Nature’s Way in 7 days Kakadu, Nitmiluk & Litchfield national parks

Turn up for spring sunshine on an epic Top End road trip from Darwin along Nature’s Way. Discover the national park trifecta of Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk to see the best of nature in the Top End.

Experience the wonder of World Heritage-listed rock art sites, billabongs buzzing with wildlife, gorges, swimming holes and waterfalls (don’t forget your swimsuit!). Nature’s Way is an easy drive entirely on sealed roads so all you need is a regular 2WD vehicle. Though, if you want to turn up the adventure element, there are plenty of 4WD-only side trips which will take you off the beaten track.

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu (250km)

The unspoiled beauty of Kakadu National Park is only a 3-hour drive from Darwin. On your way to Kakadu along the Arnhem Highway, there are several opportunities to see wildlife. Stop at the Adelaide River and board a cruise to see huge saltwater crocs jump for a snack from the safety of the riverboat.

Day 2 & 3: Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is a World Heritage-listed site and Australia’s second largest national park. Explore and cruise its waterways to see crocs and birdlife on a Yellow Water Cruise, walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries, or join a guided tour. Take in the stunning view of the floodplains and wetlands from above at the Ubirr lookout at sunset.

Day 4: Kakadu to Katherine via Pine Creek (300km)

Head south along Kakadu Highway to Pine Creek, a small town that experienced a gold rush in 1871. A further 90km down the road is Katherine, a great place to base yourself and explore the region, including Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine (Nitmiluk) Gorge. It’s the gateway to incredible hiking trails, swimming in hot springs, canoeing and cruising, and Aboriginal cultural tours.

After arriving take a refreshing dip in Katherine Hot Springs – a series of clear pools fed by a natural thermal spring located on the banks of the Katherine River.

Day 5: Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park is a short 30km drive from Katherine. There are many options to explore the park: from the air on a helicopter flight, from the water on a guided gorge cruise or self-guided canoeing trip, or on foot with well-marked paths.

Day 6: Katherine to Litchfield (265km)

Stop in at Leliyn/Edith Falls on your journey north back to Darwin and enjoy a swim in the pandanus-fringed plunge pool. Just 2.5 hours’ drive away, Litchfield National Park is renowned for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls that flow year-round. Cool off with a swim in the plunge pool below the permanent spring-fed Florence Falls or wade through the rock pools at Buley Rockhole.

Day 7: Litchfield to Darwin (130km)

Leaving Litchfield, return to Darwin via the Territory Wildlife Park. Wander through treetop aviaries, around a natural lagoon and walk through the aquarium to see animals, including a saltwater crocodile, in their natural habitats.

Another worthwhile stop between Litchfield and Darwin is Berry Springs Nature Park. The springs were a recreation camp for armed forces personnel during the war, though today it’s a popular spot for a picnic and a dip in freshwater thermal pools.

Get more inspiration with these NT road trip ideas.