Overview
Trip Details
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
