Nitmiluk National Park & Katherine Hot Springs tour from Darwin

Six hours of driving gets you to two gorges, a thermal soak and back in one day

A full-day tour from Darwin to Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Hot Springs includes a 2-hour guided river cruise through the first two gorges, lunch at a local cafe, free time to hike or explore the riverfront, and a swim in the natural thermal pools. You depart at sunrise and return to Darwin after a 3-hour drive each way, with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Nitmiluk and Katherine Hot Springs

• Depart Darwin at sunrise
• Drive 3 hours to Nitmiluk National Park
• Take 2-hour 2-Gorge river cruise
• Walk across rocks between gorges
• Have lunch at the cafe
• Hike to lookout or explore riverfront
• Visit cultural centre
• Relax at Katherine Hot Springs
• Drive 3 hours back to Darwin

The experience

The day starts early: you leave Darwin at sunrise for a 3-hour drive to Nitmiluk National Park, arriving at the Katherine Gorge for the centerpiece of the tour, a 2-hour guided river cruise. A local guide takes you through the first two and longest gorges, pointing out freshwater crocodiles, bird species, and towering sandstone cliffs carved over millions of years. The guide shares stories about the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land, and the region's natural and cultural history. Between the two gorges, you walk across an uneven rock face with no handrails to change boats and enter the second gorge. This is the only section requiring careful footing.

After the cruise, lunch at the park cafe gives you a choice of meals to suit most diets. The afternoon is yours: hike the 900-meter uphill track to the lookout for panoramic views, stroll along the riverfront, or visit the cultural centre. The park's day pass is included, so you can move at your own pace. Next comes Katherine Hot Springs, a series of natural thermal pools surrounded by tropical vegetation where you can soak before the 3-hour drive back to Darwin. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and Starlink wifi is available on board.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with Starlink wifi.
• Nitmiluk 2-Gorge River Cruise entry fee and guided commentary.
• NT Parks Pass day pass.
• lunch at a local cafe with diet options.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 8 Sep 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sacred Owl Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Darwin with one full day and want both gorges and hot springs without splitting the experience across multiple days: the sunrise start and fixed schedule pack it all in, though the 3-hour each-way drive means most of your day is travel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

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 2-Gorge Cruise like on the Katherine River?

The 2-hour guided river cruise takes you through the first two gorges of the Katherine Gorge system, the longest and most dramatic of the 13 interconnected sandstone gorges. You travel by boat along crystal-clear water, see freshwater crocodiles and bird species, and pass towering rock faces. A local guide narrates the journey and shares insights about the Jawoyn people and the region's history and wildlife.

How much free time do you get at Nitmiluk National Park after the cruise?

After lunch, you have free time to explore the park on your own. You can hike to the lookout for panoramic views, walk along the riverfront, or visit the cultural centre. The park day pass is included, so you set the pace and choose which areas interest you most.

What happens to Katherine Hot Springs in the wet season?

When Katherine Hot Springs close during the wet season, the tour visits Edith Falls instead, so you still get a natural water experience and a chance to cool off before the return drive.

Is the walk between the two gorges difficult?

Between the first and second gorges, you walk across an uneven rock face to change boats. There are no handrails, so it requires careful footing. The operator notes this is not recommended for guests with mobility issues, but it is suitable for all other fitness levels.