独木舟和皮划艇

在湍急的河流中漂流，在两旁的石崖和沙滩上与袋鼠、老鹰和树巨蜥等当地动物近距离接触。

顺流而下，在皮划艇或独木舟上悠闲地欣赏北领地秀丽的河岸风光。

凯瑟琳河

凯瑟琳河位于尼特米卢克国家公园（Nitmiluk National Park）之中，流经尼特米卢克峡谷，是最受欢迎的划独木舟之地。慢慢划过千层木和露兜树森林，远离现代文明的谧境中览尽所有美景。

各种旅行线路通常都会沿着该河较为隐蔽的河段前行，千转百回后进入真正的荒野。水流比较平缓，但偶尔出现的激流会让游船体验变得更加有趣。河岸上有峭立的石崖、延绵的沙滩和迷人的白千层树，以及袋鼠和树巨蜥等本土生物。

该地区有数百种鸟类，包括鹰、笑翠鸟和凤头鹦鹉。偶尔还会有无害的小型淡水鳄鱼出没。

大多数旅游公司提供游览 55 公里凯瑟琳河的 3 天行程，或游完凯瑟琳河之后向西行进 130 公里继续游览花神河 (Flora River) 和达利河 (Daly River) 的 6 天行程。您可以在沙滩上扎营，在营地附近的死水潭里游泳或钓鱼，晚上可以坐在篝火旁欣赏璀璨的星空。

启程时间

为了最大限度的享受阳光明媚的白天和凉爽的夜晚，最佳游览时间为 5 月至 11 月。由于水位上升，不推荐其他时段游览。

达尔文

达尔文港拥有北端地区最美丽的一段海岸线，非常适宜乘海上皮艇游览。虽然一般情况下适合所有水平的游客，但如果您不熟悉这个区域，最好在外出之前询问清楚。核实天气预报以及某些季节会栖息在附近水域的鳄鱼的当地信息。

Lagoons, lakes & dams

Lake Alexander on the East Point Reserve is one of the most popular kayaking spots in Darwin. The artificial lake is big enough for an interesting paddle and it’s safe to swim in so it’s ideal for beginners. Darwin Fun Supply have a regular visit schedule so you can get out and about with friends or family. BBQs, playgrounds and public toilets are nearby so you can really make a day of it.

An hour’s drive south of Darwin is Lake Bennett, an artificial freshwater lake surrounded by private cabins, bungalows and the De Lago Resort. It’s safe to swim with access available to the public only through the resort. Canoes and kayaks are up for hire. Many of the private cabins that are available for hire come with canoes, kayaks, small boats and other swimming toys you can use during your stay if you don’t have your own.

Darwin Waterfront Recreation Lagoon is also a great spot for a quick paddle. The lagoon is surrounded by a sea wall and is patrolled by lifeguards so it’s safe for swimming. For parts of the year, an inflatable obstacle course is accessible in this area with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available as part of your ticket.

Manton Dam was originally Darwin’s first drinking water supply but now it’s known as the place to get out on the water. It’s popular with jet skiers, power boats and water skiers. The dam is split into areas for particular activities, so seek out the canoeing section in the low-speed boat zone for an enjoyable day on the water. The Manton Dam park area has BBQs, picnic tables and toilets that are open from 9am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 7pm on weekends. Swimming isn’t recommended as there’s the potential for saltwater crocodiles to be present. Be Crocwise and follow all signs.

Canoeing & kayaking in Katherine

Katherine’s intricate river systems and rich cultural history gives you lots to take in during your visit. Take a guided tour or bring your own craft for a relaxing and idyllic day on the water.

Nitmiluk Gorge

The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park is a sight to behold. During the dry season (June to October) Nitmiluk Tours has canoes available for half-day, full day or overnight hire.

Gorge one and three aren’t accessible for kayaking, but the other gorges offer you a river experience that requires a range of different paddling skill levels. Incorporate an overnight stay at the 4th, 6th or 9th gorge campsites to complete your canoeing experience. Check out the canoeing guide and then book your permit from the visitor centre for your adventure.

The beautiful sandy beaches, rocky gorge walls and unique native wildlife give lots for you to explore. Animals are most active at the start and end of the day so if you’re looking to spot the local residents of the gorges, pick a paddle time that suits.

Katherine River

Further out from the gorges, Katherine River runs through the town of Katherine and out to the Daly River.

Gecko Canoeing and Trekking offer a range of canoe tours that get you deep into the heart of the region. Choose from a 3-day Katherine River tour or a 6-day Katherine Flora Daly Rivers Explorer which combines canoeing with camping for a true Territory experience. You’ll rest at a designated campsite toward the end of the day and enjoy a campfire dinner accompanied by undisturbed views of the stars.

Canoeing & kayaking in the Red Centre

Being in the middle of the desert, you might think that Tennant Creek has no canoeing or kayaking opportunities. Tingkkarli/Lake Mary Ann, just north of Tennant Creek, is a popular place for families and water enthusiasts to take a dip or enjoy a spot of kayaking and canoeing. You’ll need to bring your own craft with you but it’ll be worth it for the cool and relaxing time you can enjoy on the water.

Alice Springs has its own fair share of surprising paddling spots with a number of waterholes perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Along the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Glen Helen Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Ormiston Gorge are both suitable for kayaking. Other waterholes along the ranges are too small for paddling but are great for a chilly desert swim.

If you want to see something incredible, check out the Central Desert Canoe Club. Mixing canoeing and polo, they put on a impressive show in Alice Springs’ local pool.

Safety

With such a warm climate, canoeing and kayaking in the Northern Territory can be great fun but it’s important to stay safe.