Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The Nitmiluk Gorge is made up of 13 separate gorges. This maze of waterways has been sculpted from the sandstone over countless millennia by the Katherine River. Experience the beauty, history and culture of the Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk National Park.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Nitmiluk National Park
Once you have boarded, your boat driver and Nitmiluk river guide will explain the ancient heritage of the landscape and its' significance to the Katherine region and the Jawoyn People. Between each gorge, there is a 500-meter walk which will require you to disembark the vessel before joining the boat in the next gorge. Those who choose not to do the walk can sit in provided shaded area. Those who choose to continue to the next gorge will have the opportunity to see ancient rock art between the first and second gorge during their walk.
Nitmiluk Tours
Two Gorge Cruise (2-hour) Discover the cultural significance of the first 2 gorges to the traditional landowners - the Jawoyn people. Enjoy a journey of discovery through the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge. Three Gorge Cruise (3-hour) Prepare for a truly memorable experience as you travel through time and the 3 gorges of Nitmiluk Gorge. Marvel at the sheer rock face walls as the scenery becomes more striking as you head further into the Gorge. Freshen up with a swim and light refreshments before you return back to the Nitmiluk Boat Jetty. Dawn Cruise (2-hour) The colors of the early morning awaken as you emerge into the first gorge. See the mist rising above the smooth water’s surface, hear the wildlife stirring from the night and breathe the crisp clean air. This cruise will allow you to discover the unspoiled beauty of the morning - a truly memorable start to the day and a photographer’s dream.
What‘s Included
Tour escort/host
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from attractions
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Two Gorge Cruise 9am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 9am
Two Gorge Cruise 2pm
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 2pm
Two Gorge Cruise 11am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 11am
Three Gorge Cruise 9am
Three Gorge Cruise: 4-hour Katherine River 3 Gorge cruise departing at 9am
Two Gorge Cruise 7am
2-hour Katherine River 2 Gorge cruise departing at 7am.
Reviews
683 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must to visit if near Katherine, NT.
Chamois 11,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an overnight stay in Cabins at Nitmiluk near Katherine Gorge. There are 12 cabins at the Gorge, not to be confused with the Cicada cabins on the same site, which are more luxurious. Nevertheless they are comfortable, well appointed and well equipped, e.g. fresh milk for coffee/tea. The on site swimming pool deserves a special mention, ideal for kids and adults, it is beautifully landscaped. The site accomodates everyone from campers to caravans, motorhomes and cabins. There is an onsite cafe which we did not use, but travelled in to Katherine, a thirty mile drive for an evening meal (worth it). Because it was the rainy season, despite it being a holiday (Australia Day), the site was empty, although the cabins were fully booked. On arrival we decided to go on a two hour cruise through the gorge. This was disappointing, through no fault of the management. The water in the river was too high to access all the reaches normally accessed. However, we ended up at a spectacular waterfall for a swim after climbing a treacherous rocky path. We booked direct through Nitmiluk Tours PTY Ltd. reservations@nitmiluktours.com.au
An amazing experience. ...
Lisa G,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience. Jamie was a fantastic guide. Stunning scenery, even got to see a freshwater croc. So enjoyed the waterfall and swim. Highly recommend!!
Got 100% Best Customer Service 100% Awesome Experience
teddyg943,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jamie our tour guide was very attentive, informative, friendly, welcoming! I hope I can get to see him during my next trip in Dry Season!
Company cancelled last minute
Amy L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Cancelled last minute. Less than an hr warning to cancel. Terrible service. Would definitely not book with them again
Spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge
Ana L,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A memorable experience at Nitmiluk Gorge. The cruise allows you to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, with stunning slopes, quiet water and a unique feeling of connection to nature. The guide was accessible and knowledgeable, who knew how to share stories and curiosities along the way. A very well-organized, relaxing and inspiring tour — undoubtedly highly recommended.
Nitmulik cruise
748veritym,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful scenery and very friendly and informative commenter . Would recommend . Caravan park pool great too. Enjoyed a great pizza
Thoroughly recommended - key tour whilst in Katherine
gipsona1,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There was only 3 of us taking the cruise, so that meant we were spoilt having one guide (Jamie) to ourselves. Beautiful trip which was enhanced by local knowledge and experiences.
Beautiful gorge - great trip
Nick S,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery and great commentary from our guide , Holly. A truly amazing nature spot in Australia . Thank you Holly for providing such great knowledge of the gorge and the First Nation people.
Loved it. Do it.
Jode01,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came on a day trip with a tour company who were eh, but THIS cruise through 2 of the gorges was fabulous!!! Thank you so much Nitmiluk Tours, your guide Jamie Brookse was sooo good!! Jamie shared great stories and info and spoke so clearly and calmly it was easy to hear plus his sense of humour had us chuckling. Both my husband and I agree it was the best tour and talk we have EVER had.
Great tour but we preferred the Sunset Dinner cruise to the middle of the day one
sopaca,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this cruise in mid October having done it just 12 days earlier at the end of September during our Darwin to Alice Springs road trip. On this second occasion, we were doing it as an excursion off The Ghan train. It was quite a different tour in that there were so many passengers we filled 3 or 4 boats and, because it was about 40C we left at 10.45am, we were told we would only be doing one gorge and not two. I suspect this was more down to the age profile of The Ghan passengers and not normal practice for the cruise operators. We did enjoy this trip and Rachel was our very able, personable and informative skipper and tour guide. The trip lasted 75 minutes and was lovely but the depth of colour in the gorge wall and rock were not as spectacular as the previous Sunset Dinner cruise we'd done 4.30pm-8pm when the colours were amazing. This was a lovely cruise but I would recommend being able to do two gorge (or even three of possible) as we thought the second gorge was much better than the first on our previous trip.
