Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Hot Springs Day Tour

This full-day trip from Darwin is a nature-heavy option for travellers who want to see more of the Top End in one go. The main draw is the guided 2-Gorge cruise in Nitmiluk National Park, where local river guides share stories about Indigenous culture, regional history, and the local plants and wildlife. After time to look around the park, the day finishes with a stop at Katherine Hot Springs for a swim or soak before the drive back. It is a big day out, with around three hours on the road each way, so it suits people who are happy trading travel time for access to some of the region’s standout scenery.

The tour leaves Darwin at sunrise, followed by the drive south to Nitmiluk National Park. Once there, you’ll join the 2-Gorge cruise, which takes you through the first two and longest gorges. To reach the second part of the cruise, there is a walk across uneven rocks between boats, so it is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

After the cruise, there’s lunch at the cafe, then some free time to explore at your own pace. You can hike up to the lookout for wide views if you are up for a 900-metre uphill walk, stroll along the riverfront, or check out the cultural centre. Later, the group heads to Katherine Hot Springs for a dip in the natural thermal pools before returning to Darwin. In the wet season, if the springs are closed, Edith Falls is visited instead.