Nitmiluk National Park is located in the heart of the Northern Territory and offers a stunning escape into the region’s natural grandeur. Known for its spectacular gorge, rich Indigenous culture, and thrilling outdoor activities, this park is a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re keen to canoe through serene waters, hike rugged trails, or learn about its ancient history, the top Nitmiluk National Park tours offer a chance to see the park’s best landscapes.
Nitmiluk National Park is a cultural treasure cared for by the Jawoyn people, who warmly share their heritage with visitors. The park’s name, Nitmiluk, translates to “place of the cicada dreaming,” reflecting its deep cultural significance.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top Nitmiluk National Park tours that showcase the best of what this spectacular park has to offer.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Nitmiluk? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
4 Day Kakadu and Katherine Experience
📍Kakadu NP and Nitmiluk NP, NT
⏰ 4 days
This Kakadu and Katherine tour offers comfortable accommodations and is perfect for those who want to combine adventure with relaxation.
Highlights:
- Explore the stunning Kakadu National Park, home to an array of wildlife and ancient rock art.
- Cruise along the picturesque Katherine Gorge.
- Experience the unique culture and heritage of the local Indigenous communities.
Katherine Gorge Cruise + Edith Falls from Darwin
📍Nitmiluk National Park, NT
⏰ 13 hours (approx.)
Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nitmiluk National Park on a 1-day tour.
Departing from Darwin, this tour takes you on a scenic drive through the Northern Territory’s landscapes, stopping at Adelaide River and Pine Creek.
A highlight is the NitNit Dreaming boat cruise through Katherine Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the stunning high cliffs and learn about the Jawoyn people’s culture from your guide.
The tour also includes a visit to Edith Falls, where you can relax and, if conditions allow, take a refreshing dip in the tiered plunge pools.
The tour offers a blend of guided walks, local flora and fauna sightings, and stops at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre for cultural displays and refreshments. With air-conditioned mini-coach travel and insightful commentary throughout, this tour is a must-do.
5 Day Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure
📍Kakadu NP, Nitmiluk, NP, Litchfield NP, NT
⏰ 5 days
Explore the best of the Top End on this 5-day adventure tour with Autopia Tours.
Day 1: From Darwin, you’ll journey into Kakadu National Park, where ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and sunset views over Nadab Floodplain await.
Day 2: Day two brings you to Jim Jim Falls and plunge pools nestled in lush rainforests.
Day 3: Heading south on day three, you’ll see rock art at Burrungkuy and picnic by the Barramundi Gorge waterfall.
Day 4: Day four takes you through Nitmiluk National Park for an exciting Katherine Gorge cruise and a relaxing stop at Edith Falls.
Day 5: Finally, you’ll head to Litchfield National Park’s magnetic termite mounds and plunge pools before returning to Darwin.
Follow Us
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following us on Instagram
Join our Newsletter List
Be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations.
Three National Parks in Two or Three Days
📍Kakadu NP, Nitmiluk, NP, Litchfield NP, NT
⏰ 3 days
Discover the wonders of Kakadu, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Parks on this luxurious, all-inclusive two-day tour.
Marvel at breathtaking views of ancient wetlands, rock formations, and high escarpments. If you’re an animal lover, you’re in luck – you might spot crocodiles, buffalo, pigs, brumbies, and a variety of birdlife.
Immerse yourself in cultural history with a visit to an Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery, and enjoy the famous Yellow Water Cruise and Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise. For an elevated experience, upgrade your stay to the five-star Cicada Lodge.
3-Day Darwin to Alice Springs Tour
📍Kakadu NP, Nitmiluk, NP, Darwin, and Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 3 days
You can choose your route on this 3-day Northern Territory tour – Darwin to Alice Springs OR Alice Springs to Darwin.
Darwin to Alice Springs Highlights:
- Dive into Litchfield National Park, taking in Buley Rockhole, Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls, and Wangi Falls. Check out the Magnetic and Cathedral Termite mounds before winding down at an Outback Pub in Adelaide River.
- Enjoy a morning at Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, followed by a pit stop in Katherine. Relax in the thermal stream of Bitter Springs and soak in the Mataranka Hot Springs. End the day with dinner and live music at Daly Waters pub.
- Explore Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). Dive into the cultural and geological marvels of the area before heading south to Alice Springs as the sun sets.
Katherine River Safari
📍Nitmiluk National Park, NT
⏰ 3 days
This 3-day canoeing tour is a favourite for those wanting to explore Nitmiluk National Park beyond the busy gorge. Paddling 40–55km downstream from Katherine, you’ll journey through peaceful stretches of the river lined with pandanus, paperbark forests, and rocky outcrops—far from the crowds. With expert guides, quality gear, and great food included, it’s an easy way to experience the Top End’s remote beauty.
Each day brings new scenery, wildlife encounters, and time to swim, relax, or explore the riverbanks. Evenings are spent at comfortable bush camps under the stars, with campfire dinners and time to unwind. By the final day, you’ll be fully immersed in the river’s rhythm, tuned into its sounds, sights, and the sense of isolation that makes this tour truly special.
The Sunset Special
📍Kakadu NP, Nitmiluk, NP, Litchfield NP, NT
⏰ 2.5 hours
Discover the beauty of the Katherine region on this epic helicopter tour. Start with a flight along the Katherine River to the stunning Katherine Gorge, where you’ll soar over all 13 sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk National Park.
Head north to see the impressive Biddlecombe Cascades before landing atop Hilly’s Hill, an exclusive helipad set on a sandstone gorge. Here, you can relax with a complimentary drink and cheese board. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Northern Territory sunset.
Have you explored Nitmiluk National Park? We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us enhance the visitor experience, so please take a moment to comment below and share your tips and recommendations.
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Nitmiluk National Park here. And… as always, you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Nitmiluk National Park daily fix @nitmiluknationalpark
*Cover photo by @kate_green91
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
