Top End lodge adventure6-day self-drive itinerary

Looking for luxury with a difference? Top End lodges are a great option to connect with nature whilst still experiencing all the comforts that make you feel like you’re on a holiday.

Explore Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park while staying in some of the unique luxurious lodges of the Top End.

Depart Darwin for your 3-hour drive to Cooinda Lodge – located within the green heart of Kakadu National Park. Cooinda Lodge offers a variety of accommodation including hotel rooms, glamping tents, cabins and powered camp sites. The lodge has an inviting shaded swimming pool and bistro-style dining with local barramundi a favourite on the menu!

Stop at Adelaide River on the way to Kakadu and hop aboard a jumping crocodile cruise.

Get an early start to board the Yellow Water Cruise experience, which departs from Cooinda Lodge. It's a must do for anyone visiting Kakadu National Park. If you're not an early riser, there are cruises departing later in the day, including at sunset. Spot wildlife along the banks of the river in the early morning or crocodiles sun baking in the late afternoon. It’s an ever-changing living ecosystem which is both beautiful and fascinating. Every cruise is different and offers a unique experience.

After your cruise, make sure to stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn more about the traditional owners and the natural cycles of the flora and fauna of the area.

Later, visit the highlights of the World-Heritage listed sites around Kakadu like the walking trails which wind through escarpments and floodplains along with waterfalls and ancient rock art galleries.

Depart Kakadu National Park and make your way to Cicada Lodge in Katherine (around 4 hours).

Cicada Lodge is your sanctuary from which to embrace the ancient landscapes and Aboriginal culture in the iconic Nitmiluk National Park. The lodge is a joint venture between the Jawoyn people and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), and the perfect base to explore Nitmiluk Gorge and the National Park.

Take advantage of the morning light for an aerial adventure and helicopter tour over Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Fly over the 13 gorges of the Nitmiluk system, or for something extra special, land at a remote waterhole. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy your own pristine swimming hole with crystal clear waters and not a soul to disturb the peace.

Back at Cicada Lodge, relax poolside before heading off for the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset dinner cruise. Sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings transport you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge as its colours change with the setting sun. Experience the spectacular beauty of the gorge by candle and starlight whilst enjoying delicious Australian cuisine.

Day 5

Depart Cicada Lodge for Hideaway Litchfield, a perfect base to explore the waterfalls, swimming holes and walking trails at Litchfield National Park. Pack your swimsuit to cool down in swimming holes at Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls or lace up your walking shoes to walk to see the parks natural features such as mammoth termite mounds and natural bushland views.

Unwind to the sounds of nature as night falls at Hideaway Litchfield where three secluded cabins with floor to ceiling glass frame the bush views in a relaxed setting adjacent to the national park.

Day 6

Drive back to Darwin (approximately 1.5hours), stopping for a refreshing swim in the thermal pools at Berry Springs Nature Park. Nearby, Territory Wildlife Park is also worth a visit, where you can see all the animals and plants of the Top End in one easy location.