Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls (D11)

Tour Details

Operator

AAT Kings

Destinations

Adelaide River and Katherine Gorge

Departs From

Darwin

Tour Description

This tour takes you from Darwin to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls, taking in the rugged landscapes, the dramatic waterfalls and the lush green gorges, all surrounded in an abundance of exquisite native flora and fauna.

• Indulge in a divine lunch at the Visitor’s Centre in Nitmiluk National Park
• Visit the majestic Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls
• See the Adelaide River War Cemetery
• Be fascinated by Nitmiluk National Park, with a chance to see freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves

This superb tour departs at 6:30 AM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings, from May to October, and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from November to April. From your Darwin accommodation, you will leave the CBD and travel south through some spectacular tropical landscapes. Passing the former World War II airstrips towards the Adelaide River, you’ll make a short stop at the poignant Adelaide River War Cemetery. This site has been dedicated to all those killed in the 1940s air raids that hit Darwin.

Continuing on through the rich, rugged landscapes to Edith Falls, you’ll stop for a refreshing swim, stroll or a little rest and relaxation in the pandana and paperbark fringed plunge pool beneath the falls. After a sumptuous lunch in picture perfect surrounds, you will join a breathtakingly scenic two-hour cruise through the magnificent Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. While meandering lazily through this spectacular region, keep your eyes peeled for freshwater crocodiles as they smile and sun themselves on the banks of the river, or pop up in the water every now and then to gaze at you with their prehistoric eyes. There is a plethora of colourful, noisy birdlife to view that all call this wonderful region home. Your tour of the first of the two gorges will take you past sheer, rich ochre rock walls and will require a short walk to reach the second gorge.

Katherine Gorge is made up of a network of thirteen gorges, precision carved by mother nature and the Katherine River, from billion-year-old sandstone. The Indigenous culture and Dreamtime legends in this region are strong and resilient and there are many Indigenous rock art sites to see throughout this park. This haven is a dream come true for nature lovers, with its craggy landscapes, thunderous waterfalls and lush green tropical gorges all providing a perfect habitat for an abundance of flora and fauna.

As you enjoy your drive back through Katherine – the heart of the region’s farming and cattle country - you’ll travel via Pine Creek; an historically significant gold mining town. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy your evening break, where you may purchase a delicious dinner in the quaint town of Emerald Springs, before returning and arriving at your Darwin accommodation at about 8:30 pm. Don’t forget to bring your camera for that picturesque photo opportunity!