The Best Northern Territory Road Trip

Exploring Australia’s Top End

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Australia Top end 2wd acessible road trip

Start in Darwin

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

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

Stop 1: Darwin

Highlights:

Florence Falls: Make the short trek down to marvel at these twin waterfalls before taking a dip in the popular swimming hole.
Buley Rockholes: Take a plunge and bask in the sunlight at this well-known swimming spot.
Wangi Falls: Enjoy this year-round waterfall and shaded picnic area after a long day of exploration.

Where to Eat:

Darwin Ski Club ($$): Catch a glimpse of the iconic Darwin Sunset and Fannie Bay while dining seaside with a diverse menu of fresh seafood, Asian fare, and more.
Nirvana ($$): Serving up Thai, Indian, and Malaysian dishes, this is a great option if you want to enjoy a tasty meal in an intimate and eclectic setting, then maybe catch a live music performance in the next room over.

Where to Park for the Night:

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park ($$): Perfectly situated halfway between Darwin and Litchfield National Park, this inviting park features powered and non-powered sites starting at $58/night.
Wangi Falls Camping Area ($): Fall asleep in the heart of the national park, with the popular swimming hole, cafe, and picnic areas all located close by.

Kakadu National Park

This Northern Territory itinerary in 7 days includes several national parks, taking you next to Kakadu National Park , also a World Heritage Site.

A few hour's drive to the east, you’ll cross the Mary River and immediately become immersed in Kakadu’s 20,000 square kilometers of expansive views, wildlife, and incredible cultural artifacts. In fact, it’s home to a number of Aboriginal rock paintings that date back to prehistoric times.

Stop 2: Kakadu National Park

Highlights:

Ubirr Rock: Get a glimpse of this stunning natural gallery of Aboriginal rock art spanning thousands of years, with depictions of animals, spirits, and more.
Yellow Water Cruise: Explore the expansive wetlands of the Kakadu firsthand, catching sites of crocodiles and birdlife in a tranquil setting.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!

Where to Eat:

Barra Bar and Bistro ($$): Tucked into the Cooinda Lodge, this is a popular bistro where you can dine al fresco while enjoying local bites like wild goose pie or smoked crocodile.

Where to Park for the Night:

Kakadu Lodge ($$): A campervan-accessible lodge with shady camping areas, a lagoon-style pool, and BBQs and restaurants available on-site.
Markudal Campground ($): Two first come, first serve campgrounds that don’t require any advanced bookings and give you an up-close glimpse at local wildlife.

Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Leaving Kakadu, head south to Katherine, a small town aptly named for the river it’s situated upon. The area features a highly unique landscape of both the tropics and the Outback, offering some of the most breathtaking views on this road trip.
The biggest attraction of the area is the nearby Nitmiluk National Park, where you’ll find natural thermal pools, hiking trails, and relaxing boat cruises for your outdoor enjoyment.

Stop 3: Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Highlights:

Katherine Hot Springs: Relax in these clear thermal baths, which are open every day of the week and located conveniently on the southern end of the town.
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: Making up the southern end of the national park, this is an expansive area where you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities, whether that’s walking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, or biking.
Leliyn (Edith Falls): Head out to the western side of the park and take a swim in this idyllic natural pool right after trekking the 2.6 miles Leliyn Trail loop.

Where to Eat:

The Finch Cafe ($$): An exceptional brunch spot at a family-run cafe right in the heart of this quaint NT town.

Where to Park for the Night:

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Katherine ($$$): A pet-friendly caravan park with resort-style amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, BBQs, and on-site bistro.

Stop 3: Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Mataranka

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, avid readers might recognize it as the setting for the famous novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn.

Stop 4: Mataranka

Highlights:

Bitter Springs: Enjoy these delightful natural thermal pools, ideal for floating and relaxing while taking in the stunning scenery of the ancient rainforest in Elsey National Park.
Mataranka Thermal Pool: With a picturesque backdrop of lush palm fronds, take a dip in these relaxing thermal pools and swimming hole, fed by Rainbow Spring at 300 liters per second.
Botanic Walk: A quick 1.2 miles loop, this short and quiet trail through Elsey National Park gives you a close-up view of the local rainforest species.

Where to Eat:

Jeannie’s Kitchen ($): Found at the Mataranka Homestead, finish off a day at the Mataranka Thermal Pools with a delightful meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Where to Park for the Night:

Mataranka Homestead ($): Ran on a first come, first served basis, this spacious park offers both powered and unpowered camping spots, with the famous Mataranka Thermal Pools conveniently located on-site.

Adelaide River

Before looping back to the starting point, stop by 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, though it holds significant importance in WWII history.

Your final night in Darwin is the perfect opportunity to try out some of the city’s incredible restaurants that you didn’t get the chance to taste on the first night.

Stop 5: Adelaide River

Highlights:

Adelaide River: Immerse yourself in the significant history of this small NT town, visiting the WWII cemetery that honors the Top End residents who died during the conflict, as well as the museum at the old railway bridge and station.
Jumping Crocodile Cruise: Open year-round, experience an unforgettable encounter with the region’s unique wildlife on this Indigenous-owned guided tour.
Manton Dam Recreation Area: A thriving hub for popular water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, located halfway between Adelaide River and Darwin.

Where to Eat:

303 Bar & Bistro: Enjoy a no-frills dining experience in this historic pub, named after the 303 rifles used by the Australian Army in WWII.
Sari Rasa ($): Cap off your road trip by indulging in some of Darwin’s top-rated Indonesian cuisine. Family-owned, great prices, and rich flavors, what’s not to love?

Where to Park for the Night:

Discovery Parks – Darwin: Enjoy your final night of the trip by getting some much-needed rest, with on-site laundry, camp kitchens, a gym, and a swimming pool available at your leisure.

Start in Darwin

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

Stop 1: Darwin

Highlights:

Florence Falls: Make the short trek down to marvel at these twin waterfalls before taking a dip in the popular swimming hole.
Buley Rockholes: Take a plunge and bask in the sunlight at this well-known swimming spot.
Wangi Falls: Enjoy this year-round waterfall and shaded picnic area after a long day of exploration.

Where to Eat:

Darwin Ski Club ($$): Catch a glimpse of the iconic Darwin Sunset and Fannie Bay while dining seaside with a diverse menu of fresh seafood, Asian fare, and more.
Nirvana ($$): Serving up Thai, Indian, and Malaysian dishes, this is a great option if you want to enjoy a tasty meal in an intimate and eclectic setting, then maybe catch a live music performance in the next room over.

Where to Park for the Night:

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park ($$): Perfectly situated halfway between Darwin and Litchfield National Park, this inviting park features powered and non-powered sites starting at $58/night.
Wangi Falls Camping Area ($): Fall asleep in the heart of the national park, with the popular swimming hole, cafe, and picnic areas all located close by.

Kakadu National Park

This Northern Territory itinerary in 7 days includes several national parks, taking you next to Kakadu National Park , also a World Heritage Site.

Stop 2: Kakadu National Park

Highlights:

Ubirr Rock: Get a glimpse of this stunning natural gallery of Aboriginal rock art spanning thousands of years, with depictions of animals, spirits, and more.
Yellow Water Cruise: Explore the expansive wetlands of the Kakadu firsthand, catching sites of crocodiles and birdlife in a tranquil setting.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!

Where to Eat:

Barra Bar and Bistro ($$): Tucked into the Cooinda Lodge, this is a popular bistro where you can dine al fresco while enjoying local bites like wild goose pie or smoked crocodile.

Where to Park for the Night:

Kakadu Lodge ($$): A campervan-accessible lodge with shady camping areas, a lagoon-style pool, and BBQs and restaurants available on-site.
Markudal Campground ($): Two first come, first serve campgrounds that don’t require any advanced bookings and give you an up-close glimpse at local wildlife.

Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Stop 3: Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Highlights:

Katherine Hot Springs: Relax in these clear thermal baths, which are open every day of the week and located conveniently on the southern end of the town.
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge: Making up the southern end of the national park, this is an expansive area where you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities, whether that’s walking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, or biking.
Leliyn (Edith Falls): Head out to the western side of the park and take a swim in this idyllic natural pool right after trekking the 2.6 miles Leliyn Trail loop.

Where to Eat:

The Finch Cafe ($$): An exceptional brunch spot at a family-run cafe right in the heart of this quaint NT town.

Where to Park for the Night:

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Katherine ($$$): A pet-friendly caravan park with resort-style amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, BBQs, and on-site bistro.

Stop 4: Mataranka

Highlights:

Bitter Springs: Enjoy these delightful natural thermal pools, ideal for floating and relaxing while taking in the stunning scenery of the ancient rainforest in Elsey National Park.
Mataranka Thermal Pool: With a picturesque backdrop of lush palm fronds, take a dip in these relaxing thermal pools and swimming hole, fed by Rainbow Spring at 300 liters per second.
Botanic Walk: A quick 1.2 miles loop, this short and quiet trail through Elsey National Park gives you a close-up view of the local rainforest species.

Where to Eat:

Jeannie’s Kitchen ($): Found at the Mataranka Homestead, finish off a day at the Mataranka Thermal Pools with a delightful meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Where to Park for the Night:

Mataranka Homestead ($): Ran on a first come, first served basis, this spacious park offers both powered and unpowered camping spots, with the famous Mataranka Thermal Pools conveniently located on-site.

Adelaide River

Your final night in Darwin is the perfect opportunity to try out some of the city’s incredible restaurants that you didn’t get the chance to taste on the first night.

Stop 5: Adelaide River

Highlights:

Adelaide River: Immerse yourself in the significant history of this small NT town, visiting the WWII cemetery that honors the Top End residents who died during the conflict, as well as the museum at the old railway bridge and station.
Jumping Crocodile Cruise: Open year-round, experience an unforgettable encounter with the region’s unique wildlife on this Indigenous-owned guided tour.
Manton Dam Recreation Area: A thriving hub for popular water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, located halfway between Adelaide River and Darwin.

Where to Eat:

303 Bar & Bistro: Enjoy a no-frills dining experience in this historic pub, named after the 303 rifles used by the Australian Army in WWII.
Sari Rasa ($): Cap off your road trip by indulging in some of Darwin’s top-rated Indonesian cuisine. Family-owned, great prices, and rich flavors, what’s not to love?

Where to Park for the Night:

Discovery Parks – Darwin: Enjoy your final night of the trip by getting some much-needed rest, with on-site laundry, camp kitchens, a gym, and a swimming pool available at your leisure.