5 days · 800 km · Fly-in, hire 4WD

Darwin and Kakadu in Five Days

A five-day fly-in, drive-out trip from Darwin into Litchfield and Kakadu national parks.

The Trip

Five days based in Darwin and Kakadu, covering Litchfield waterfalls, Kakadu rock art and waterholes, and a final morning at the Mindil Beach sunset markets.

The Top End is one of Australia's most distinctive regions, with two clear seasons (the wet from December to April, the dry from May to November) and an entirely different feel from the southern half of the country. Darwin is the gateway, with daily flights from most capitals.

This itinerary covers two of the three big national parks within reach of Darwin (Kakadu and Litchfield), with a base night each in Darwin and Jabiru. Skipping the third (Nitmiluk Gorge near Katherine) keeps the trip to a manageable five days. If you have a week, add Katherine Gorge as days 5 and 6.

A 4WD is recommended but not strictly required for the main Kakadu sites, which are accessible on sealed roads. Some side tracks (Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls) require high clearance and are dry-season only.

At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Distance: 800 km
Transport: Fly-in, hire 4WD
Route: NT
Stops: 5

Day by day

The plan.

Day

Arrive in Darwin

explore Darwin hotel Overnight in Darwin

Fly into Darwin International Airport and pick up the hire car. The city is fifteen minutes from the airport. Walk the Esplanade and the Waterfront precinct, then head to Mindil Beach for sunset (Thursdays and Sundays in the dry season run the famous food markets).

Day

Litchfield National Park

explore Darwin hotel Overnight in Darwin directions_car 300 km drive

Day trip south to Litchfield (about 90 minutes from Darwin). The main waterholes are Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole. All are croc-free and safe to swim in the dry season. Stop at the magnetic termite mounds on the way in. Return to Darwin in the evening.

Day

Drive into Kakadu

explore Kakadu National Park hotel Overnight in Jabiru directions_car 250 km drive

Drive east on the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu. Stop at the Window on the Wetlands viewing platform, then continue to Mamukala wetlands for birdwatching. Arrive at Jabiru in the afternoon and visit the Bowali Visitor Centre. The Ubirr rock art site is best visited at sunset for both the paintings and the floodplain views from the top.

Day

Yellow Water and Nourlangie

explore Kakadu National Park hotel Overnight in Jabiru

Take the early morning Yellow Water Cruise out of Cooinda for the best chance of seeing crocodiles, jabirus, and white-bellied sea eagles. The afternoon is for the Nourlangie (Burrungkuy) rock art and the climb up to the Gunwarddehwarde Lookout. Stay another night in Jabiru.

Day

Drive back to Darwin

explore Kakadu National Park hotel Overnight in Fly out directions_car 250 km drive

Final morning at Gunlom Falls or Maguk waterhole if time and the road conditions allow (Gunlom is on a partly unsealed road; check the visitors centre). Otherwise drive directly back to Darwin, drop the rental, and fly out in the evening.

Editorial shortlists

Stops featured in our lists.

All curated lists east

Swimming Holes

The 6 Best Swimming Holes in the Top End

4 spots

Waterfalls

The Top 10 Waterfalls in Australia

10 spots

Wildlife

The Best Wildlife Encounters in Australia

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