Nitmiluk Tours
Helicopter Tours • Boat Tours • Gear Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
A trip to the Northern Territory is not complete without visiting the spectacular “Nitmiluk Gorge”. Open all year round, it features some of the most stunning gorge scenery in the Northern Territory, with raging waterfalls, a myriad of wildlife and breathtaking views of the Jawoyn country. Nitmiluk Gorge winds along 12km of sheer rock extending more than 70m high. Consisting of 13 seperate gorges, Nitmiluk Gorge is a maze of waterways sculpted from the sandstone over countless millennia by the Katherine River. Nitmiluk Tours is the specialist agent offering a great variety of tours that allow you to immerse yourself in the history, rugged beauty and culture of this majestic region. Cruise, canoe, walk, fly, swim, and embrace Nitmiluk Gorge.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
641 reviews
Excellent
489
Very good
105
Average
25
Poor
7
Terrible
15
ilse g
Melbourne, Australia68 contributions
Aug 2021
We did the helicopter scenic flight. We chose the 13 gorge flight with the optional upgrades for a remote landing and 17 mile valley. This was well worth the extra money as the remote landing was at a gorge inaccessible any other way, and the 17 mile valley upgrade takes you over some beautiful waterfalls. The tour time from start to finish was about an hour. The chopper pilot knew his stuff and full of great information.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah W
23 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The take offs and landings were a definite highlight!
We flew over all 13 gorges getting fabulous photos then landed in the middle of nowhere and were shown some amazing rock art near an incredibly beautiful waterhole where we could have swam but decided to save ourselves for the next exclusive spot.
At this next stop we walked a short way to a private waterhole where we were left to ourselves for almost an hour. Fresh water with a large rock in the centre where we basked in the sun for a while. Had an awesome take off deep in the gorge which was very exciting. Pilot was great! Thanks for a once in a lifetime experience.
We flew over all 13 gorges getting fabulous photos then landed in the middle of nowhere and were shown some amazing rock art near an incredibly beautiful waterhole where we could have swam but decided to save ourselves for the next exclusive spot.
At this next stop we walked a short way to a private waterhole where we were left to ourselves for almost an hour. Fresh water with a large rock in the centre where we basked in the sun for a while. Had an awesome take off deep in the gorge which was very exciting. Pilot was great! Thanks for a once in a lifetime experience.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe, Australia598 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We were lucky enough to be on the first Nitmiluk Tours Gorge Boat tour after Covid closures on Saturday June 6. We had such anticipation and we were not let down.
The boat, with social distancing between groups, took us up the gorge with expert commentary. We saw at least four crocodiles and heard the unique story of geological formation and cultural significance as well as the battles for aboriginal access.
This is a beautiful place.
The boat, with social distancing between groups, took us up the gorge with expert commentary. We saw at least four crocodiles and heard the unique story of geological formation and cultural significance as well as the battles for aboriginal access.
This is a beautiful place.
Written June 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Juanita M
138 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We really enjoyed the 2 gorge Dawn Tour however, the booking process and contactability of the tour operator was terrible which put a dampener on the whole experience.
The tour went for just under 2 hours, the morning snacks were not worth the extra cost. Also the sun is in an awkward spot in the morning so the day tours are slightly cheaper and maybe just as good (although warmer temps).
The guide was a wealth of information but it is quite impersonal being a big group.
The second gorge is very impressive.
The tour went for just under 2 hours, the morning snacks were not worth the extra cost. Also the sun is in an awkward spot in the morning so the day tours are slightly cheaper and maybe just as good (although warmer temps).
The guide was a wealth of information but it is quite impersonal being a big group.
The second gorge is very impressive.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judysim
Brisbane, Australia159 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We took three tours and enjoyed them all. Firstly we did the two gorge boat tour. This is simple, accessible, enjoyable and informative. The following day we did the canoeing self guided tour. We were taken by boat through the first gorge, picked up kayaks at the second gorge and kayaked into the third gorge. This was very enjoyable. We followed that with a 13 gorge helicopter tour and remote landing. It was great to look down and see where we had been. We were at the end of the dry season, and water levels were reducing but all of these activities could still be enjoyed. It would be great to return in the wet.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krysia
6 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Excellent and informative. Take the earliest morning cruise to avoid the huge crowds. The First Nations guides are fabulous and taught us so much about the different medicinal plants along the way. Rock art was amazing and well explained by Gleeson.
We stepped onto a piece of Arnhem Land which was in itself very special.
We stepped onto a piece of Arnhem Land which was in itself very special.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RM56M
Surfers Paradise, Australia26 contributions
Sep 2020
Fantastic Helicopter flight over Katherine gorge. We did the 13 gorge flight and it was well worth it, better than I expected. The views of the gorge are amazing and the pilot, Matthew (with his lovely Welsh accent) was very informative and friendly. The helicopter only seats 4 so it was just Matthew and the two of us which made it even more special.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jgsSydney_Australia
Sydney, Australia105 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
We arrived in Katherine after lunchtime, and were leaving the next day for a 3 day kayaking trip, but wanted to see the Gorge. The receptionist at Knott's Crossing Resort suggested the Nabilil Dreaming tour which combines a 2 gorge tour with dinner as the best solution for us, and I would have to agree. The tour started at 4.30, as many others are leaving the area, and the weather is starting to cool ( a little! ). Our guide was very relaxed but knowledgeable and the Gorge magnificent. When we returned to the first gorge, our dinner boat awaited us, and the food, service and atmosphere made for a great dining option. We circled in the gorge under an almost full moon, and with the colours of sunset lighting the spectacular walls of the gorge. As the light faded, candlelight took over, with some spotlighting of the gorge. Magic, and all the better because we had not planned or anticipated it. Given the cost of the normal cruises, and the quality of the meal, this was quite good value.
Written October 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karl
190 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
The gorge should be on the must see list for all travellers to the top end, but be warned it will cost a fist full of dollars. The tours are run by only one company so they have a monopoly and can charge whatever they like.
We booked the breakfast 2 gorge tour which was a beautiful time of day for the colours in the gorge and also before it got too hot. The guide was an old hand, very funny and very knowledgable, a credit to the tour company.
The breakfast is not 5 star, and was not hot enough, but it is edible and includes cereals, yogurt, and fruit on top of the scrambled eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans, croissant etc
We booked the breakfast 2 gorge tour which was a beautiful time of day for the colours in the gorge and also before it got too hot. The guide was an old hand, very funny and very knowledgable, a credit to the tour company.
The breakfast is not 5 star, and was not hot enough, but it is edible and includes cereals, yogurt, and fruit on top of the scrambled eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans, croissant etc
Written September 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1751INlukem
Brisbane, Australia6 contributions
We booked the full day. It says canoeing but it’s actually a kayak. Mute point but worth noting as kayaking is much easier. Kayaking is quite popular so prebooking is a must to avoid disappointment.
The guides on the boat with friendly and accomodating and gave helpful advice about the kayaking.
Kayaking has to be the best way to experience the gorge as you can only get to 2 gorges in the tour boats or by hiking and limited access to the gorge. In the kayak you can explore as far as your energy levels take you up to the 9th gorge (about 10kms one way).
As others have said the portage (carying the kayak up the rocks between gorges) is the hardest part of the trip. The rocks are round, but many are slippery so you really need to be comfortable to scramble slippery rocks in the water pushing or pulling a kayak. If this doesn’t sound like something you would be up for then just do the half day and you can get to the third gorge without too much of this.
Tip: suitable shoes would be shoes that can get wet, are grippy and ideally protect your ankles. We brought thongs but did not wear them rock scrambling for obvious reasons. In hindsight boat shoes or reef boots would have been better.
If a bit of adventure and clambering over rocks sounds like fun, you will be rewarded with the quiet and more untouched upper reaches of the gorge.
We stopped for lunch at a nice quiet beach In the 7th gorge and got the Kayak to the end of the 8th gorge, walked up to the 9th with glimpses of the 10th.
After turning around the good news is the current will be with you on the way back and whilst slightly more nerve racking, going down is easier than going up.
Definitely worth doing, just be prepared for the portage if you expect to see most of the gorges!
The guides on the boat with friendly and accomodating and gave helpful advice about the kayaking.
Kayaking has to be the best way to experience the gorge as you can only get to 2 gorges in the tour boats or by hiking and limited access to the gorge. In the kayak you can explore as far as your energy levels take you up to the 9th gorge (about 10kms one way).
As others have said the portage (carying the kayak up the rocks between gorges) is the hardest part of the trip. The rocks are round, but many are slippery so you really need to be comfortable to scramble slippery rocks in the water pushing or pulling a kayak. If this doesn’t sound like something you would be up for then just do the half day and you can get to the third gorge without too much of this.
Tip: suitable shoes would be shoes that can get wet, are grippy and ideally protect your ankles. We brought thongs but did not wear them rock scrambling for obvious reasons. In hindsight boat shoes or reef boots would have been better.
If a bit of adventure and clambering over rocks sounds like fun, you will be rewarded with the quiet and more untouched upper reaches of the gorge.
We stopped for lunch at a nice quiet beach In the 7th gorge and got the Kayak to the end of the 8th gorge, walked up to the 9th with glimpses of the 10th.
After turning around the good news is the current will be with you on the way back and whilst slightly more nerve racking, going down is easier than going up.
Definitely worth doing, just be prepared for the portage if you expect to see most of the gorges!
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi! I want to do the two gorge cruise. Could you pls recommend what is the best time to do the cruise?
Other than the dinner cruise.
Thank you
Turn2Travel
1 contribution
Hi. Personally I think the late afternoon cruise (dinner or the one prior which doesn't include dinner) is best for capturing the magificant colours of the gorges. It is also cooler and therefore more enjoyabel. Hope you have a great time! Cheers.
Charlotte Adcock
1 contribution
Hi, what’s the best way to get from Palm Court Backpackers to where the 2 Gorge Tour starts, without a car?
Trudy C
Perth, Australia242 contributions
Maybe ring one of the tour groups that go from Darwin down to Katherine for the tour. They might be able to pick you up on the way through. Otherwise ask where your staying how others have done it you might be able to grab a lift with someone else
Barry Q
36 contributions
Hello,
I would love to canoe through the Katherine gorges mid July but am nervous about the crocodiles. Could you please advise?
Cheer,
Julie
Mike H
Melbourne, Australia173 contributions
I am pretty sure that the gorge is closed for such activities in the wet season into May because the crocs move in during the wet. It’s not until sometime after May when they have cleared the crocs out that it reopens for the public. But please check with the Rangers.
GraysP
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
I will be travelling south on the Ghan. Has anyone done a tour to the Katherine gorge in the available stopover time?
Mike H
Melbourne, Australia173 contributions
Yep and we loved it.
It starts with a bus ride from the train station to the Gorge - maybe about 20 minutes.
Then you queue up as they load the boats and the tour of the gorge commences. It is simply spectacular. High red cliffs surround the gorge and it is heavily treed.
We did the option of seeing the rock art which means we only saw one "lake" of the gorge - there was the option of seeing two of the lakes also but without the rock art.
The art was a little disappointing as it was hard to see and there was not much of it. However, I was glad to see it.
davmar70
Melbourne, Australia227 contributions
Can we do the gorge trip Mid March
DwyerMandy
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
Many thanks for your query - Nitmiluk cruises operate all year round so you will certainly be able to do one in March They do run on a more limited schedule than during our peak season so I suggest you check in advance for timings.