick-Up
To prevent delays or missed departures, please arrive five to ten minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
We at Australia Tours are committed to protecting the wildlife and plants that may be seen throughout our Darwin Top End Tours. We strive to minimise disruption to this World Heritage Listed landscape while respecting local species, because we take our responsibilities very seriously. Throughout every voyage, our approach is centred on respect for Traditional Owners and cultural sensitivity.
Additionally, we are dedicated to educating our visitors about low-impact travel strategies that help preserve species and the long-term viability of ecosystems wherever we visit.
Visit https://www.ecotourism.org.au/Traditional Owners to learn more about ecotourism.
Australia Tours respects the Wurundjeri people in particular and honours the land’s Traditional Owners. We kindly request that all visitors respect cultural customs and the strong spiritual ties that First Nations groups have to their homelands.
It is advised that visitors view wildlife in silence and with respect. Touching, feeding, or engaging with wildlife, especially birds, is prohibited. Animals may be disturbed by sudden movements or loud noises. Human interaction can spread illness, alter an animal’s natural behaviour, or make it hostile.
Animals should only be handled by licensed wildlife professionals. Giving wildlife food can have negative impacts on their health, alter their natural foraging habits, and lead to dangerous behavioural patterns.
Please notify your guide or tour leader, a National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre employees right away if you see any animal that seems hurt, upset, or in danger.
Please follow all safety instructions from your guide and stay behind barriers and on designated walking tracks. Leaving established trails can pose personal hazards, including slippery surfaces, cliff edges, and unstable rocks, as well as harm delicate habitats and native species.
Because each component is vital to the ecosystem, flora and wildlife, including dead wood, fallen leaves, and flowers, must be left where they are.
There are trash cans in every car. Even though organic waste is common, items like bread and fruit peels are not native to this area and may harm wildlife or attract pests.
To reduce plastic waste, we strongly advise visitors on our Grampians Tour to bring a reusable water bottle. Please stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, and replenish frequently as fresh drinking water is provided on board.
Every guide is currently certified in Level 2 First Aid. You should notify your guide as soon as possible of any illness, incident, or worry.
Please carry the required medication and let your guide know at the beginning of the tour if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Smoking is only permitted in approved locations; it is never permitted inside cars, lodging, or permanent campsites. Smoking breaks are not guaranteed, despite our frequent comfort stops. It’s important to always dispose of cigarette butts properly.
This tour requires participants to be at least six years old. Infants and children under 5 should not participate due to the nature of the event. Children must always be under adult supervision and stay in authorised visiting areas and designated paths.
Due to limited storage space on board, day trips are allowed only for hand luggage and compact daypacks. Before leaving, larger suitcases and bags must be kept in the lockers at the bus station or at your lodging.
There is no lunch included. On the way to Katherine Nitmiluk National Park, visitors can buy food to support local businesses. You are free to bring your own food, and there is an esky on board to keep everything cold. Additionally, there is a water refill station; we advise carrying a 1.5–2L reusable bottle.
It requires a moderate level of fitness. The hike down to Edith Falls is one of the most difficult parts of the trek in Nitmiluk National Park.
Depending on the season and safety evaluations, swimming is permitted in the plunge pools and waterfalls at Edith Falls (Leliyn).
Up to 28 people can go on this excursion in our air-conditioned, 28-seat Yutong vehicle, designed for comfort and good window visibility.
Unless the operator instructs otherwise, tours continue in normal rain or mild weather. Cancellation would only occur in cases of extreme or dangerous conditions within Nitmiluk National Park.
The Travelodge Darwin is only two streets away from 7 McLachlan Street, where there is a government-run parking lot.
Overnight Parking: Open-air lots offer free overnight parking from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Monday through Thursday, costs apply in West Lane and Dragonfly parking lots). For reference, a City Parking Location Map is accessible online.
Improved cleaning procedures and continuous hygiene precautions are in place for your health. More information is available here.
Scenic Dreaming cruise ticket included.
Guided nature walks (~1–2 km).
Local animal viewing opportunities.
Expert local outback guide.
Cool, comfortable group transport.
In-depth regional insights shared.
Convenient central meeting points.
Refreshing swim at Leliyn.
Park pass required separately.
Lunch available for purchase.
Fixed central meeting locations.
Personal coverage highly recommended.
Personal spending not included.
Yes, buying your NT Parks Day Pass in advance of the tour’s departure is highly advised. This prevents gate waits and ensures seamless access to Nitmiluk National Park. During pick-up, your guide will remind you that passes are available online through NT Parks.
Park rangers’ yearly safety inspections are the only thing that determines whether swimming at Edith Falls is safe. Access may be restricted during the Wet Season due to crocodile management closures or severe currents. Your guide will provide the most recent information available on the day.
Although most treks in Nitmiluk National Park are short (between 500 and 2 km), some have uneven terrain, natural stone steps, and mild elevation changes. It is advised to have a modest level of fitness, particularly for the fall to the Edith Falls plunge pool.
Yes, you will be able to buy breakfast or lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, Pine Creek, or Adelaide River. Additionally, you are invited to bring your own meals or snacks; food can be kept cold in an onboard esky.
Bring sunscreen, bug repellent, a 2L water bottle, a wide-brimmed hat, swimwear, enclosed walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a towel for a warm Top End experience. Additionally, a camera and a small daypack are helpful for the voyage through Katherine Gorge and your visit to Edith Falls.
