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: 300km 
Driving Time: 3 hours 

Pick up your Apollo camper in Darwin, stock up on groceries and drinking water, then set your sights on Kakadu National Park via the Arnhem Highway. This is a gentle introduction to Top End driving, with wetlands and billabongs starting to appear beside the road as you head east. 

On the way 

• Adelaide River: Join a jumping crocodile cruise to see huge saltwater crocs launching out of the water from the safety of a riverboat. It is a very “only in the NT” way to kick off the trip. 

• Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve: If time and conditions allow, make a quick detour for birdwatching walks and broad wetland views. 

Things to do in Kakadu (afternoon) 

• Call into the Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru to pick up maps, check the latest access and safety information, and get a feel for how the seasons shape the park. 

• Take a short walk to a nearby lookout or billabong to catch your first Kakadu sunset! 

Where to stay 

Aim to base yourself for the next two nights near Jabiru or Cooinda so you can easily reach key sites: 

• Aurora Kakadu Lodge & Caravan Park (Jabiru): Powered caravan and campsites set around a lagoon-style pool, bar, bistro and BBQs. Most tours pick up from here. 

• Cooinda Campground & Caravan Park: Shady powered and unpowered sites with access to pools, restaurant/bar and the Yellow Water cruise departure point. 

Day 2: Kakadu National Park – wetlands, rock art and sunset 

Driving: Local driving only 

Set aside today for exploring Kakadu’s famous wetlands and rock art. You can mix a couple of “must-do” experiences with shorter walks, so the day still feels relaxed. 

Things to do in Kakadu National Park 

• Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) cruise: Take a sunrise or sunset cruise to watch crocodiles, birdlife and buffalo moving through the floodplains. This is one of the best ways to understand Kakadu’s wetland ecosystems. 

• Ubirr rock art and sunset: Wander through incredible Aboriginal rock art galleries, then climb to the lookout for a classic Top End sunset over the floodplains (check access and seasonal opening times). 

• If you prefer to stay closer to Jabiru, you can swap Ubirr for the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site and lookouts, which are usually accessible year-round. 

Where to stay 

Second night at either Aurora Kakadu Lodge or Cooinda Campground & Caravan Park. 

Day 3: Kakadu National Park – waterfalls and billabongs (seasonal) 

Driving time: Local driving only 

Use today to chase waterfalls and swimming spots where conditions, signage and access allow. 

Things to do  

• Pick a couple of signature sites that suit the season, such as Maguk, Jim Jim Falls or other managed swimming areas if they are open and accessible by your vehicle. Maguk and Jim Jim Falls require 4WD and are dry-season only, so always ask at Bowali or your campground first. 

• If waterfalls are not accessible, focus on extra walks, lookouts and billabongs, or consider a scenic flight over the escarpments and floodplains for a different perspective. 

Safety note: 
Kakadu is crocodile country. Follow NT Parks and Parks Australia guidance: 

• Only swim where signs or rangers indicate it is safe. 

• If there is no “swimming area open” sign, do not enter the water. 

Where To Stay 

Third night based in Kakadu at your chosen campground or caravan park. 

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Katherine

Distance: 250 km 
Travel time: 3 hours 

After a slow breakfast and a final look at Kakadu’s escarpments, head south along the Kakadu Highway towards Katherine. 

Stops on the way 

Pine Creek: A small former gold rush town with a historic railway station, museum and café – a good place to stretch your legs and grab a snack before the last stretch into Katherine. 

Things to do in Katherine (afternoon): 

• Take a restful plunge at Katherine Hot Springs, a series of clear thermal pools just outside town. 

• Wander the main street for supplies, local art galleries and an easy dinner, ready for a full day at Nitmiluk tomorrow. 

Where to stay 

Base yourself for two nights at a Katherine holiday park with powered sites and good shade: 

• BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine: Spacious powered and unpowered sites, pool, spa, BBQs and on-site bistro – a handy base between town, the hot springs and Nitmiluk Gorge. 

• Other nearby options include Riverview Tourist Village or Katherine Holiday Park, both set up for campervans and motorhomes. 

Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)

Driving: Short, local drives 

Today is all about Nitmiluk National Park and its series of towering sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. 

Things to do in Katherine (afternoon): 

• Join a cruise through Katherine Gorge to see the cliffs from the water and hear stories of the Jawoyn people and the area’s history. 

• Hire a canoe or kayak for a more active way to explore (seasonal and weather dependent). 

• Take one of the marked walking tracks to a gorge lookout or swimming area that is open and signed safe for the season. 

• Back in town, finish the day with dinner at a local pub, club or bistro before another night at your Katherine holiday park. 

Where to stay: 

Second night at your chosen Katherine campground or holiday park. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 6: Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Distance: 255 km 
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Say goodbye to Katherine and head north on the Stuart Highway towards Litchfield National Park, known for its accessible waterfalls, swimming holes and huge termite mounds. 

Stops on the way 

Optional: Pause at Adelaide River again for fuel, a quick snack or a look at the historic war cemetery, then continue towards Batchelor and Litchfield. 

Things to do in Litchfield (afternoon) 

Once you reach Litchfield, pick one or two key stops for the afternoon: 

• Wangi Falls: One of Litchfield’s most popular and photogenic spots, with short walks and a large plunge pool that is sometimes open for swimming in the dry season (always check local signage). 

• Florence Falls & Buley Rockhole: Tiered waterfalls and rock pools that are perfect for cooling off when conditions allow. 

• Magnetic termite mounds: A unique, easy roadside stop where you can see hundreds of tall, compass-aligned termite mounds across the floodplain. 

Where to stay: 

Choose a campground or tourist park close to the action: 

• Litchfield Tourist Park: Powered and unpowered sites among leafy grounds, with access to pool, BBQs and other facilities – an easy base just outside the park. 

• Alternatively, Batchelor Holiday Park offers powered sites and cabins in the small town of Batchelor, another handy gateway to Litchfield. 

Day 7: Litchfield National Park to Darwin Apollo Branch 

Distance: 108 km 
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Enjoy a final morning in Litchfield before completing the loop back to Darwin. 

Morning in Litchfield 

• Revisit a favourite waterfall from yesterday or fit in one more short walk or lookout. 

• If you prefer a slower start, linger over coffee at your tourist park café and take a final dip in the pool. 

Stops on the way back to Darwin 

• Territory Wildlife Park: A great stop just outside Darwin to see Top End wildlife up close, including aviaries, nocturnal houses and an aquarium – a good option with kids or if you missed some animals in the wild. 

• Berry Springs Nature Park: When conditions allow, this is a popular local swimming spot with shaded lawns and clear pools (always check current advice before swimming). 

Roll back into Darwin, return your Apollo camper at the Darwin Apollo Branch, and if you have time, toast the end of your Top End loop with a sunset drink at the Darwin Sailing Club or a waterside bar. 

FAQs and quick answers 

1. How many days do I need for the Nature’s Way drive? 
   Seven days is a comfortable amount of time for Darwin → Kakadu → Katherine → Litchfield → Darwin, with time to explore each national park without rushing. 

2. Do I need a 4WD for Nature’s Way road trip? 
   You can complete the basic loop on sealed roads in a 2WD campervan. However, some Kakadu sites and tracks are 4WD-only, so a 4WD camper or guided tour will give you access to more waterfalls and remote spots. 

3. When is the best time to travel Nature’s Way? 
   The dry season (roughly May to October) offers cooler temperatures, more reliable road access and open swimming areas. In the wet season, heavy rain can mean closures, so you will need to plan more carefully.  Note: Apollo’s Northern Territory branches are closed 1 December – 31 March for the wet season. 

4. Is it safe to swim in Kakadu and Litchfield? 
   Only swim where signs or rangers clearly say it is safe and open. If there is no sign, assume crocodiles may be present and stay out of the water. When in doubt, enjoy the view from the bank or choose a managed pool instead. 

5. Are there powered sites suitable for campervans along Nature’s Way? 
   Yes. Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield all have caravan parks and campgrounds with powered sites, pools and facilities, making them ideal bases for Apollo campervans and motorhomes.  

Ready to plan your Northern Territory Nature’s Way campervan holiday? 

In just seven days, this loop links Darwin, Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield, with short drive times and plenty of chances to swim, cruise, walk and learn about Aboriginal culture along the way. 

Hire an Apollo campervan from Darwin, lock in powered sites in Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield, and use this itinerary as your “backbone”. From there, you can add extra nights, scenic flights or longer hikes depending on your crew and the season.