Nature’s Way - Kakadu and Katherine 

8 days, 874km, Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Litchfield National Park

For a drive that highlights the best of the Top End, look no further than this road trip. In just over a week you can have an amazing adventure that links Darwin, Australia’s vibrant tropical capital city, with the ancient cultural and natural wonders of Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks and the Daly River region. This easy drive is completely on sealed roads, with the option for some off-road exploring for those with a 4WD.

Day 1: Darwin - Kakadu

Darwin to Kakadu on the Arnhem Highway The rare and unspoilt beauty of Kakadu National Park is only a three-hour drive from Darwin. On your way to the Park along the Arnhem Highway, there are several opportunities to see wildlife.
Stop at Corroboree Billabong for a boat cruise or try an airboat safari experience through the Mary River system for the ultimate way to spot everything from native birds to saltwater crocodiles sunbaking along the banks, known as ‘salties’ in the Top End.

*You will need a park pass to visit Kakadu National Park. book.parksaustralia.gov.au/passes/kakadu/

Day 2 - 4: Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is a World Heritage-listed site and Australia’s largest national park. Walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries or join a guided tour to go further afield. Take in the stunning views of the wetlands from above at Ubirr lookout – visiting at sunset is sure to be a showstopper.

Take a walk at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to explore impressive Aboriginal rock art and learn about the history of the ancient gallery.  Visit the Bowali Visitor Centre and the Warradjan Cultural Centre for a great introduction to the Park to learn about the traditional owners of the area. Cruise the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Explore some of the best swimming holes in the Territory including Maguk, Gunlom and Jim Jim Falls. A 4WD is recommended to access some of these areas – check road conditions at the Bowali Visitor Centre for up-to-date road access information.

Food and drink

Corroboree Park Tavern, Aurora Kakadu Lodge, Escarpment Restaurant (Crocodile Hotel), Anbinik Thai Restaurant,
Cooinda Lodge Bar and Bistro

Accommodation

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu Lodge, Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Aurora Kakadu, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

Tours and activities

Fogg Dam, Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise, Helicopter or scenic flight over Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Ranger guided talks and walks, Guluyambi Cruise, Arnhem Land day tour

Day 5 - 7: Kakadu to Katherine via the Kakadu Highway

Head south along the Kakadu Highway towards Katherine. There are plenty of caravan parks, national parks, or accommodation options to choose from in the region, making it the perfect spot to base yourself while you explore the area. Take a refreshing dip in the Katherine Hot Springs – a series of clear pools fed by a natural thermal spring located on the banks of the Katherine River. Don’t miss out on Nitmiluk Gorge, where you can either cruise or canoe, or just enjoy some of the bush walking tracks in the Park. Travel further south for just over an hour to check out the clear warm pools of Mataranka and Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park.

Food and drink

Finch Café, Nitmiluk Café, Pop Rocket, Café, Marksie’s Stockman’s Camp Tucker Night, Maidens Lane, Adelaide River 303 Bar, Berry Springs Tavern

Accommodation

Cicada Lodge, Knotts Crossing Resort, Nitmiluk Caravan Park, Katherine Holiday Park

Tours and activities

Top Didj Cultural Experience, Katherine Outback Experience, Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise

Day 8: Katherine to Darwin

Head back to Darwin along the Stuart Highway – roughly a three-hour drive. If you leave early enough, stop in at Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a quick swim in the cool waters (one hour from Katherine) or a Litchfield National Park (2.5 hour's drive).  Litchfield National Park is renowned for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls that flow year-round. 

An optional add-on is Umbrawarra Gorge.  The turn off to Umbrawarra is between Pine Creek and Katherine off the Stuart Highway. Please ensure you check the road conditions prior as it may not be recommended for some vehicles during certain times of the year. There is a small campsite with a composting toilet, and you may have small cooking fires here.

The campground is not far from the gorge entrance, and there is a 1km walk along a creek which leads to the gorge. You can do some extra swimming and rock hopping through the gorge to access some more beautiful and private swimming spots, well worth the extra effort if you are up for it.