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    Home » Australia

    The Ultimate Way to See Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

    November 4, 2020 By Sara McCleary Updated March 16, 2022 - This post may contain affiliate links

    A visit to Nitmiluk Gorge, formerly Katherine Gorge, is an incredible, not to be missed experience, when in the Northern Territory. A must to visit by boat, but if you have the time, a bird's eye view will blow you away!

    Nimiluk Gorge from the air

    Location

    Nitmiluik Gorge, formerly Katherine Gorge, is located in Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. The National Park is located on the lands of the Jawoyn people.

    The Gorge is a 30 minute drive from the township of Katherine on the sealed Gorge Road. Just follow the signs and you will find it.

    If traveling from Darwin it is a three hour drive along National Highway 1. The distance is 292 kilometres.

    tour boats on the river in Katherine Gorge view from a plane

    By Plane

    Experiencing Nitmiluk Gorge by plane is possible through Katherine Aviation. They are based at Katherine Domestic Terminal at Tindal Airport just eight kilometres south of Katherine.

    If you are staying in Katherine and want to the experience the gorge and surrounds from the air, plane is a great option.

    Not only will you see the gorge from a bird's perspective, you will also see the surrounding landscape, Katherine and waterfalls from the air. It really is an amazing experience.

    pilot in cockpit
    controls in a cockpit
    Katherine Aviation Plane

    My Katherine Gorge plane experience was part of my trip on The Ghan with my dad. We had both visited the gorge before and experienced seeing it via boat. Which is an incredible experience as well.

    Therefore we wanted to see the gorge from the air. I was amazed at how tiny the gorge looks against the vast wilderness of the Never Never. Seeing how the river cut its way through the landscape.

    Katherine Gorge from the air
    The Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park taken from a plane

    Not only did we see the vast lands of the Jawoyn people, we experienced seeing waterfalls, indigenous land management of burning off (helps prevent bush fires), escarpments, billabongs, Katherine and its surrounds.

    escarpment in Nitmiluk National Park from a plane
    smoke rolling across Nitmiluk National Park
    aerial view of Nitmiluk National Park
    billabong from the air in Nitmiluk National Park

    By Helicopter

    Alternatively you can view the gorge from the air in a helicopter. Personally if you have the time and money I suggest first doing a boat cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. Then finish your visit with a helicopter flight.

    Nitmiluk Scenic Flights are located 3km from the Nitmiluk Centre within the Nitmiluk National Park. There are a variety of flight packages to choose from. You can experience three, eight or all 13 of the gorges that make up Nitmiluk Gorge.

    They can even arrange to land on a rock escarpment for a photo opportunity. Or include visiting some rock art and a swim.

    boats on Katherine Rive in the gorge
    waterfall
    Katherine Gorge

    Recommended Tours

    Nitmiluk Tours are the go to people if visiting Nitmiluk Gorge. They offer gorge experiences as well as cultural experiences. Also the people to contact for Helicopter tours.

    If you are planning a day trip from Darwin to visit the gorge, we suggest the below full day Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls tour.

    waterfall view from the air

    Suggested Accommodation

    If visiting the gorge we highly suggest staying in Katherine. Or stay at the luxe accommodation at Cicada Lodge in the park itself.

    view of Katherine Gorge from the air

    As mentioned if your wallet allows, and time allows a cruise and a helicopter flight, that's my suggestion to visit the gorge. If it's a return trip to Katherine why not take a plane trip out to see the area like you have never seen it before.

    Sara xxx

    More Northern Territory Travel

    There are endless things to do in the Top End. A couple of our favourite things is watching the sunset over the beach with a cold beer at the Darwin Ski Club, and going for a Darwin pub crawl.

    • Rapid Creek Sunday Market, Darwin
    • Parap Village Markets, Darwin, NT
    • Darwin Pub Crawl
    Nitmiluk Gorge Pinterest Pin
    Katherine Gorge Pinterest Pin
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    photo of Sara McCleary, Founder, Belly Rumbles culinary travel blog

    Well hello there! I’m Sara McCleary a food photographer, creative recipe developer, and avid traveller (when the World isn’t in a pandemic).

    Welcome to Belly Rumbles, my slice of the Internet.

    I share Recipes discovered or inspired by my adventures and family favourites too! Come join me on my culinary adventure.

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