Kakadu & Katherine Gorge: Helicopter flight & boat cruise

Nitmiluk's gorges by helicopter, then Kakadu's Yellow Water by boat

A full-day tour from Darwin combining fixed-wing flights, a 30-minute helicopter ride through the 13 gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, and an afternoon boat cruise on Yellow Water in Kakadu National Park. The day includes private transport, lunch, a window seat on both aircraft, and a live English-speaking guide. Minimum of two adults required for the tour to proceed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight and Kakadu cruise

• Fly from Darwin to Katherine
• Helicopter ride through Nitmiluk gorges
• Fly from Katherine to Kakadu National Park
• Lunch break in Kakadu National Park
• Yellow Waters boat cruise
• Fly back to Darwin over Mary and Adelaide Rivers

The experience

The day starts with a flight from Darwin to Katherine in a fixed-wing aircraft, crossing rugged landscape that frames what comes next. Once you land, a half-hour helicopter ride takes you deep into Nitmiluk National Park's twisting gorges: areas unreachable any other way. The 13 gorges reveal themselves from the air as the landscape shifts beneath you, and the scale of the terrain becomes clear only from above.

After the gorge flight, you return to the aircraft for the journey to Kakadu National Park. The route crosses the Mary and Adelaide Rivers, passing over ravines and ancient landscapes that the operator describes as breathtaking. Landing in Kakadu, you have time to settle before lunch. The afternoon centers on the Yellow Waters boat cruise, where the boat moves through sections of the park untouched by regular foot traffic. Wildlife appears throughout (birds, crocodiles, and other species that inhabit the wetlands), and the cultural and natural significance of the region unfolds as you move through it. The return flight to Darwin follows the same river route, landing back where the day began.

The tour runs 10 hours total. You get a window seat on both the fixed-wing and helicopter flights, bottled water throughout the day, and free parking at the Darwin departure point. A live guide in English accompanies the group and provides context at each stage.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Darwin.
• fixed-wing flights to and from Katherine and Kakadu.
• window seat on both aircraft.
• 30-minute helicopter flight through Nitmiluk National Park's 13 gorges.
• lunch at Kakadu.
• Yellow Waters boat cruise in Kakadu National Park.
• bottled water.
• free parking at Darwin.
• live guide in English.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kookaburra Air

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Darwin or don't have a car: the private transport and flights mean you don't arrange anything beyond the booking. The full-day structure packs three distinct experiences (helicopter gorges, scenic flights, boat cruise) into one departure, so you see multiple landscapes and wildlife habitats without changing hotels or managing separate bookings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the helicopter ride through Nitmiluk like?

The helicopter flight lasts 30 minutes and takes you through 13 gorges inside Nitmiluk National Park. These areas are accessible only by air, and the ride is described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the terrain's scale and the way the gorges reveal themselves from above.

What happens at Yellow Waters in Kakadu?

Yellow Waters is a boat cruise through a section of Kakadu National Park. The boat moves through areas rarely visited on foot, and wildlife (including crocodiles and birds) is abundant throughout the wetlands. The site holds cultural significance for the region.

Do I need my own transport to get to Darwin for this tour?

Private transportation is included in the tour, so you don't need to arrange your own way to the departure point. Free parking is also provided at Darwin.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included in the tour and happens on the ground at Kakadu between the helicopter ride and the Yellow Waters boat cruise.

Can infants travel on this tour?

Infants aged 0–2 years travel free, but seating cannot be guaranteed. Infants may need to sit on a parent's lap if the aircraft is full. Infants can also travel in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed.