Wildlife Tours Australia · From Darwin
A midi-coach day from Darwin with the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise, an Edith Falls stop and short bush walks. It's the cheapest way on GetYourGuide to get from Darwin onto the water, as long as you bring your own lunch money.
This is the same day as the Autopia tour, sold under another name. Wildlife Tours Australia says on its own booking page that the trip is run by its sightseeing brand, Autopia Tours: same 6:30 am start at 64 Cavenagh Street, same itinerary. On GetYourGuide it is the cheaper of the two listings, which is the whole reason to pick it.
Expect 13.5 hours and about 820 km of driving for 2 hours on the water. The cruise is Nitmiluk Tours' NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour: gorges 1 and 2 of the 13, with a 400 m walk between boats. Then Edith Falls (Leliyn), where you can swim in the dry season if rangers have opened the pool, plus guided bush walks of 1 to 2 km depending on the group.
Three things catch people out. Meals are not included: you buy breakfast and lunch at the stops. The NT parks pass is not included either (A$10 per adult, online only). And the limits are strict: no children under 6, nobody over 80, no wheelchairs and nothing for people with back problems. If you're already in Katherine, skip all of this and book the cruise direct with Nitmiluk Tours.
The Leea Darwin, 64 Cavenagh St (the old Travelodge). Selected inner-city pickups are possible. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Stops at Adelaide River and Pine Creek, where you can buy breakfast and coffee.
Board at the Nitmiluk Centre jetty. Cruise gorge 1, walk 400 m over the rock bar, cruise gorge 2, then back.
A short walk to the falls and, in season, a swim in the plunge pool.
Return via Pine Creek and Adelaide River to central Darwin.
★★★★★Great activity. Lots of time driving vs not so much time outside but the attraction was far away. Next time I would probably do it over a two day tour to Katherine Gorge from Darwin. Guide was amazing. [...] We all learnt a lot on the drive down.
★★★★★We loved not having to drive ourselves, being able to take in the environment, visit and swim at the falls and relax on the way home. It is a big day but it would have been great to have dinner at the last stop [...]
★★★★★Tim was an excellent knowledgeable guide. Beautiful scenery and experience. Bus was full and we were very cramped on the back seats.
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Yes in practice. Wildlife Tours Australia's own booking page says the trip is operated by its sightseeing brand, Autopia Tours, from the same address at the same time. Compare both listings on your date and book the cheaper one.
No. You buy breakfast, lunch and anything else at the stops along the way, which include Adelaide River, Pine Creek and the Nitmiluk Centre.
From age 6. It isn't suitable for children under 6, people over 80 or wheelchair users. For younger kids, AAT Kings takes all ages.
Gorges 1 and 2, on the 2-hour NitNit Dreaming cruise. You change boats at the rock bar between them, a walk of about 400 m each way.
Ready to book
The lowest price from Darwin for the 2-hour gorge cruise and an Edith Falls stop, in a smaller coach.
Nitmiluk, Edith Falls & Gorge Cruise from DarwinAutopia's long day from Darwin: 2-hour cruise through gorges 1 and 2, Edith Falls swim stop, meals and park pass extra.★ 4.4 · 13.5 hours · from $257
Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls Day TourThe classic coach day from Darwin: 2-hour cruise through gorges 1 and 2, lunch included, Edith Falls, back about 8:30 pm.★ 4.5 · 14 hours · from $240
Fly from Darwin: Scenic Flight & Gorge CruiseA plane instead of 8 hours on a coach: fly Darwin to Katherine, 2-hour cruise through gorges 1 and 2, back by 3:30 pm.★ 5.0 · 9 hours · from $1,099