5 Day Top End Explorer Itinerary

Darwin

Darwin has evolved from its days as a laid back frontier town and while it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a sophisticated city. Many visitors are surprised to find that it has accommodation, eateries, clubs, pubs, museums, and other amenities that are equal to what you’ll find in the southern cities.

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.

While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

Visit Crocosaurus Cove

After settling into your hotel it's time to meet the Top End's most unique inhabitants at Crocosaurus Cove. Armed with a VIP Pass, you can hold a baby crocodile, take part in feeding or simply watch some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia as they interact with each other.

Later you can relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the 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 - 2 Nights

Take the roads less travelled on an intimate, small-group Day Tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park and beyond.

Indigenous Litchfield: Guided Day Tour

Bring the Top End to life on an Aboriginal-guided Indigenous Litchfield spectacular day tour. Your guide will introduce you to magnificent scenery, fascinating pioneer heritage and a rich Aboriginal culture: you'll get the real story of the area, with fun and laughter along the way.

Discover spiritually important waterfalls and stone country, ancient rainforest and unspoilt woodland, and learn about their place in Aboriginal culture. You’ll return to Darwin tonight with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal life, its relationship to country and its place in modern society.

Collect your rental car and travel from Darwin to the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Here you will explore Yellow Water Billabong on board a cruise in the heart of Kakadu.

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 National Park, and migratory birds flock to the wetlands in their millions.

Recommended: Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Just 1km from your Kakadu accommodation, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is well worth a visit. Named after Warradjan, the Pig-Nosed Turtle, the Centre offers a remarkable insight into the Aboriginal who have lived in Kakadu for thousands of years.

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

This afternoon's Yellow Water Cruise will open your eyes to a world of wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles, whistling ducks and buffalo in their natural habitat. Gliding along the calm waters you'll see rare flora and fauna all around you. There's no better way to experience the wetlands of Kakadu.

Approximate Distance: 211 km | 131 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Kakadu – 1 Night 

Make your way to the Katherine region to experience the incredible scenery of Nitmiluk National Park.

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.

Nitmiluk Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sit back and relax on Dinner Cruise against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun. Over a three-course candlelit dinner you will discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people and be immersed in Jawoyn culture and history. With fresh local produce cooked on board and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, you can soak up your tranquil surroundings in style.

Approximate Distance: 283 km | 175 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) – 1 Night 

See Nitmiluk from the air by helicopter, then return to Darwin where your Top End adventure ends.

Nitmiluk Scenic Helicopter Flight

For a different perspective and a breathtaking photo opportunity you will take an exhilarating helicopter flight over 3 of Nitmiluk's unforgettable gorges. Seeing the national park from the air is simply stunning as you follow the twisting and turning of the gorges.

Return to Darwin and Depart

Say farewell to the Top End today as you return 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 Explorer Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 259 km | 161 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 40 mins