Man standing on the top of the rock in Ubirr, Kakadu National Park © Tourism NT/Daniel Tran9

Ubirr, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Daniel Tran

Nature’s Way: 7-day road trip to Kakadu and Litchfield


Trip overview

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

2hrs 150km (93mi)

Hire a car in Darwin and follow the Arnhem Highway south-east towards Kakadu National Park. Home to rock art up to 20,000 years old and a 200m (656ft) waterfall, Kakadu is a treasure of both culture and nature. 

Day 2 : Kakadu National Park

Today is dedicated to the culture of Kakadu. Boardwalks will lead you to pieces of history etched into the rock walls.

Day 3 : Kakadu National Park

Today is another day in Kakadu, but it’s not just another day in Kakadu. It’s sure to be a memorable adventure as you explore the national park’s waterways, waterholes and waterfalls.

Day 4: Kakadu National Park to Katherine

1.5hrs 151km (94mi)

Bid farewell to Kakadu and head toward Katherine, a bustling township situated on the banks of the Katherine River.

Day 5: Elsey National Park

3hrs 240km (149mi)

The perfect day trip from Katherine, Elsey National Park is the setting for the acclaimed Australian novel We of the Never Never. It’s a hidden oasis of hot springs, heritage sites and ancient caves.

Day 6: Nitmiluk National Park

1hrs 56km (35mi)

Just 30 minutes from Katherine is Nitmiluk National Park. The main attraction here is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, which can be explored by canoe, cruise or helicopter. Return to Katherine for the night.

Day 7: Katherine to Darwin via Litchfield

4hrs 317km (197mi)

On your way back to Darwin, take your time exploring Litchfield National Park. Its relatively small size makes it easy to move from one natural attraction to the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to Darwin is easier than you think. You can fly from the USA via major Australian cities like Sydney or Brisbane, then take a short domestic flight to Darwin.

Travelling from the UK is straightforward, with connections through hubs like Singapore or Dubai, or via Australian cities such as Sydney or Melbourne before continuing on to Darwin.

Flights from China typically connect through major hubs like Singapore or Australian cities including Sydney or Melbourne, with easy onward flights to Darwin.

Yes, the road trip from Darwin to Kakadu and Litchfield is a great, adventure-filled choice for families. 

The drives distances between national parks are manageable and provide an easy one-week loop from Darwin. Kids will love seeing the massive Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield, spotting crocodiles on a safe, designated Yellow Water billabong cruise in Kakadu and swimming in the crocodile-free plunge pools at Litchfield's Wangi or Florence Falls. To ensure the best experiences, families should plan this trip during dry season (May to October) when swimming spots are safely open. 

Start your trip with a stay in Darwin's city centre or along the waterfront, where you’ll have easy access to attractions and dining options. In Kakadu, you can choose from lodges, safari-style stays and campgrounds in the central hubs of Jabiru or Coodina. Litchfield is an easy day trip from Darwin, but it warrants a night or two on its own, so book just outside the park gates in the historic township of Batchelor.

The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time to visit, when roads, hiking trails and swimming holes are safely open.

In May, you'll enjoy the lush post-wet season waterfalls, but some trails and roads may still be closed. Near the end of dry season, in September and October, the temperatures and humidity are rising, but wildlife spotting is at its peak. No matter when you visit during the dry season, expect hot days and cool evenings.

No, you do not strictly need a 4WD for a road trip from Darwin to Kakadu and Litchfield. You can explore most major sites with a 2WD, especially during the dry season. A 4WD is ideal if you’d like to venture further off the beaten track or visit more remote areas, such as Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and Maguk.