Autopia Tours · From Darwin
Autopia Tours' midi-coach day from Darwin: the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise, the Nitmiluk visitor centre and a swim stop at Edith Falls. Pick it for the guides, who come up by name in nearly every review, or if its price beats the twin listing on your date.
Autopia is a Darwin small-group operator, and this is its signature day: 13.5 hours, 6:30 am to about 8 pm, for the 2-hour cruise through gorges 1 and 2 and a stop at Edith Falls (Leliyn). The cruise is Nitmiluk Tours' standard NitNit Dreaming trip, with a walk over the rock bar between the two boats. You won't see gorges 3 to 13 from the water on any tour.
Know one thing before you pay: the Wildlife Tours Australia listing is the same trip. Wildlife Tours says Autopia operates it, from the same address at the same time. On GetYourGuide it has been about $34 cheaper, so compare both on your date.
Meals are not included (you buy them at Adelaide River, Pine Creek and the Nitmiluk Centre), and neither is the NT parks pass, A$10 per adult, online only. It's not for children under 6, people with mobility problems or a low level of fitness. And in the wet, Autopia's reseller listing lists Sunday departures only from December to March.
From The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St. Be there 10 minutes early; bags are limited to one 5 to 7 kg day bag.
Rest stops for breakfast and coffee, bought at local businesses.
Two hours on gorges 1 and 2 with a Jawoyn culture commentary, changing boats at the rock bar.
Cultural displays at the Nitmiluk Centre, then a walk and swim at Leliyn when it's open.
The long drive north, with the guide filling in the history.
★★★★★Fantastic day the gorge was beautiful, we spotted a crocodile while on the boat, the guide Jason was knowledgable and gave so much info. The swim at Edith falls was nice as it was a hot day [...] Take note it is a very long day spending 10+ hours on a bus but it's worth it and comfortable.
★★★★★Everything went well. The journey is quite long but we know that in advance and the bus was well air-conditioned, and the stops were well thought out. Our guide accompanied us for a walk to Edith Falls and swam with us, which was nice.
★★★★★Charlotte & Moggie were informative and knowledgeable, kind and professional .Katharine Gorge is the star attraction and deservedly so.well worth the journey
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About 13.5 hours: 6:30 am from central Darwin, back around 8 pm. The cruise is 2 hours of that.
Neither. You buy meals at the stops, and the NT parks pass (A$10 per adult for a day) has to be bought online before you go.
On this trip, very little. Wildlife Tours Australia says Autopia operates its Katherine Gorge day, and both listings share the meeting point, start time and itinerary. Compare the two prices for your date.
In the dry season, if rangers have opened the plunge pool after their crocodile checks. It is often closed in the wet. Guests report swimming there on trips from 2024 to 2026.
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The 2-hour gorge cruise and a swim stop at Edith Falls from Darwin, with guided bush walks on the way.
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