About Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Canoe Adventure Tours

Itinerary

Travel by boat along the first gorge before walking (400m on a man-made, uneven path) to the second gorge. At the start of the second gorge you will be loaded into your canoe, free to explore at your own leisure.

Stop At:

â€¢ Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Northern Territory Australia
â€¢ Nitmiluk Tours, Gorge Road Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Northern Territory 0850 Australia
â€¢ Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Gorge Road, Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine, Northern Territory 0852 Australia

OPERATES

Daily (April - November)

INCLUSIONS

Paddles (double ended)
Life Jackets
National Park Entry

EXCLUSIONS

Personal Items
Camping Equipment
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from attractions
Hotel pickup and drop-off

ADDITIONAL INFO

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Please meet 30 minutes prior to departure time at Nitmiluk Boat Jetty.
PLEASE NOTE: Please ensure that you are sun smart and wear a shirt, hat and sunscreen, and wear mosquito repellent to protect yourself. Take along plenty of water and keep personal belongings to a minimum.
SEASONAL: During the months of approximately December – May, canoe hire does not operate for safety reasons, due to poor weather and perilous river conditions. The canoeing season will recommence once Parks and Wildlife have completed their annual safety and crocodile survey.
AGE RESTRICTIONS: Children under the age of 5 years (inclusive) are not permitted to canoe due to safety regulations. Children aged between the ages of 6 – 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
BEFORE YOU GO: Refundable Cash or Pre-Authorisations are required prior to commencing Canoe Adventure Tours. For day use, the amount will be $50.00 per canoe; the 2 day hire will attract $60.00 per canoe.
MANUAL PORTAGE: Manual Portage between all gorges in requires should you wish to explore past the second gorge. Portages vary in difficulty and length.
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

DEPARTURE & RETURN

Nitmiluk National Park, Gorge Rd, Nitmiluk NT 0852, Australia

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 10 reviews

Reviews

Judi_S 5
03 Oct 2021
After doing the helicopter fly over and then Katherine River cruise, it was great to get up close to the majestic cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge, and appreciate just how majestic they are. We paddled to the river end of Butterfly Gorge and tethered our kayak to a tree root. We then walked through Butterfly Gorge to the end of the Gorge and back - Butterfly Gorge certainly lives up to its name - a stunning shaded meca for butterflies. I also nearly stepped on a beautiful Golden Tree Snake in the Gorge. Approaching Butterfly Gorge from the river end, negated the walk across open land to and from the Gorge in the intense heat - a full loop of 6.4 km. We were able to get up close and personal with a colony of tiny frogs in a crevice and also a colony of tiny flying foxes in a wet crevice. Sadly, we ran out of time to check out the rock art and the fourth gorge. The only drawback is dragging kayaks over the rocks that seperate the Gorges. This would be less of a problem when the water level is higher.
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Ellen_K 5
21 Aug 2021
A complete different way of seeing and experiencing the gorges. A unique moment in time, just being still and enjoying the sounds, smells and water spray. Well set up, thank you.
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Sean_C 5
02 Aug 2021
Awesome tour and wonderful place, views and water holes were amazing. Nice experience to take your family, perfect for young kids as well
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Tracy_M 5
27 Jul 2021
Only did the half day tour but I'll definitely be going back for the whole day next time! Loved exploring in this beautiful place.
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Sally_D 5
20 Jul 2021
Fantastic scenery. Great way to spend the morning- very peaceful and relaxing. We certainly are in the lucky country!
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LouLou_H 5
16 Jul 2021
Having done the boat tour of the gorge a number of years ago, I was keen on exploring this stunning part of the world at my own pace. Whilst it was a bit of a challenge to get the kayak from one gorge to another over the rocks on my own, it was a very worthwhile experience and a wonderful way to enjoy the gorge.
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Nathansssss 5
30 Jun 2021
Easily the best thing we did during our time in Katherine. The guys driving the boat through the first gorge were super knowledgeable and we felt we had more than enough time on the half day tour to canoe down the 2nd and 3rd gorge
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B1751INlukem 5
27 Jun 2021
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!
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Raphleleu 5
06 Oct 2020
Beautiful experience at Nitmiluk! You will take a boat to start your journey, then you'll be free to explore the gorge at your own pace in your canoe. You can stop to have a swim when you want, take pictures and have a break on little beaches where it is safe. You won't be disappointed!
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Kylie E 3
17 Jul 2020
Nice views, relaxing way to explore the river can stop where you like. You can paddle up to 3 sections of river we only did 1. Wasn’t the kind of tour I’d expected obviously I didn’t research enough I’d basically call it canoe hire as no guides. We didn’t bring food either as so kids were starving.
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