COSSACK BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Katherine River Safari: Three Days of Kayaks, Campfires and Quiet River Country
A guided 3-day downstream kayak and canoe journey from Katherine featuring comfortable bush camping, meals cooked over open fire and close wildlife viewing—this guide explains the route, logistics and what to expect.
Katherine River Safari: Three Days of Kayaks, Campfires and Quiet River Country.
The Katherine River Safari is a three-day, guided downstream paddling trip that threads 40–55 kilometres of wildlife-rich river below the Katherine Gorge. Using sit-on-top kayaks and two-person canoes, the journey winds through paperbark forests, pandanus channels and small rapids; nights are spent in comfortable bush camps with cooked meals and the sort of remoteness that brings the river’s birds and other wildlife into focus.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wild, varied river running below the Gorge
The route covers downstream river sections framed by rocky banks, paperbark forest and pandanus channels, with stretches of small, sparkling rapids and plenty of opportunities to stop for swims and wildlife viewing.
Comfortable, remote bush camps
Camps are self-sufficient and selectively sited on riverbanks: expect dining tables and chairs, cooking grills and camp ovens, riverside swimming spots, and individual bedrolls (swags) plus mattresses and sleeping bags supplied for each guest.
Stable kayaks, accredited guides and low-impact groups
Trips use stable Scupper Pro sit-on-top kayaks and 4.5m touring canoes; fully accredited guides fit PFDs, deliver paddling instruction and manage camps, regularly operating with very small groups to minimise impact.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
Days begin with a short transfer and safety brief, then a steady downstream rhythm of paddling punctuated by morning and lunchtime stops, swims and wildlife watching. Evenings are relaxed: guides set up riverside camps, meals are cooked over open fires, and guests sleep in supplied swags beneath the stars. The route’s remoteness grows as you move downstream, and by the second day the paddling becomes familiar and easy to enjoy.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this trip—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack lightly; a detailed packing list is provided by the operator. You may bring a bottle or two of wine for dinner but there is no space for cold drinks such as beer or soft drinks.
The operator supplies a canvas bedroll (swag), a Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattress, a sleeping bag (that can be fully opened), a liner/sheet and pillow, a torch and mosquito repellent, plus a 20-litre waterproof bag for clothes and a 10-litre waterproof bag for camera/valuables.
Camps are equipped with dining tables and chairs (with backrests), cooking grill, kettle and camp ovens, and designated riverside swimming spots; the operator removes rubbish and manages human waste practices.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Katherine River Safari?
The trip is three days in duration.
Where and when do I meet the group?
You are met at your Katherine accommodation between 07:00 and 07:30, then transferred to Gecko premises and onward to the river.
How far do we paddle?
A typical three-day trip covers up to around 50 kilometres of river; overall ranges given are roughly 40–55 kilometres.
What level of paddling experience is required?
No prior paddling experience is required; many guests have never paddled before and fully qualified guides provide instruction and support.
What accommodation and bedding are provided on the trip?
Accommodation is riverside bush camping on exclusive sites; guests are supplied with a canvas bedroll (swag), self-inflating mattress, sleeping bag, liner and pillow.
When does the tour operate and what are the seasonal conditions?
Tours operate during the Top End dry season (May to September); daytime temperatures typically range from mid-20s to high 30s Celsius while nights from June to August can drop to around 8°C.
What food and drink are provided?
Meals are hearty home-style fare: breakfasts and dinners cooked on an open fire, lunches as sandwiches or wraps, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a 'billy of tea' available at lunch; the guide handles washing up.