5 Day Top End Self Drive Itinerary: Darwin, Kakadu, Nitmiluk

Arrive in Darwin

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

After settling in you could relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, feed the crocs at Crocosaurus Cove, catch sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Set in the midst of luxury waterfront residences, Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin is surrounded by seafront promenades, boutiques and restaurants. Some apartments feature views of the world-class Darwin city waterfront. Guests can relax in the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool or work-out in the fully equipped fitness centre. The apartments offer modern décor and most feature views over the beach, boating lagoon or the park. Free WiFi is provided.

Darwin to Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk

Make your way to the Katherine region to experience the incredible scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Break your journey with a pit stop at Litchfield National Park to cool off in the stunning waterfalls.

Litchfield National Park

Known for its cascading waterfalls, natural spas, and whirlpools, Litchfield National Park is the ideal place for a refreshing swim.

Litchfield is also famous for its bizarre landscape of giant termite mounds. Standing up to two metres tall, they are astounding feats of architecture not to be missed.

Nitmiluk

Also known as Katherine Gorge, the 13 gorges of Nitmiluk are hugely significant to their traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, as home to the spirits of creation. This ancient sandstone gorge system conceals many Aboriginal rock art paintings, some of which are thousands of years old.

Accommodation: Katherine (Nitmiluc) - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 259 km | 161 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 38 mins

Accommodation:

Nitmiluk Cabins

Nitmiluk Cabins places you steps from Nitmiluk National Park and within a short 5-minute stroll to Katherine Gorge. Highlights at this campsite include 2 restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and free self-parking. All 10 accommodations feature TVs with digital channels, and you can enjoy free WiFi, balconies or patios, and coffee/tea makers. Fridges, microwaves, and hobs make in-room dining convenient.

Nitmiluk to Kakadu: Scenic Flight & Adventure Swim

Soar over the 13 Gorges of Nitmiluk on a breathtaking helicopter journey, ending with a swim at your own private water hole. Journey onwards to the wildlife-filled wetlands of Kakadu National Park.

Nitmiluk Scenic Helicopter Flight & Adventure Swim Tour

Fly over all 13 of Nitmiluk's Gorges and continue via the Katherine River into the rugged rock country of Nitmiluk National Park. Here you will discover one of the most remote and beautiful waterfall swim sites in Australia.

Enjoy a swim at this pristine wilderness rock pool, which is yours exclusively.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a great mix of culture and natural beauty. Here you can learn about Aboriginal culture from the traditional owners and view Aboriginal rock art up to 20,000 years old. Around a third of Australia's bird species are located in the Kakadu National Park, and migratory birds flock to the wetlands in their millions.

Accommodation: Kakadu - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 283 km | 176 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 20 mins

Accommodation:

Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

Located in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Cooinda Lodge Kakadu offers air-conditioned rooms with a private courtyard. Guests enjoy access to outdoor swimming pools and a restaurant. Warradjan Cultural Centre is 1 km from the property. Each room at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu features an en suite bathroom and a TV. The private outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying spectacular sunset views and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tour

Take a 4WD journey into less accessible landscapes of Kakadu on the remote adventure tour of a lifetime.

4WD Kakadu Adventure Tour

Led by local guides with intimate knowledge of the park, your tour may visit memorable destinations such as Motorcar Falls, Boulder Creek, Gubara Rock Pools, Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool, Maguk Gorge, Gunlom Falls, Jim Jim Falls or Twin Falls.

Your tour is flexible, and the exact locations will depending on conditions and road access, which vary according to the weather and the time of year — part of what makes this region so exciting!

Kakadu to Darwin: Farewell to the Top End

Say farewell to the Top End today as you travel to Darwin to return your rental car and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 5 Day Top End Adventure Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 16 mins

What Elizabeth says about this tour: "Get off the beaten track and channel your inner adventurer on a trip to the Top End, you won't regret it. Driving through tropical wetlands, lush rainforests and arid outback landscapes, you'll be blown away by this magical and ancient land. You're almost guaranteed to spot a crocodile here - there are 10,000 of them in Kakadu National Park alone!"

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