Katherine

Winding your way down the Katherine River on a relaxing cruise, you’ll feel a tangible connection to the dramatic, ancient scenery around every bend. As you venture into the gorge, the landscape tells stories of geological upheaval over the centuries and the effects of fast-running water and the erosion it causes. The views of the sheer gorge walls just keep getting better and better.

You will hear the characteristic shrill of the cicada reverberating across the cliff faces as your expert guide navigates you through the swirling waters of the First and Second Gorge.

The gorge walls, etched by time and the elements, are home to myriad plant and animal life, much of which is unique to this area, all playing a role in the lives of the Traditional Owners. The commentary explains the significance of Nitmiluk to the Indigenous Jawoyn people and the many stories that celebrate their spiritual connection to the gorge.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Approx. 2 km of walking over rocky paths. Guests required to board and disembark boat unassisted. A modified experience is available for guests with low mobility. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

There are plenty of fascinating Indigenous rock art sites across the Top End, but few are accessible or as powerful as at Nitmiluk Gorge.

On this relaxed cruise experience, your guide will share some of the ancient secrets of the region, as you drift down the First Gorge, witnessing the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs that tower above the water.

Listen to Dreamtime stories about the creation and learn about the gorge’s significance in the lives of the Traditional Owners, the Jawoyn people.

We’ll stop for a short walk to the top of the First Gorge to visit the stunning Indigenous rock art site, where artwork remains visible despite thousands of years exposed to the elements. These works are evidence of the existence of the Jawoyn culture in the area during the last Ice Age.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Approx. 2 km of walking and 28 steps to climb. Guests required to board and disembark boat unassisted. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

Formed millions of years ago and still growing today, the Cutta Cutta Caves are found 15 metres below the surface. The cave system is home to a variety of native wildlife and is rich with Indigenous meaning.

The park covers 1,499 hectares of limestone landscape and below the ground, you will see sparkling limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites. The cave system is home to five species of bats, including the rare Ghost and Horseshoe bats. Above ground, around 170 species of birds have been recorded within the park, including the Hooded Parrot and the endangered Gouldian Finch. It is also possible that you will spot a harmless brown tree snake coiled on a cave ledge.

Cutta Cutta is a Jawoyn word meaning “many stars”, representing the concept that caves are where the stars rest during the day. Cutta Cutta Caves are associated with Barrac Barrac, or Diver Duck dreaming creation stories by the local Jawoyn people.

Recommended Fitness Level: High level mobility – Guests are required to navigate steep stairs and walking in low light. High humidity levels inside the cave. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

The Katherine Outback Experience gives insight into the lives of those who call the outback home, with a fascinating day of discovery that illustrated what it is like to live and work on a huge cattle station. You will hear rollicking stories, join interactive experiences, see cattle dog demonstrations and hear live music performances. You will also meet the many dedicated people and animals involved in keeping a station functioning.

Starting at the Stockyards, you’ll delight in an entertaining exhibition of outback life, which includes a live demonstration of the art of horse-breaking, demonstrating the intimate connection between man and horse.

The dog team is up next, as they work cattle, goats or even ducks into orderly submission. Throughout the performance you will also be serenaded  with live music, including some well-known Aussie anthems and originals, often performed on horseback.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low level mobility – Recommended for guests with mobility requirements. The show is conducted in an undercover arena with full seating available. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

Take to the skies to fully appreciate the scope of Nitmiluk Gorge and all of its unique formations. From above, in all its majesty, it is clear why this is considered to be one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular sights.

Your 20 minute helicopter flight will take you over all 13 gorges and venture deep into Nitmiluk National Park. The remote waterfalls and rockpools you will see along the way are simply breathtaking.

Your expert guides will reveal the story of Bula, the most important figure in Jawoyn Dreaming stories. Legend has it that Bula and his two wives hunted across this land and transformed the landscape.

Back on the ground, head over to the Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery. Holding a portfolio of artists from the region, the gallery reflects the cultural diversity and influences of the Jawoyn, Warlpiri and Dalabon Aborigines, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.

To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour. For more information on how to pre-book, please contact our travel centre on 1800 703 357 or contact your travel agent.

If you choose this experience, you will not be able to participate in the included Off Train Experiences.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate level mobility – Guests required to board and disembark aircraft unassisted. Weight restrictions apply – the maximum weight of any individual cannot exceed 130kg. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress for the weather conditions. Enclosed sturdy shoes are required. Sunscreen, a hat, trousers and long sleeves are highly recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is subject to availability and conditions; all upgrade optional experiences are non- refundable.