Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise: Two & Three Gorge Tours with Guide

Summary

Sandstone cliffs, river walks and Jawoyn stories in Nitmiluk

You’ll drift through Nitmiluk Gorge by boat with a local guide sharing Jawoyn stories, step off for a short walk between gorges (with ancient rock art), and maybe cool off with a swim if you choose the three-gorge cruise. Expect sandstone cliffs, wildlife sounds, and moments that stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that sound when a boat engine cuts out and suddenly it’s just cicadas and the slap of water on rock? That’s how it started for us at Nitmiluk Gorge. Our guide — I think his name was Darren — pointed at these streaks on the cliff and told us they’re older than most countries. The air smelled like warm stone and eucalyptus. I kept trying to take photos but honestly, nothing really gets the color right. It’s not just red, not just gold. Something in between.

We did the two-gorge cruise (there’s a three-gorge one too if you want more walking). At one point you have to get off the boat and walk about 500 meters to the next gorge — there’s a shaded spot for anyone who wants to wait instead. The path is rocky but manageable, even for me (I trip over flat ground). On that stretch, Darren showed us some Jawoyn rock art tucked behind a boulder. He tried teaching us how to say “Nitmiluk” properly; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it. But hearing those old stories right there felt different than reading them anywhere else.

I still think about that swim break — water cold enough to jolt you awake but somehow soft against your skin. There were dragonflies everywhere, hovering above the surface like they owned it. Heading back, everyone was quieter, maybe just soaking up the last bit of sun on those cliffs. It wasn’t loud or dramatic; just this steady sense of being somewhere that matters to people who’ve known it forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise and Walks

• Board the boat at Nitmiluk Jetty
• Listen to guide explain heritage
• Disembark for 500-meter walk between gorges
• View ancient rock art on walk
• Reboard boat to next gorge
• Enjoy two or three gorge cruise options
• Swim and have light refreshments (three gorge cruise)
• Return to Nitmiluk Boat Jetty

Top questions

How long is the Nitmiluk Gorge cruise?

The two-gorge cruise is about 2 hours; the three-gorge cruise takes around 3 hours.

Is walking required during the tour?

Yes, there’s a 500-meter walk between gorges, but shaded waiting areas are provided if you prefer not to walk.

Are guides included on the Nitmiluk Gorge cruise?

Yes, every cruise includes live commentary from a local guide.

Can I see Aboriginal rock art during the tour?

Yes, ancient Jawoyn rock art can be seen during the walk between gorges.

Is swimming allowed during the Nitmiluk Gorge cruise?

Swimming is included only on the three-gorge (3-hour) cruise option.

Are infants allowed on board?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking sections.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from your river guide throughout the cruise, plus an escort or host on board. If you choose to walk between gorges, you'll see ancient rock art along the way; shaded seating is available if you'd rather wait at each stop before continuing by boat.