Katherine Gorge Cruises

Katherine Gorge Tours/Scenic Flights

Katherine Gorge cruises are the most popular way to get a look at Nitmiluk (the Aboriginal name for Katherine Gorge).

In fact, the Katherine Gorge cruises are so popular, better book well in advance if you would like to do one during the main tourist season (May-September).

Read about the different Katherine Gorge tours available, how much time and what else you need to bring, and when and where to book.

In most people's eyes Katherine Gorge boat tours offer many benefits over other ways of exploring:

They operate all year round (canoeing and extended hikes are out of the question in the wet season)
You get a good look at the gorge in a shorter amount of time. This is important if you have limited time available on your Australia visit.
Peace of mind. They can easily be booked online and well in advance. Important if you want to visit us at the peak of the tourist season.
They don't involve any physical exertion. (Canoeing or hiking in Katherine Gorge is strenuous, believe me...)
But all cruises involve some easy walking as well, and you will get a close look at the plants and wildlife.
Knowledgeable guides explain the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area and answer your questions.

A steady stream of tour boats leaves from the jetty near the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre where you can buy tickets if you didn't book in advance.

You can choose between Katherine Gorge cruises of different length.

The 2 hour Katherine Gorge cruise departs at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm and will take you to the second gorge. It includes a 800m easy walk.

A 4 hour Katherine Gorge cruise (9am, 11am, 1pm) will take you to the third gorge, and includes 1200m of walking. So bring sensible shoes for these cruises!

During the dry season you can also go on the 8 hour "safari" (leaves at 9am). These Katherine Gorge tours take you through the first five gorges and gives you a look at the sixth gorge. It also involves some more serious walking, 5 km all up, so bring some sturdy shoes. Lunch and refreshments are included and you will have plenty of time for a swim and to relax and enjoy.

(For information on bus transfers from town see the page Getting to Nitmiluk National Park.)

A word of warning about the knowledgeable guides. They are truly knowledgeable and they're all nice guys and gals. But be aware that they also make up a few stories to make it all sound more spectacular. Don't believe everything they tell you, ok?

If you bring your own boat you can of course cruise Katherine Gorge to your hearts content. Just make sure you register first at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and find out about the current regulations regarding private boating.

The same applies if you want to do some fishing. Lure fishing is allowed but certain restrictions apply. They can change so it's best to check with the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre about the current situation.

As I already mentioned on the page Hiking in Katherine Gorge National Park: an interesting, short, but steep walk leads from the jetty up to a cliff top lookout. It's the perfect way to use the waiting time until the next boat leaves, or after your Katherine Gorge cruise. Allow about 2 hours for the Lookout Loop Walk. You'll need less time if you just want to climb up and down the same way.

2 hours might seem like a lot of time, but let me warn you again. These Katherine Gorge cruises are very popular. Unless you booked your Katherine Gorge tour in advance there will be some waiting time...

Contact details for enquiries and bookings are on this page: Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Information

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Exhilarating Katherine Gorge Scenic Flights

Katherine Gorge scenic flights are even more convenient than Katherine Gorge cruises and they are spectacular.

You don't have to make your way out to the gorge. The flights leave from the Katherine airfield and most operators offer courtesy hotel transfers.
The flights operate all year round. You can see the Katherine Gorge and all its waterfalls at their best even when the roads into the park are cut due to flooding. Flights are definiteley the way to go during the wet season.
You will see a lot more in a lot less time than any hikers, canoers or people on Katherine Gorge cruises ever could.
Helicopter rides simply are an exhilarating experience. I suggest you choose the helicopter, but airplane flights are also available.

The only restriction is that you need to fill up the helicopter/plane to make it leave. The minimum number of people is usually three.

Read about other ways to explore Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Park

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Read about other National Parks in Australia

Australian National Parks Site Map

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