✅ What’s Included
• Katherine Gorge NitNit Dreaming two-hour boat cruise ticket
• Visit to Edith Falls (Leliyn) plunge pool
• Guided short bush walks (~1–2 km)
• Accredited driver-guide with comprehensive local commentary
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel with large windows
• Selected Darwin inner-city pickup and drop-off points

🚫 What’s Not Included
• NT Parks Day Pass (required for entry into Nitmiluk National Park)
• Any meals or snacks (plenty of opportunities to buy breakfast and lunch along the way or bring your own)
• Hotel transfers outside the selected pickup points
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Personal expenses

The Top End has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Dry Season (May–Sep) • Daytime 25–32 °C • Sunny and ideal for swimming and boating
• Build-up & Wet Season (Oct–Apr) • Daytime 28–35 °C • Higher humidity and possible afternoon showers
Practical note: Always pack a reusable water bottle and light clothing – conditions can feel warmer with humidity.

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation
• NT Parks Day Pass (purchase in advance if possible)

Clothing (layered for tropical conditions)
• Light, comfortable clothing and swimwear
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip

Toiletries & First Aid
• Tropical strength insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and any medication
• Basic first-aid items and blister care

Electronics
• Charged phone and camera
• Portable power bank

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• 1.5–2 L refillable water bottle
• Small daypack for personal items
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting and beach towel

Nitmiluk National Park is managed by the Jawoyn people who have a deep spiritual connection to Katherine Gorge.

The gorge cliffs rise up to 70 metres and were formed over millions of years by the Katherine River.

Edith Falls (Leliyn) features tiered plunge pools that are perfect for swimming when conditions allow.

The Stuart Highway is one of Australia’s great drives, passing through historic townships like Adelaide River and Pine Creek.

Jawoyn culture is alive in the park with stories, rock art and a strong connection to the land you’ll experience on the boat cruise.

Wildlife in the park includes birds, wallabies and the chance to see freshwater crocodiles (harmless to humans).

Seasonal swimming at Edith Falls depends on water levels and park conditions – your guide will advise on the day.

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre offers cultural displays and a great spot to support local businesses with refreshments.

The Top End’s dry season is the most popular time for this tour because of the clear weather and reliable swimming conditions.

Respect for Country is central to the experience – staying on marked tracks and taking nothing but memories helps protect this special place.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Katherine Gorge Tour & Edith Falls

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 160 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Darwin pickup points)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 320 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 13.5-hour day tour (departs ~6:00am, returns ~8:00pm)
• Group size 8–28 travellers (usually max 21)
• Starts and ends at selected Darwin inner-city pickup points (main central point: Travelodge Resort Darwin / The Leea Darwin)
• Air-conditioned mini-coach (~820 km round trip)
• No meals or accommodation included
• Highlights: Guided commentary en route, Nitmiluk Visitor Centre (Jawoyn-managed cultural displays), 2-hour NitNit Dreaming Katherine Gorge boat cruise through 70 m cliffs, Edith Falls (Leliyn) for seasonal swimming in plunge pools or relaxing, guided bush walks (~1–2 km, rocky terrain), wildlife spotting

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 13.5 hours (full day)
• Key locations: Darwin CBD pickups, Stuart Highway via Adelaide River/Pine Creek, Nitmiluk National Park (Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, Katherine Gorge boat cruise, Cahills Crossing), Edith Falls (Leliyn)
• Travel style: Eco day tour with boat cruise, short guided walks and cultural/wildlife focus
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Darwin pickup points is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness.

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for remote Northern Territory mini-coach operations, marine boat cruise and tourism-level food purchases.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs or optional extra activities).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 105 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Darwin pickup points (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 30 kg
• All on-tour air-conditioned mini-coach transfers (~820 km round trip, shared): 75 kg – higher-end diesel factor with realistic low-occupancy buffer

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Day tour only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 25 kg CO₂e

• No meals included; higher-end estimate for own purchases at stops (Adelaide River, Pine Creek or Nitmiluk Visitor Centre) with tourism-level portions and waste: 25 kg

Activities & Excursions – 30 kg CO₂e

• 2-hour NitNit Dreaming boat cruise, guided bush walks (~1–2 km), wildlife spotting, cultural displays at Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and commentary

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 160 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset:2 × 160 kg = 320 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (minimal impact guidelines, respect for Jawoyn traditional owners, stay on designated tracks, support local economy, refillable water encouraged); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is recommended for the short guided walks on rocky terrain.

What age is the tour suitable for?
Children 6 years and over. Not suitable for infants or children under 6.

Is lunch included?
No. There are plenty of opportunities to buy breakfast and lunch along the way or bring your own.

Can I swim at Edith Falls?
Yes, weather and seasonal conditions permitting. Your guide will advise on the day.

What time does the tour start and finish?
Departs around 6:00–6:30 am from Darwin pickup points and returns around 8:00 pm.

Is the boat cruise included?
Yes, the two-hour NitNit Dreaming Katherine Gorge boat cruise is part of the tour.

Do I need to buy a park pass?
Yes, the NT Parks Day Pass is required and not included in the tour price.

Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes, we strongly recommend it for any day tour.

What should I bring?
A 1.5–2 L water bottle, hat, sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and money for snacks.

Can I store luggage?
Small day packs only. Large suitcases must be stored at your hotel.