Autopia Tours · From Darwin
Four days from Darwin through Kakadu's rock art sites, a cultural cruise on the East Alligator River and the 2-hour Katherine Gorge cruise, sleeping in ensuite rooms each night. It's the answer if you want the gorge without the 14-hour day, and Kakadu too.
The gorge is one day of four here. According to the operator's NT Tourism listing (Autopia Tours, tour code KO4), day 1 runs from Darwin to Kakadu for the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River and sunset at Ubirr. Day 2 is Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and more of Kakadu. Day 3 heads to Katherine for the NitNit Dreaming 2-hour cruise through gorges 1 and 2. Day 4 brings Edith Falls and the Nitmiluk visitor centre before the drive back to Darwin.
You sleep in ensuite rooms in Kakadu and Katherine, in a small group. Guests report water, lunch and snacks provided. Early in the season the Guluyambi cruise is swapped for the Yellow Water cruise when the river is too high. The listing mentions optional helicopter flights at the gorge, at extra cost.
It's relaxed. One guest in 2024 said you could fit the program into 3 days, and that the 4-day pace suits people with time. That's the point, compared with the Darwin day trips: no 5:30 am alarm and 8 hours on the highway for 2 hours on the water. Park passes for Kakadu and Nitmiluk are separate systems, so ask whether both are covered.
Drive east into Kakadu, the Guluyambi cruise on the East Alligator River, and sunset at Ubirr.
Rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), more of Kakadu and a waterhole swim where it's open.
South to Katherine for the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise through gorges 1 and 2.
The Nitmiluk visitor centre and Edith Falls (Leliyn), then back to Darwin.
★★★★★The trip with Tim and our 6 companions was great. The stops were well planned and all activities were well chosen. There was always free water, lunch and snacks were very good. It was a great 4 days. [...] the 4-day tour is planned for a relaxed pace
★★★★★My husband and I totally loved our tour that was guided by Sona. She was a fabulous tour guide [...] The tour was very informative, comfortable and exceeded our expectations. We would definitely rebook again with this group.
★★★★★I really appreciated Charlotte's expertise, her ability to build relationships, and her attention to each person's unique characteristics. The variety and quality of the proposals range from the natural environment to local culture and even leisure.
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Ensuite rooms for three nights, a small-group guide, Ubirr and Burrungkuy rock art, the Guluyambi cruise on the East Alligator River, the 2-hour Katherine Gorge cruise and Edith Falls.
Day 3, with the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise through gorges 1 and 2. Edith Falls follows on day 4 before the drive back.
For most people, yes. You spend the same 2 hours on the gorge without a 14-hour day, and you get Kakadu as well. It costs several times more.
Autopia Tours, the Darwin operator behind the Autopia and Wildlife Tours Australia day trips, according to NT Tourism's listing of the 4-day comfort tour.
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Four days through Kakadu, Arnhem Land's edge and Katherine Gorge, with ensuite rooms each night.
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