Make the most of a long weekend and travel to the world-renowned Kakadu National Park. Recognised for both its cultural and natural assets, Kakadu is a must-do when travelling the Northern Territory.
Be immersed in the culture of the Bininj and Mungguy people who are the traditional owners of Kakadu.
Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Begin your Kakadu adventure from Darwin – an easy 3-hour drive along sealed roads. There’s plenty to do and see on the way to Kakadu, so take your time to enjoy the journey.
Upon arrival into Jabiru, check into your accommodation, then make your way to Ubirr. Take the walk to the top of the lookout in time to watch the sun set over the floodplains. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife roaming in the floodplains and learn about the rich Aboriginal culture and history of this area.
Days 2 & 3: Kakadu National Park
Make the most of the mornings and afternoons in Kakadu, and rest during the middle of the day (by rest we mean float around in some magical waterhole or jump in a pool at one of the hotels). There are plenty of walks, wildlife to spot and cultural experiences on offer within the park. Stop in at the Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru to get up-to-date information on road access and daily activities.
You can choose to head to Cooinda (an hour’s drive from Jabiru) where you can stay overnight and book a spot on the Yellow Water Cruise, visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and take a walk at Burrungkuy to explore the impressive Aboriginal rock art sites. Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing bird and wildlife that call Kakadu home and explore some of the best swimming holes such as Maguk, Gunlom and Jim Jim Falls.
A 4WD is recommended to access some of these areas. Check the Kakadu Access Report online or visit the Bowali information centre for the latest road access information.
_Rock.jpg?width=1061&height=597&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
Day 4: Kakadu to Darwin
Take your time returning to Darwin. Head back on the Arnhem Highway, or keep travelling south on the Kakadu Highway and head back to Darwin via the Stuart Highway. If travelling along the Stuart Highway, you have the opportunity to check out Pine Creek, Adelaide River, the Douglas Daly region and Berry Springs.
*You’ll need a park pass to visit Kakadu National Park. Get your Kakadu pass now.
Start in Darwin
ExploreDay 1
Drive:
-
![Kakadu National Park]()
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscapes.
Drive:
-
![Ubirr]()
Ubirr is one of Kakadu National Park's two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries.
Drive:
Stay:
Kakadu accommodationView 6 options
Day 2
Drive:
-
![Bowali Visitor Centre]()
Before you start exploring Kakadu National Park, get familiar by exploring the Bowali Visitor Centre.
Drive:
-
![Cooinda]()
The township of Cooinda is located in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, on the banks of the Yellow Water Billabong, recognised as one of the most spectacular wetlands in the world.
Drive:
-
![A boat cruising through the Mary River]()
Corroboree Billabong cruises
Mary RiverTourExplore the Top End wetlands and expect to see a variety of birds and crocodiles.
Drive:
-
![Warradjan Cultural Centre]()
Developed by the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu, Warradjan is located just 1km from Cooinda Lodge Kakadu and should be a ‘must see’ for all visitors to the region.
Drive:
-
![Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site]()
The walls of the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years.
Drive:
Stay:
Alice Springs accommodationView 34 options
Day 3
Drive:
-
![Maguk]()
One of Kakadu’s lesser-known attractions, Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls.
Drive:
-
![Twin Falls Gorge]()
The walk to the base of the gorge is currently closed for a major infrastructure upgrade.
Drive:
Stay:
Alice Springs accommodationView 34 options
Day 4
Drive:
-
![Pine Creek]()
Established in the late 1800s after a gold rush in the area, Pine Creek is located 90 kilometres north of Katherine.
Drive:
-
![Adelaide River]()
If you’re looking for a day trip from Darwin to see crocodiles in the wild – the Adelaide River is the spot for you.
Drive:
-
![Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park]()
The popular Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park is located approximately 130km from Katherine and 200km from Darwin.
Drive:
-
![Berry Springs Nature Park]()
Berry Springs Nature Park is a picturesque area 47 kilometres south of Darwin that is a popular day trip destination for picnics, incorporating shady areas, manicured lawns, picnic tables and free gas barbecues.
Finish in Darwin
Explore
Book this trip
We’ve taken the hassle out of planning & booking your NT holiday.
How to book this trip yourself
Like to DIY? Here are the bookings you’ll need to make, with links to book directly.
-
Kakadu Parks Pass
Required for entry to Kakadu National Park. Read about passes & permits
3 nights’ stay in Kakadu accommodation
Check-in: Day 1
Check-out: Day 4-
Corroboree Billabong cruises
Explore the Top End wetlands and expect to see a variety of birds and crocodiles.
-
NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
Keep exploring
More itineraries you might like
