Helicopter scenic flight · Nitmiluk Gorge helipad
A short helicopter hop from the Nitmiluk Gorge helipad over the first three gorges, past Jedda's Rock and Butterfly Gorge, then back. It's the cheapest way into the air at Katherine Gorge, and the one that makes most sense straight after a cruise.
Keep expectations honest: this flight covers gorges 1 to 3, not the full system. You lift off from the helipad near the Nitmiluk Centre, pass the visitor centre and campground, enter the mouth of the gorge, and fly over Jedda's Rock, Butterfly Gorge and the Lily Ponds before turning for home above the third gorge. That's roughly the same stretch a cruise covers, seen from above.
And that's why it works. From a boat you see walls. From the air you see how the river kinks between them, the rock bars you walk over, the sand banks where freshwater crocs nest. A guest in July 2026 put it well: only ten minutes, but the helipad is so close to the gorge that it is all you need. If you want gorges 4 to 13, go for the 20-minute 13-gorge flight instead.
The listing doesn't print the operator's name. The pilots named in reviews also fly North Horizon Heli Adventures' sunrise flights, the company the Nitmiluk Tours helicopter page links to. GetYourGuide does not sell the stand-alone cruise, so the usual plan is to book the cruise direct with Nitmiluk Tours and this flight here, on the same morning.
The helipad sits by the Nitmiluk Centre at the end of Gorge Road, about 30 minutes from Katherine. Allow time for the safety briefing and weigh-in.
Lift off past the Nitmiluk Centre and campground and head for the mouth of the gorge.
Jedda's Rock, Butterfly Gorge and the Lily Ponds, with the pilot pointing out what you're seeing.
Turn above the third gorge and fly back to the helipad.
★★★★★Beautiful flight with Miriam, Katherine Gorge breathtaking, only ten minutes but this organisation is so close to the gorge, that is all that is needed. Highly recommend!
★★★★★The girls were very cheerful and informative. thankyou Miriam for a smooth informative flight.
★★★★★Excellent Ollie and horse pilot new their stuff . Highly recommend
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The first three: over Jedda's Rock, Butterfly Gorge and the Lily Ponds, turning above the third gorge. For all 13, book the 20-minute sunrise flight or a longer one.
The Nitmiluk Gorge helipad, beside the Nitmiluk Centre at the end of Gorge Road, about 30 minutes' drive from Katherine.
Yes, if you've seen the gorge by boat. It shows how the first three gorges and rock bars fit together, which you can't see from the water. If you can afford twice as long, the full 13 gorges is the better buy.
Visitors need an NT parks pass to enter Nitmiluk National Park, and the helipad is inside the park. Buy it online before you go: A$10 per adult for a day.
Ready to book
Ten minutes over the first three gorges from the helipad at the Nitmiluk Centre, with pilot commentary.
13 Gorges Sunrise Helicopter FlightAll 13 gorges in 20 minutes as the sun comes up. Dry season only (May to October), from the Nitmiluk helipad.★ 5.0 · 20 minutes · from $252
Helicopter Sunset Flight with Landing & DrinksAll 13 gorges at golden hour, then a landing on the escarpment with a drink and nibbles as the sun sets.★ 5.0 · 40 minutes · from $308
70-Minute Helicopter Tour with Remote LandingSeventy minutes over the gorge and Leliyn (Edith Falls), with about 20 minutes on the ground somewhere no road reaches.★ 5.0 · 70 minutes · from $492