Kakadu & Litchfield National Park Adventure

Welcome to the Northern Territory's unhurried capital, Darwin. The city is a melting pot of cultures, with rich Aboriginal connections to country as well as strong Asian influences in its cuisine, thanks to its close proximity to Asia. Spend a balmy night at the buzzing night markets, see crocodiles up close, or slow things down with a cruise on the harbour.

Darwin has a fantastic mix of things to do, whether you are joining a tour or going the self-guided route. Make sure you head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market and wander the multitude of stalls. Join a sunset harbour cruise and soak up the sunset with drinks and canapes. Catch a film under the stars at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema (known as "The Deckie" to locals); all screenings start at 7:30pm and local eateries have food stalls to keep your hunger at bay.
There are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world, so jump in a boat or visit Crocosaurus Cove and meet the real locals. If you're looking to stretch your legs, visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. These beautiful, exotic gardens are home to some spectacular plant species that provide a tropical oasis where you can learn about their natural and cultural history.

Be introduced to the World’s largest display of Australian reptiles and some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in the world, right in the heart of Darwin City. Crocosaurus Cove is passionate about showcasing the huge array of reptiles found primarily in the Top End of Australia. Meet a variety of critters that you are likely to encounter at various times of the year across the Kimberley, Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks and Arnhem Land regions and further afield to the Central Australian desert. It is these unique landscapes that are home to the many varieties of species that you will encounter at Crocosaurus Cove. From the freshwater aquarium’s Barramundi, Whipray & Turtles to 70 reptile species on display in the Reptile House and the active juvenile crocodiles in the Fishing for Crocs area, Crocosaurus Cove provides the perfect introduction to your Northern Territory adventure.

Two Iconic Territory Stories One Iconic Location. Experience and learn through the wonder of technology as the Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility brings history to life.
Experience a decommissioned RFDS Pilatus PC 12 aircraft that was completely aero medically equipped and learn about the activities of the RFDS's pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day.
The second iconic story featured is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing of the harbour brought destruction to the city of Darwin, and many of the stories have been brought to life through their innovative technology. This new and exciting world-class facility feature's never seen before cutting edge technology - a hologram cinema experience telling the story of Etheridge Grant, virtual reality and a projection window of the Japanese air attack on the harbour.

The Waterfront Precinct is Darwin's entertainment and dining hub, located within close proximity from Smith Street Mall and the Esplanade. Swim in the man-made (and protected) recreational beach, or take a plunge in the popular Wave Lagoon. This attraction rolls out 10 different wave patterns every 20 minutes, startling with gentle swells before increasing to waves up to 1.2 metres high. There are plenty of sun loungers and shady areas to hang out, or continue to explore the many eateries and bars surrounding the waterfront. Stokes Hill Wharf is a short walk away, and offers plenty of alfresco eateries and entertainment.

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

Head to the Darwin City depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Set off from Darwin eastbound towards Humpty Doo, the home of the Aboriginal Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery. If you're interested in learning more about the local culture the local artists at the gallery can teach you about bush food and medicine, weaving, spear throwing, and playing the didgeridoo. Back on the road, keep an eye out for the Big Boxing Crocodile as you travel along the highway. After about 32km, you will reach the town of Wak Wak, where you can join a Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. Seize the opportunity to get up close and personal with these giant, prehistoric creatures from the safety of your boat. This one hour cruise will take you out on the Adelaide River and entice crocodiles up to 6 metres long to jump.
You may choose to head down the road to the family-run Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours where you will learn about local bush food and medicine, weaving, spear throwing and playing the didgeridoo.
When you are ready, continue travelling east on Arnhem Highway. Mary River National Park is a beautiful wetland reserve located down the road from Wak Wak. Bird lovers will be spoiled with the diversity of species living here and will have plenty of opportunities to spot them while cruising the billabongs. For the anglers out there you can also enjoy world-class fishing, with the opportunity to catch barramundi, getting up to 1.4m in length!
Before arriving in Jabiru, turn left onto Oenpelli Road (towards Gunbalanya) to explore the rock art at Ubirr and Cahills Crossing. This 30 minute drive (one-way) will take you to a parking area right by Cahills Crossing over the East Alligator River. From the 3 viewing platforms you can sit and watch the saltwater crocodiles as they wait to catch mullet and barramundi swimming over the crossing in late dry season. At the East Alligator River Boat Ramp, the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise departs, an educational tour hosted by local guides. During the day, you may catch the guides sitting by the boat ramp painting using traditional methods. Take cash if you wish to purchase one of these incredible pieces!
At Ubirr, a walk up to the Nadab lookout takes you past breathtaking rock art sites dating up to 50,000 years old and is arguably the best location in Kakadu National Park to enjoy the sunset.
Drive back down Oenpelli Road and turn left onto the Arnhem Highway where you will shortly arrive in the township of Jabiru.

The Kakadu National Parks Pass allows entry to explore ancient sites such as Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Burrunkguy and Maguk. You will be required to keep your Kakadu National Parks accessible when within the National Park and produce to Park Rangers upon request.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is Australia's biggest national park, filled with ancient landscapes. Here you will find stunning waterfalls, lush rainforest, spectacular wetlands and swimming pools, and the oldest Indigenous rock art in the world. Although this remote, untouched outback land is just 3 hour's drive from the city of Darwin, you will feel like you are a world away. This treasured region is filled with adventure opportunities, from learning the cultural significance of Australia's most prominent rock art at Ubirr, cruising along Yellow Water Billabong or the East Alligator River, touring to stunning Koolpin Gorge, or walking through monsoon rainforest to reach crystal-clear plunge pools at Maguk, there is an awe-inspiring experience here for everyone. If you prefer to take it easy, the view from Nourlangie at sunset is nothing short of a spiritual experience and one that can't be missed. If you're looking for a unique experience celebrating cultural diversity and community, check out the annual Mahbilil Festival celebrating Kurrung season (late august to early September).

Take a journey on the East Alligator River on the Guluyambi Cruise with a local Aboriginal guide. This provides you with an insight into their culture & local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants & animals as well as bush survival skills. 'Guluyambi' means paperbark raft, however, don't fret, this vessel will safely travel up and down the East Alligator river, revealing the wonderful pristine wilderness of Kakadu National Park. There is also an opportunity to step off the boat into Arnhem Land and witness spear throwing. At the upstream boat ramp where you will embark on the Guluyambi Cruise, there are sometimes local artists painting using traditional methods. If you wish to purchase any pieces of art at the boat ramp, please bring cash as card is not accepted.

Today, you will cruise a spectacular, untouched river and witness the iconic saltwater crocodile in action. An experienced crew will teach you about the biology and ecology of these creatures and the Adelaide River they inhabit. Onboard a purpose-built vessel, every seat guarantees a perfect view (no glass!) of the river and banks of Djukbinj National Park as you cruise into the wilds of the Northern Territory. With a focus on your safety and sustainable practices, you will have an unforgettable experience.

At the heart of Kakadu National Park, Jabiru offers sanctuary for those gearing up to explore the park. Located 253km from Darwin and at the tail end of the Arnhem Highway, Jabiru is serviced with a full sized supermarket, resorts and various restaurants around town. Walk around Jabiru Lake and enjoy a coffee while browsing the art at Marrawuddi Art Gallery before learning more about the traditional owners of the park at Bowali Visitor Centre. Breathe in the fresh air and experience all that the park has to offer, whether you are heading to Burrungkuy for sunrise, Injalak Art Gallery at the Border Store, East Alligator River and the infamous Cahills Crossing, or Ubirr for sunset, Jabiru provides the perfect haven for Kakadu National Park explorations.

This journey into Arnhem Land takes you to some of the oldest rock art sites in the world and provides an opportunity to understand what life was like early settlement. Cross over the infamous Cahill's Crossing and spend the day exploring one of the most remote regions in Australia, Arnhem Land. Experience the excitement of Cahill's Crossing on a 4wd vehicle, getting up close to crocodiles as they stalk barramundi. Only accessible by permit, Arnhem Land has incredible sandstone escarpments, outcrops, rock art sites, forests, floodplains and billabongs with birdlife. Your experienced guide will explain the importance of this land for the Aboriginal traditional owners, the Bininj people and talk about life in Gunbalunya (Oenpelli). You'll also stop at Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre where there will be time to browse and purchase the breathtaking art made by local artists.

Before leaving Jabiru, consider a morning stroll down the Bowali Track to the Bowali Visitor Centre and get some great local tips on what you can do and see in the region. There is also some beautiful art on display and great coffee to enjoy at Marrawuddi Art Gallery before journeying south to explore Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where you will find a painting of the culturally important creation ancestor Namarrgon (Lightning Man). From the carpark, take the walking track to see the painting. If time allows, explore some of the other scenic walks that showcase the biodiversity and beautiful landscapes that make up this part of the Arnhem Land escarpment.
Continue on the Kakadu Highway towards Cooinda. If you have extra time in the region and you are looking for some hikes to do, the Mirrai Lookout Trail is not far from Burrungkuy but it is a steep and challenging track. Those who complete it will be rewarded with some expansive 360 degree views of the park. The 2km track takes a moderately fit person 1.5 hours to complete. Be sure to have adequate sun protection, sturdy footwear, and lots of water as it can get very hot here, particularly in October and November leading up to monsoon season. While in Cooinda, consider paying a visit to Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, featuring incredible educational tools to teach you more about the local Bininj & Mungguy people. Cooinda is home to the Yellow Water Cruise on South Alligator River where you will spot sea eagles, jacanas, brolgas, crocodiles and buffalo.
Journey south along the Kakadu Highway towards Pine Creek, passing typical Top End vegetation such as Pandanus Spiralis, Paperbark and Jacaranda trees. Keep an eye out for wallaby and dingoes, and glance at the sky for an opportunity to see Black Kites and Marrawuddi (white-bellied sea eagles) soaring ahead. On the left, pass the turn for Maguk, a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls and continue on for around 90 minutes before you reach Pine Creek. Pine Creek is a small historical heritage town from the 1800's, known as the gold mining capital of the Northern Territory with plenty of attractions to discover. If you are into heritage, history and wildlife then it is worth visiting to learn about what it must have been like to live and work here in centuries gone by. Further along the Stuart Highway, drive through Margaret River, Adelaide River and Tortilla Flats before taking the exit on Crater Lake Rd towards Batchelor into Litchfield National Park.

Just a 90-minute drive southwest of Darwin lies Litchfield National Park. The park covers approximately 1,500 square kilometres and is home to an abundance of misty, spring-fed waterfalls, scenic walks, 4WD tracks, lush waterholes for swimming, and plenty of camping accommodation options. During your stay, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of hundreds of species of fauna, such as wallabies, sugar gliders, flying foxes, or dragon-like water monitor lizards, often spotted basking on warm rocks. Take the boardwalk to view the 2-metre-tall magnetic termite mounds and wonder at the impressive feats of insect architecture. Wangi Falls is the most well-known attraction in the park, Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, and the three-tiered pools of Buley Rockhole are all similarly popular attractions within the park.  

Today you have the opportunity to explore Litchfield National Park before making your way back to Darwin. Departing from Bachelor, turn onto Litchfield Park Road, stopping first at the Magnetic Termite Mounds where you will see hundreds of Amitermes Meridionalis, with some reaching up to four metres tall. A short drive will take you to Florence Falls, a plunge pool with two cascading waterfalls, and Buley Rockhole, a network of layered pools with multiple rapid flowing streams. For experienced four-wheel drivers, The Lost City is a collection of towering sandstone formations formed from millions of years of heavy rain and storms. Tolmer Falls is a 35 metre tall waterfall, enjoyed from a viewing platform located a short distance away from a sealed road. Wangi Falls is the most accessible swimming hole in Litchfield and is home to a large picnic area, cafe and caravan park. Here is a popular beginning location for the Table Top Track, a 39km circuit around the National Park, taking you through the bush and to remote waterfalls. Before journeying back to Darwin, you will pass Berry Springs Nature Park, a picturesque swimming and picnic area located within a monsoon forest. From here, it is approximately 45 minutes to join back to the Stuart Highway and drive into the city of Darwin.

Head to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on a Thursday or Sunday evening, to browse a wide selection of local and handmade goods or taste some of the best food in the city. With over 200 stallholders, the Mindil Markets is a cultural melting pot which is bound to satisfying your appetite. Try grilled crocodile or a buffalo burger, then sit on the foreshore of Mindil Beach and witness one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen.

Explore more of Darwin before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!

Darwin Gourmet Tours guides you to the best of Darwin’s food scene with an escorted four hour easy walking tour. Enjoy a welcome drink at your first restaurant as chefs and staff present tasting plates (degustation) with an emphasis on local produce and Aboriginal bush foods. The rotating roster of restaurants includes Hanuman, Phat Mango, Aboriginal Bush Traders, PepperBerry Restaurant at the Hilton, Little Miss Korea, Moorish, Ruby, Char, Snapper Rocks, Roma Bar, Chow, Bannsang and other top dining places. Stop in at a non-profit Aboriginal-owned art gallery and store between restaurants. Coffee, tea and standard soft drinks are included. During the short walks between venues, your guide will also show you cultural and historic landmarks and bring Darwin’s vibrant street artworks to life.