katherine gorge

The Gorge tour was very peaceful and the Guide was very informative.Only drawnback it was hot 36 degrees The water looked inviting If in Katherine its a must do Ticked off the bucket list

We did the 2 Gorge trip as part of an excursion off The Ghan. The bus trip out was informative and once we got there everything was organized very well. Our indigenous boatman, although not originally from this area, was very knowledgeable and capable. It was raining when we were there and the rocks can be slippery when walking between the 2 gorges but the operators were very helpful. Ponchos were handed out on the boat and there was drinking water available. As a lot of rain had fallen the gorges were running rapidly and waterfalls had formed, so this was a bonus. People travel to the other side of the world to see the Grand Canyon and we have something almost as spectacular here. Well worth doing and we are so glad that we had the opportunity.

The Katherine Gorge is quite spectacular, made even more so by the Aboriginal guide on the river boat, who will tell you about the way his ‘people’ lived off the plants and trees around you – ‘bush-tucker’ – he will also tell you about the stories relating to the region passed down over many generations of Aboriginal ancestors. If you visit in the hot season, don’t expect to see any crocodiles, it’s too hot for them!! The Katherine Gorge is four long hours from Darwin, be prepared for a very long day out. The ‘half-way’ house has a captive audience and they know it!!!

The cruise staff is friendly and the slow cruise up the gorge you get the crystal water with the massive cliffs sharing their images in the water. a photographers ideal spot. We were lucky to visit 1 gorge & 1 Rockhole where we could have a swim during this wet season. Kind of difficult for old people & young kids to walk up the way to rockhole. Great swim with the waterfall.

Having lived in Katherine half a lifetime ago ago, it was great to revisit the town and drive past the old familiar places – historic railway station, Clyde Fenton Primary School (named after the original Flying Doctor), Katherine School of the Air (“the biggest classroom in the world”), Knott’s Crossing, hospital and museum– on the way to Nitmiluk, the name the Jaywon people have called Katherine Gorge for at least the last 40,000 years. In past dry seasons my children and I swam in the Katherine River and canoed through several of the gorges and in the wet season saw the river in flood, but this time I was there to see the rock art. As it was the Wet season, the water in the river was muddy, in contrast to the Dry season when it is clear. Before getting into the boat, we were provided with water and pieces of fruit - much appreciated in the heat and humidity. We then set off upriver to the end of the first gorge where we had plenty of time to view a variety of rock paintings. Our guide was knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. Those who want to see more of Nitmiluk (there are 13 gorges in this national park) can do the two gorges tour or a helicopter flight.

from the friendly staff and the slow cruise up the gorge you get the crystal water with the massive cliffs sharing their images in the water. a photographers ideal spot. the paintings were so appreciative on knowing that they were there before i was born and that they have survived the weathers of time. you can hire canoes/kayaks and do it under your own steam and have lunch or a peaceful swim. there are walking tracks along the top of the ridges. make sure you do take sunscreen water good walking shoes togs and your camera/binoculars. well worth it

I've done this tour twice now - and it never ceases to amaze me. The beauty of Katherine Gorge must simply be experienced to be believed. If you can, try a tour as close to sunrise as you can get.The Best time of year to do this tour is actually March-May - after plenty of rain has fallen so you can tour more gorges.Last time I went was end of October and the summer rains hadn't started so there was very little water and couldn't get out of the first gorge. It's all about timing. Don't let that put you off though, you'll still have a magnificent experience and take a million photos! The company is owned by the local indigenous people and their knowledge is second to none. Take a hat and water bottle, you'll need it.

The Visitor's Centre at Nitmiluk is full of Aboriginal culture, great shopping and good coffee, all delivered with warmth and smiles. We missed the boat tour so decided to take the helicopter instead. Wonderful ride.Beautiful, strong-spirited country in unexpected blues, yellows and greens after a good rain. The helicopter is small, modern and open at the front so that you really feel part of the scene. We stopped in two remote, spectacular places and were shown precious rock paintings. We were able to swim in a waterhole -- sweet water, no danger of crocs. There were some insects and I would bring repellent next time. The cook at the visitor's centre packed us a hamper for an easy and tasty picnic. Highly recommended memorable experience.

We were recommended to take the 9am cruise as the summer weather is hot and humid and there is a lot of glare from the water. We were glad we did as there were only 12 people in the boat and we were able to move around, keep out of the sun and get the best views.There were 2 gorges open the day we went whereas the previous day only 1 was open, due to the high level of the river, and instead of the second gorge they all went swimming at the waterfall. We wanted to do that as well and there is a ferry to take you if you don't want to do the long walk.The actual gorges are just fabulous - a highlight of the holiday and the best attraction in Katherine by far. In fact the only attraction open to us during our stay in the wet season so beware.

Abundance of choices of how best to see this incredible natural gorge depending on your budget and time constraints. We opted for the Nitnit dreaming, 2 gorge cruise. Owned and facilitated by the local Jalowyn people, we were treated to great commentary, a fantastic walk to see ancient rock art then a brief rock clamber to reach a heavenly place, southern waterhole for a dip in the waterfall pool. Our superb guide Chris made sure we were all able to access the many visual treats on offer. Loved it!

This is a must do on your NT adventure. Take a cruise through the Gorge so that you can really get an idea of how ancient this landscape is. Take sunhat, umbrella, sunscreen and supplies of drink and nibbles - bc of the oppressive heat. Take a camera too. This gorge is majestic and amazing and part of Australia's national treasures.

We did the Nitmiluk Gorge cruise and it was a lifetime highlight. We only did the 1st gorge as it is wet season and the water is very high. Even so it was truly stunning. The lady doing the tour guide thing was knowledgable and passionate. The boat was clean and comfortable. It is incredibly hot so take plenty of water (they have water if you run out). Wear sunscreen and a hat. Dress appropriately. It is stinking. Truly wonderful.

Beautiful gorges - walk a few hundred meters from the end of one boat ride to the start of the next - and all the while enjoy an entertaining and enlightening explanation of what you're seeing and the history of the region. Must do!

Spent a day at the gorge went on some walks did the cruise. Fantastic staff excellent service and helpful approachable and very pleasant. The Jawon people are doing a fantastic job in sharing their culture and displaying the beauty of their land. We saw rock paintings and were taken for a swim to a small croc free water hole.our guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, flora and fauna. Overall a great experience.

There is 3 ways of seeing the gorges: canoeing, cruising, walking. We chose the first one that only takes you to the first one in one half day. We had a swim at the end and saw freshwater crocs on the way back. But if you really wanna see more gorges in one day, I guess the cruises are the easiest way.