Kick off your Northern Territory road trip in Darwin, a city renowned for its Aboriginal culture, vibrant art scene and delicious Asian cuisine.

From there, head south to Litchfield National Park, the crown jewel of the Top End. Covering 1,500 square kilometres, this park is home to incredible waterfalls, brilliant rock pools and winding nature trails that give you unforgettable vistas and up‑close encounters with local flora and fauna.

This 7-day Northern Territory itinerary includes several national parks, bringing you to Kakadu National Park, which is also a World Heritage Site.

A few hours' drive east, you'll cross the Mary River and immediately find yourself immersed in Kakadu’s 20,000 square kilometres of sweeping views, wildlife and incredible cultural artefacts. In fact, it’s home to numerous Aboriginal rock paintings dating back to prehistoric times.

Leaving Kakadu, head south to Katherine, a small town aptly named after the river it sits on. The area offers a unique mix of tropical and Outback landscapes, giving some of the most breathtaking views on this road trip. 
The biggest draw here is nearby Nitmiluk National Park, where you’ll find natural thermal pools, walking trails and relaxing boat cruises to enjoy the outdoors.

Just a short distance from Katherine is the small town of Mataranka. A quiet, delightful retreat in the Top End, the town’s claim to fame is its unique sandy-bottomed thermal pool. Plus, keen readers might recognise it as the setting for the famous novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn.

Before looping back to the starting point, call in at Adelaide River on your return to Darwin. Located on the banks of the Adelaide River, this quaint, scenic town is home to just 250 people, but it played an important part in the Second World War.

Your final night in Darwin is the perfect time to try some of the city’s amazing restaurants you didn’t get to sample on the first night.