Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls tour from Darwin: 70-metre cliffs

Cruise between 70-metre sandstone walls and swim beneath a waterfall in one day

This full-day tour from Darwin travels to Nitmiluk National Park to explore Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls. You'll cruise for two hours through the gorge's towering sandstone canyon, spotting freshwater crocodiles and birdlife, then swim in the waterhole at Edith Falls during the dry season. The tour includes lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, where you can see traditional Aboriginal artefacts, and a stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery on the return journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Edith Falls45m
2. Nitmiluk National Park2h · entry included

Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls tour

• Stop at Adelaide River War Cemetery
• Swim at Edith Falls waterhole
• Enjoy lunch and visit Nitmiluk Visitor Centre
• Take two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge

The experience

The day starts with a drive from Darwin to Katherine Gorge in an air-conditioned coach. Your guide (a local who knows the Top End) leads the group through Nitmiluk National Park, where the first stop is the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a memorial to those lost in the north during World War II. From there, you head to Edith Falls, a picturesque cascade where you can swim in the waterhole beneath it (conditions permitting during the dry season). Lunch is a buffet served at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, where you'll also have time to browse photographs, memorabilia and traditional Aboriginal artefacts.

The highlight is the two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge itself. The boat navigates between the 70-metre-high sandstone walls, and the guide points out freshwater crocodiles, birdlife and the ancient Aboriginal rock art etched into the canyon walls. The gorge is narrow in places and opens into wider sections, each with its own character. Between gorges, you'll walk 800 metres across uneven ground and steps of varying heights to transfer to a different boat. This is the most demanding part of the day physically. The return to Darwin takes the group back by evening, arriving around 8:30 pm.

The Northern Territory National Parks Pass is included in the tour price as of 1 April 2027, so there's no separate entry fee to arrange. Your hotel pickup is confirmed during booking, though if your accommodation doesn't appear in the dropdown list, you'll need to contact the supplier to arrange an alternative. Dietary requirements must be noted before travel so the lunch can be adapted.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Darwin.
• air-conditioned coach travel.
• expert local guide.
• entry to Nitmiluk National Park.
• two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge.
• swim at Edith Falls (conditions permitting).
• buffet lunch at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre.
• access to the Visitor Centre's photographs, memorabilia and traditional Aboriginal artefacts.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

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.

Paid on siteAU$ 10

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AAT Kings

Is this one for you?The walk between gorges covers 800 metres of uneven ground with steps of varying heights, so moderate fitness and comfort with uneven terrain matter. The cruise itself is a seated experience, and the swim at Edith Falls is optional, so the day suits most travelers who can manage that one transfer section.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years); Infant (under 2): 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 Adelaide River War Cemetery and why is it on the itinerary?

The Adelaide River War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in Australia's north during World War II. It's the first stop on the tour, a brief visit on the drive from Darwin to Katherine Gorge.

Can I swim at both Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge?

You can swim at Edith Falls in the waterhole beneath the cascade (conditions permitting during the dry season). The Katherine Gorge cruise is a viewing experience only. Swimming there is not part of the tour.

What happens between the different sections of Katherine Gorge?

Between gorges, you transfer to a different boat. This requires walking 800 metres across uneven ground and steps of varying heights, which is the most physically demanding part of the day.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the gorge cruise?

Freshwater crocodiles, birdlife and ancient Aboriginal rock art on the canyon walls are the main sights during the two-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge. The guide will point out what to look for as the boat moves through the 70-metre-high sandstone walls.

Is the Northern Territory Parks Pass included in the price?

Yes, from 1 April 2027 the NT Parks Pass is included in the tour price, so you won't need to purchase a separate entry ticket to Nitmiluk National Park.

What time does the tour return to Darwin?

The tour returns to Darwin approximately 8:30 pm, making this a full-day outing of around 14 hours from pickup to drop-off.