Kakadu & Katherine Gorge Tour from Darwin: Rock Art & River Cruises

Trace ancient rock art and cruise crocodile-filled rivers beneath towering escarpments

A 4-day guided tour from Darwin explores Kakadu National Park and Katherine Gorge with visits to Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art sites, the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River, and a 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise through Katherine Gorge's 70-meter sheer rock walls. The tour includes 3 nights accommodation in Kakadu and Katherine, guided walks up to 4 kilometers, park entry fees, and stops at cultural centers and natural swimming holes. Children from age 8 can join. A moderate level of fitness is required for the walks, and travelers over 70 need a doctor's certificate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

• Depart Darwin to WakWak wetlands
• Spot birdlife and crocodiles
• Travel into Kakadu National Park
• Check into local accommodation
• Visit Bowali Visitor Centre
• Cultural tour at East Alligator region
• Option for scenic flight or art centre visit
• Visit Ubirr Rock and watch sunset
• Return to accommodation for dinner

Day 2: Explore Kakadu National Park

• Join Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
• Observe birdlife and crocodiles
• Visit art galleries and cultural centres
• Guided walk at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) art site
• Enjoy creation stories and artworks
• Watch sunset and return to accommodation

Day 3: Kakadu to Katherine and Gorge Cruise

• Leisurely morning in Jabiru
• Travel southwest to Katherine
• Stop at Pine Creek for refreshments
• Check into Katherine accommodation
• Enjoy NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise
• Return to accommodation and relax

Day 4: Katherine to Edith Falls and Darwin

• Visit Katherine Hot Springs for swim
• Stop at Top Didj Gallery
• Travel to Edith Falls for picnic and swim
• Return to Darwin
• Evening at Mindil Markets or relax

The experience

Kakadu National Park sits 300 kilometers east of Darwin, and the tour begins by heading through the WakWak wetlands where you'll spot Top End birdlife and crocodiles before arriving at your accommodation. The first day takes you to Ubirr Rock, home to some of the world's best-preserved Aboriginal rock art, with a 1-kilometer loop walk (Grade 2–3) that ends at sunset overlooking the landscape. You'll stay at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel with a choice of twin, double or single rooms.

Day two centers on the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on the border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land, where a guide shares creation stories while you watch for birdlife and crocodiles. Afterward, a guided walk through Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) takes you past art galleries and cultural centers displaying the work of clan groups from north and south Kakadu and into Arnhem Land. The walk covers around 1 kilometer (Grade 2) and includes stops at Kunwarddewardde Lookout, Anbangbang Billabong, and Nawurlandja, with the option to extend to Naguluwurr art site if the group wants more walking.

On day three, you drive southwest toward Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park, passing through the historical township of Pine Creek where you can stretch your legs and try local homemade ice cream while hearing stories of the Overland Telegraph and the 1870s gold rush. Once in Katherine, you board the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise, a 2-hour journey down the middle of Katherine Gorge with 70-meter sheer rock walls on either side and wildlife around every corner. The cruise guides you through an area rich in creation stories before you settle into your Katherine accommodation at Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel.

The final day starts with a dip at the Katherine Hot Springs, followed by a visit to the Top Didj Gallery to see local art and explore bush tucker and bush medicine gardens. You then head to Edith Falls for a 1-kilometer walk (Grade 1) and a swim in the plunge pool beneath the cascading waterfall, with a picnic lunch included. The drive back to Darwin takes the afternoon, getting you back in time to visit the famous Mindil Markets or rest before your departure.

What’s included

• Guided walks through Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art sites.
• Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River.
• NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise through Katherine Gorge.
• 3 nights accommodation in Kakadu and Katherine.
• Kakadu Park entry fees.
• visits to Aboriginal art galleries and cultural centers.
• swimming at Katherine Hot Springs and Edith Falls.
• picnic lunch on the final day.

Options for this experience

4 options

Shared Accommodation (18+ over)Guide in English · 08:00Shared accommodation (KO4-B): Solo travellers who book a Basic Shared Accommodation will be paired with another solo traveller in a twin room with ensuite. Highlights include: Kakadu, Aboriginal Cultural Centres, Guluyambi Cruise, Cahills Crossing, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park. Budget-level short break: budget-style touring experience staying in Hotel shared accommodation with an ensuite bathroom. Duration: 4 days, 4 Day / 3 Nights, comfort-level touring. Meals include: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. From Darwin: a journey from Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine and return. Mitsubishi Rosa (24-seater): this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe and comfortable, with high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views. Solo traveller bookings: travellers booking separately in a Twin Share room will be paired with another solo person, if possible of the same gender.

Double or twin room (1 adult, 1 child)Guide in English · 08:00Shared accommodation (KO4-S): fare price per person based on 1 Adult and 1 Child travelling together, in a private twin room with ensuite facilities. Highlights include: Kakadu, Aboriginal Cultural Centres, Guluyambi Cruise, Cahills Crossing, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park. Comfort-level short break: comfort-style touring experience staying in Hotel/Resort accommodation with an ensuite bathroom. Duration: 4 days, 4 Day / 3 Nights, shared accommodated with an adult and child. Meals include: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. From Darwin: a journey from Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine and return. Mitsubishi Rosa (24-seater): this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe and comfortable, with high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views.

Private double or twin (2 adults)Guide in English · 08:00Private accommodation (KO4-S): fare price per person based on 2 Adults travelling together, with a private double/twin ensuite. Highlights include: Kakadu, Aboriginal Cultural Centres, Guluyambi Cruise, Cahills Crossing, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park. Comfort-level short break: comfort-style touring experience staying in Hotel accommodation with an ensuite bathroom. Duration: 4 days, 4 Day / 3 Nights, accommodated tour. Meals include: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. From Darwin: a journey from Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine and return. Mitsubishi Rosa (24-seater): this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe and comfortable, with high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views.

Private single (1 adult)Guide in English · 08:00Private accommodation (KO4-P): fare price is for solo travellers seeking more privacy, based on Qty 1 (1 Adult), with a private single room with ensuite facilities. Highlights include: Kakadu, Aboriginal Cultural Centres, Guluyambi Cruise, Cahills Crossing, Edith Falls, Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park. Comfort-level short break: comfort-style touring experience staying in Hotel/Resort accommodation with an ensuite bathroom. Solo guests looking for privacy. Duration: 4 days, 4 Day / 3 Nights, accommodated tour. Meals include: 3 x breakfasts, 4 x lunches, 3 x dinners. From Darwin: a journey from Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine and return. Mitsubishi Rosa (24-seater): this vehicle makes moving people easy, safe and comfortable, with high back seats and large windows for unobstructed views.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

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 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for back problems

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with sustained walking on uneven terrain and want a guide who knows the rock art sites and river access points: otherwise choose the shorter day tours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What kind of Aboriginal rock art will I see on this tour?

Ubirr Rock holds one of the world's best-preserved collections of Aboriginal rock art, and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) features multiple art galleries and cultural centers displaying work from clan groups across Kakadu and Arnhem Land. A guide leads you through both sites and shares the stories and traditions behind the artworks.

How many river cruises are included in the 4 days?

Two cultural cruises are included: the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise down the East Alligator River on day two, and the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Cruise through Katherine Gorge on day three, which lasts 2 hours and passes through 70-meter sheer rock walls.

What are the walking distances and difficulty levels on this tour?

Walks range from 1 kilometer and are graded 1 to 3, with the Ubirr sunset walk (Grade 2–3) and Nourlangie guided walk (Grade 2) being the main hikes. The final walk at Edith Falls is 1 kilometer and Grade 1. A moderate level of fitness is required to complete all walks.

Where will I stay during the 4 days?

You'll stay 3 nights in air-conditioned accommodation: two nights at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Kakadu, and one night at either Knotts Crossing Resort or Contour Hotel in Katherine. Room options include twin, double or single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes guided bush walks, 3 nights accommodation, Aboriginal culture and rock art viewing, both the Guluyambi and Katherine Gorge cruises, Kakadu Park pass entry fees, and a picnic lunch at Edith Falls on day four.