Contrasts of Northern Territory Tour

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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.

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.

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.

Set off from Darwin eastbound towards Humpty Doo and 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. If you're interested in learning more about the local culture, 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!
From here it is a very straightforward drive to Jabiru, the main township of Kakadu National Park. Before leaving town, stop at Bowali Visitor Centre and get some great local tips on what you can do and see in the region. There is also beautiful art on display at the Marrawuddi Gallery before journeying south to explore the Yellow Water and Mary River regions of Kakadu.
Your first stop is to 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 Lodge. If you have extra time in the region and you are looking for some hikes to do, the Mirray Lookout Trail is a shop and steep track not far from Burrungkuy. 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 you are in Cooinda, doing a Yellow Water Cruise is a must-do. Cruising along the beautiful billabong to find sea eagles, jacanas, brolgas, crocodiles, and buffalo.
In the afternoon, you may choose to travel to East Alligator River and jump on the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise with a local Aboriginal Guide. After, head to Ubirr and walk the short route past incredible rock art dating up to 40,000 years before reaching the top of Ubirr Rock and enjoying the stunning display of colours in the sky as the sun sets over Kakadu National Park. 

The small township of Cooinda sits 300km from Darwin, within Kakadu National Park. Home to the South Alligator River and close to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock, Cooinda is bustling with culture and landscapes incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Native residents include water buffalo, crocodiles and Brolgas, making the Yellow Water Cruise an exciting activity for all visitors. Stop at Warradjan Cultural Centre and learn of the local Bininj people and browse one of the most incredible displays of Aboriginal art available for purchase.

Explore the stunning Yellow Water Billabong, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. Here, Ginga (saltwater crocodiles) bask on the shores or glide silently through the waters, while vibrant bird species like Djakarna (Jabiru) and Marrawuddi (white-bellied sea eagles) soar above. The banks teem with life, from Anaburru (water buffalo) to brumbies and wild pigs—remnants of early European settlements. This breathtaking setting offers an up-close view of the harmonious coexistence of these remarkable creatures. As the golden light of sunset reflects on the water, take a guided Yellow Water Cruise revealing Kakadu's beauty. Led by local Bininj/Mungguy guides, the tour highlights the deep cultural ties between the land, its wildlife, and Indigenous traditions. This unforgettable journey unveils the timeless connection between nature and culture.

Head north back to Jabiru, before turning off to go west on the Arnhem Highway past the Mamukala Wetlands and Mary River National Park as you head towards Darwin. If you're interested in learning more about the local culture, 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.
Your journey ends in Darwin, a city full of contrasts with Asian-influenced food and its unique tropical lifestyle. While you're here, take time to learn about the history of Darwin's recovery after it was bombed in 1942 during World War II, and when Cyclone Tracy ripped through the city in 1974.

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.

With beautiful views of the Top End city, there is no better way to experience Darwin’s renowned sunsets than on board the Charles Darwin. Enjoy a Territory-style dinner with fresh seafood and local produce. This two hour cruise is the perfect way to experience Darwin’s world-famous sunsets.

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Darwin lies Litchfield National Park. Get up early and pack a picnic and your swimwear to make the most of your day by exploring the highlights of this incredible national park.
Heading towards Batchelor, your first stop will be one of Litchfield’s most impressive sights, the Magnetic Termite Mounds. These stand up to two metres (6.5 feet) high and can be more than 100 years old. Stop by the nearby information centre to learn about the fascinating creates that build these natural structures.
Just ten minutes further down the road will bring you to Florence Falls, your first chance to pop in for a swim or to dip your feet in the refreshing water today. From the Florence Falls car park, walk just three minutes to a viewing platform that offers breathtaking views over the gorge and pools below. Continue down the staircase to be met with a crystal-clear plunge pool, along with two cascading waterfalls – they’re especially impressive after the wet season ends in April.
From Florence Falls, choose between driving a few minutes down the road, or taking the 3.2-kilometre (two-mile) walking track that connects to Buley Rockhole. Buley Rockhole is a series of natural pools that flow from one to the next.
The next stop is the one waterfall not to be missed in Litchfield, Wangi Falls. Located 25 minutes drive from Buley Rockhole, the falls are home to a picnic area and a café, but what makes this place a must-do is its incredible natural beauty. Two breathtaking waterfalls plunge over the rock escarpments and splash into the waterhole below. From Wangi it is a one and a half hour drive back to 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.