Northern Territory | Darwin to Litchfield National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Discover the best of the Northern Territory's Top End on this Nature's Way road trip itinerary.

Day 1: Darwin Apollo Branch to Kakadu National Park

Distance: 151km

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Pick up your Apollo Camper and head south - today's destination is Kakadu National Park. On the way stop at Adelaide River and admire massive saltwater crocodiles jump out of the water (from the safety of your riverboat, of course!)

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

Day 2 and Day 3: Kakadu National Park

Spend the next few days exploring the world heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Hop on a sunrise or sunset crocodile spotting cruise at Yellow Water, stop by towering waterfalls and walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries. While you're here we recommend visiting Ubirr - where the rock art is considered some of the best in the world. 

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Katherine

Distance: 152km

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

If you can pull yourself away from Kakadu National Park, it's time to head to Katherine. Relax after the 90 minute drive at the natural thermal springs Katherine Hot Springs before preparing yourself for Nitmiluk National Park tomorrow. 

Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park

Only a short drive from Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park is a place of wonder. Make your way to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and explore a few of the towering sandstone gorges by helicopter, cruise, kayak or even by foot. 

Day 6: Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Distance: 255km

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Say goodbye to Katherine and head north to another national park (sensing a theme here?). Renown for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness, Litchfield National Park is a nature-lover's paradise. We recommend stopping in at Wangi Falls and Florence Falls. Remember that the Northern Territory is crocodile country so only swim where signs indicate it is possible.

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 7: Litchfield National Park to Darwin Apollo Branch

Distance: 108km

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

It's time to head back to Darwin. On the way be sure to stop at the Territory Wildlife Park or finish with a picnic at Berry Springs Nature Park. If you're staying in Darwin before flying home, we recommend visiting the Darwin Sailing Club for a sunset drink. 

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

Want to know more?

Read more about the Nature's Way on northernterritory.com.

Highlights

Tiwi Islands

Take a trip across the water to find the unique haven that is the Tiwi Islands. With a thriving Aboriginal arts culture, fishing lodges and coastal landscape with breathtaking sunsets, the Tiwi Islands promises to be a destination like no other. 

Gunlom Plunge Pool

Located in world heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Plunge Pool is an infinity style pool with incredible sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

The heart of Darwin's foodie culture, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets sees the congregation of over 200 unique stalls set to the backdrop of a classic Darwin sunset. 

Nitmiluk National Park

Be drawn to the spectacular sandstone Nitmilk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine.