Boat Tours in Kakadu & Litchfield: 12 Days Out With the Prices Attached

1.Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 683 reviews · from $92Our pick

Cruise into Nitmiluk’s first two gorges with a river guide and skipper who explain Jawoyn culture, geology and wildlife. The two-hour trip includes boat travel and a short transfer walk between gorges, with morning and afternoon departures. The small group, capped at 10 people, makes it easier to hear the commentary and take photos.

“We had a fabulous cruise along Katherine Gorge with Nitmiluk Tours. Our skipper gave us so much interesting information about the gorge itself and the wildlife that can be found along its banks and cliffs. Would thoroughly recommend this cruise if you have the chance to visit Katherine Gorge.”

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2.Yellow Water Cruise – Kakadu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · from $75Best value

Join an Indigenous-owned cruise on Kakadu’s Yellow Water Billabong, part of the South Alligator River system. Your local guide, possibly Dennis, Jess, Sarah, Glen, or Gecko, explains the wildlife, plants, culture, and traditional stories as you look for crocodiles, eagles, ducks, geese, buffalo, horses, and water lilies. Choose a 90-minute or 2-hour cruise.

“Beautiful wetlands surrounded by water Lillies, birds and of salt water crocs. The tour guide was funny and informative, highly recommend!”

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3.Katherine Day Tour from Darwin including Katherine Gorge Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 428 reviews · from $235

Leave Darwin at 6:00 am for a full day with AAT Kings. Ride a comfortable air-conditioned coach to Adelaide River War Cemetery, swim at Edith Falls when conditions allow, enjoy a buffet lunch, then cruise between Katherine Gorge’s sandstone cliffs. Guides such as Mel, Kunch, and Mark have led recent departures. Return is around 8:30 pm.

“This was a great trip. The coach was very comfortable, and Maurie and Chris were great as guide and driver respectively. Maurie's commentary was mist informative and interesting. The Adelaide River War Cemetery and Edith Falls are worth a visit, but the highlight was the cruise down the Gorge - stunning.”

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4.Kakadu Wildlife Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise from Darwin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 295 reviews · from $155

Spend about 12 hours travelling from Darwin into Kakadu National Park, with stops at Fogg Dam or the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, Bowali Visitor Centre, Ubirr or Nourlangie, and Cahills Crossing. Guides such as Daryl, Dani, Rick, Tim, and Naomi provide commentary on Indigenous culture, wildlife, and the Top End.

“Awesome sites, very long day but well worth it. We had a great tour guide Daryl who was very friendly and helpful throughout the day. Amazing sites in Kakadu and indigenous rock art.”

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5.Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge 3.5-Hour Sunset Dinner Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $192

Start at 4:30 pm in Nitmiluk National Park for a small-group cruise through two gorge sections, with cultural commentary, sparkling wine, and a three-course candlelit dinner. You will change boats during the cruise, then watch the sun set over the sandstone cliffs before returning to the jetty.

“Great boat trip through two of the gorges in the Nitmiluk National Park. The descriptions by the driver of the boat were very informative and the food served for the subset meal was excellent.”

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6.Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip by Air Including Yellow Water Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $644

Fly from Darwin to Kakadu with a pilot-guide such as Daryl, David, Matt, or William, then cruise Yellow Water for crocodiles and birdlife. Your day includes lunch, drinks, park fees, and a visit to the cultural center. The small aircraft saves hours on the road, but weather and minimum numbers can affect departure.

“It was a long day trip, but from the start till the end we definitely enjoyed 180%!! And the guy who leaded us was fun and had entertained with his knowledge a lot!! Highly recommend!!!”

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7.Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Day Trip from Darwin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 158 reviews · from $247

Join an accredited outback guide such as Pascal, Bogdan, Aaron, or Naomi for a 13-hour trip from Darwin to Nitmiluk National Park. Cruise through 70-meter sandstone walls, hear Jawoyn stories, walk to Edith Falls, and swim when conditions allow. The day uses a small air-conditioned coach and includes 1 to 2 kilometers of guided walking.

“Yes it’s a long day(almost 14 hours) but the highlight of our Darwin trip. Photos can’t replicate what you can see and the view in the gorge was amazing. It was made more enjoyable by a young local guide with cheeky humour and stories of her people’s past made you understand the history and beauty of the place. A great swim at Edith falls and if you can bring a noodle as it is huge. Well worth going on this tour.”

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8.Litchfield National Park Tour with Wetlands or Crocodile Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · from $112

Spend about 10.5 hours touring Litchfield National Park from Darwin in an air-conditioned mini-coach. Walk to Florence Falls, swim at Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls, see magnetic termite mounds, and choose between a Jumping Croc Cruise or Fogg Dam. Guides such as Darryl, Rebecca, Rick, and Tim add local stories and practical help.

“Tour was great, bus driver was very knowledgeable. Met some great people on the tour Would do it again 10/10”

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9.4 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge with Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $1,656

Travel from Darwin through Kakadu and Katherine in a group of up to 16. Expect Ubirr rock art, the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Nitmiluk Gorge, waterfalls, swimming holes, guided walks, and three nights of indoor accommodation. Guides such as Dani, Becs, and Aundrea have been praised for their warmth, local insight, and care.

“It’s a great introduction to the flora, fauna and eco system of the area plus wonderful scenery and other relevant points of interest from the tour guide. An insight into the history of the first peoples of the area and their close relationship with the land for survival.”

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10.Nitmiluk National Park Tour & Katherine Gorge Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · from $228

Leave Darwin early for a two-hour NitNit Dreaming boat cruise through Katherine Gorge, with Jawoyn culture, wildlife, and towering sandstone cliffs. Continue to Edith Falls for a possible swim, guided walks, and time at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. Guides such as Lee, Ethan, Naomi, and Dani have led recent departures.

“The young man operating the boat on the 11 o’clock cruise Sunday 21 July was outstanding with his knowledge. We will recommend this cruise to everyone we know.”

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11.Kakadu Yellow Waters Cruise & Katherine Gorge Helicopter Scenic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $1,506

Fly from Darwin in a private fixed-wing plane, sweep over Nitmiluk National Park by helicopter, then cruise Kakadu’s Yellow Water wetlands. Your pilot and local guides handle the day’s connections, with pilots such as Steve and Dan praised for their care and commentary. Bring food, drinks, sun protection, and motion-sickness medication.

“Friendly and courteous pilot/s, very smooth transition from tours, amazing experiences and definately worth it. Recommend company. Thanks”

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12.Kakadu National Park Scenic Flight &Yellow Water Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $896

You’ll fly from Darwin to Kakadu with a guaranteed window seat, follow the Adelaide and Mary Rivers, land at Cooinda, and join a 1.5-hour Yellow Water cruise. Pilots such as Jacob, Jake, and Andrew share details along the way. After time at Cooinda Resort, you’ll fly back to Darwin.

“From the time we booked, the folks at Kookaburra Air took amazingly good care of us, rescheduling to fit our ship's schedule, charging my scooter while we were on the tour so I could get back to the ship. The supportive care continued Read more”

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