For a road trip holiday that highlights the best of the Top End, look no further than the Nature’s Way. In one week, take a self-drive adventure that starts in Darwin, travels through the natural wonders of Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield national parks, and loops back to the capital.
This easy drive is entirely on sealed roads. For the trailblazer, there are also great options to take 4WD side-trips that take you to hidden gems.
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu (250km)
The unspoiled beauty of Kakadu National Park is only a 3-hour drive from Darwin. On your way to Kakadu, along the Arnhem Highway, there are several opportunities to see wildlife. Stop at the Adelaide River and board a cruise to see huge saltwater crocs jump for a snack from the safety of the riverboat.
Day 2 & 3: Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is a World Heritage-listed site and Australia’s largest national park. Explore and cruise its waterways to see crocs and birdlife, walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, or join a guided tour. Take in the stunning view of the wetlands from above at the Ubirr lookout at sunset.
Day 4: Kakadu to Katherine via Pine Creek (300km)
Head south along Kakadu Highway to Pine Creek, a small town that experienced a gold rush in 1871. A further 90km down the road is Katherine, a great place to base yourself and explore the region. It’s the gateway to incredible hiking trails, swimming in hot springs, canoeing and cruising, and Aboriginal cultural tours.
After arriving take a refreshing dip in Katherine Hot Springs – a series of clear pools fed by a natural thermal spring located on the banks of the Katherine River.
Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park is a short 30km drive from Katherine. There are many options to explore the park: from the air on a helicopter flight, from the water on a guided cruise or canoe, or on foot with well-marked paths.
Day 6: Katherine to Litchfield (265km)
Stop in at Leliyn/Edith Falls on your journey north and enjoy a swim in the pandanus-fringed plunge pool. Just 2.5 hours’ drive away, Litchfield National Park is renowned for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls that flow year-round. Cool off with a swim in the plunge pool below the permanent spring-fed Florence Falls or wade through the rock pools at Buley Rockhole.
Day 7: Litchfield to Darwin (130km)
Head back to Darwin via the Territory Wildlife Park. Wander through treetop aviaries, around a natural lagoon and walk through the aquarium to see animals, including the saltwater crocodile, in their natural habitats.
Before you enter Darwin, stop at Berry Springs Nature Park. A recreation camp for armed forces personnel during the war; today it’s a popular spot for a picnic and a dip in freshwater pools.
Get more inspiration with these NT road trip ideas.
Download the Nature’s Way itinerary
Start in Darwin
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Jumping crocodile cruise
TourJoin a cruise on the scenic Adelaide River and see powerful saltwater crocodiles propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their prey.
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KakaduView 7 optionsDrive:
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Kakadu National Park
See & doCovering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscapes.
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Kakadu scenic flights
TourWitness the magic of Kakadu National Park from above. Fly over world-famous wetlands, floodplains, and on to the sandstone plateaus of Arnhem Land.
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KakaduView 7 optionsDrive:
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Ubirr
See & doUbirr is one of Kakadu National Park's two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries.
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Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site
See & doThe walls of the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years.
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Yellow Water Cruises
TourYellow Water Billabong, Kakadu's most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River.
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Pine Creek
DestinationsEstablished in the late 1800s after a gold rush in the area, Pine Creek is located 90 kilometres north of Katherine.
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Katherine & Surrounds
Come to where the Outback meets the tropics and discover a region full of gorges and misty waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient cultures.
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Nitmiluk National Park
See & doThere are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, ride, canoe, boat or fly.
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Katherine scenic flights
See & doSoar above great tracts of spectacular scenery in a light aircraft or witness the magnificent Katherine Gorge from the cockpit of a helicopter.
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Katherine accommodationView 41 optionsDrive:
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Leliyn (Edith Falls)
See & doPicturesque waterfalls and great swimming are the well-known features of this section of Nitmiluk National Park.
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Litchfield National Park
See & doWith 2WD accessible roads into all of the main waterfalls, it’s no wonder Litchfield National Park is one of the most popular spots in the Top End.
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Katherine accommodationView 41 optionsDrive:
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Territory Wildlife Park
See & doAt the Territory Wildlife Park you can see the Top End of Northern Australia in 4 hours rather than 4 days!
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Berry Springs Nature Park
See & doBerry Springs Nature Park is a picturesque area 47 kilometres south of Darwin that is a popular day trip destination for picnics, incorporating shady areas, manicured lawns, picnic tables and free gas barbecues.
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Finish in Darwin
ExploreBook this trip
Book it yourself
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Jumping crocodile cruise
Join a cruise on the scenic Adelaide River and see powerful saltwater crocodiles propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their prey.
3 nights’ stay in Kakadu
Check-in: day 1
Check-out: day 4-
Kakadu Parks Pass
Required for entry to Kakadu National Park. Read about passes & permits
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Kakadu scenic flights
Witness the magic of Kakadu National Park from above. Fly over world-famous wetlands, floodplains, and on to the sandstone plateaus of Arnhem Land.
Ubirr
Entry: day 3
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site
Entry: day 3
Yellow Water Cruises
Departing: day 3
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Katherine scenic flights
Soar above great tracts of spectacular scenery in a light aircraft or witness the magnificent Katherine Gorge from the cockpit of a helicopter.
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NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
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