How To Spend 2 Weeks In The Top End Of Australia
Home to a culmination of environmental and cultural marvels, the Top End of Australia is a striking destination seriously unlike anywhere else in the world. Waterfalls meet desert oasis, lush rainforests meet charming townships, amazing global flavours meet traditional Indigenous culture, rugged remote campsites meet wildlife experiences; it's a travellers dream. Adventurous, colourful, vast and unique, your Northern Territory adventure is sure to be a beautiful, tranquil and unforgettable one. Here is your complete guide to visiting the Top End, including a day-by-day itinerary, unmissable things to do, how long to visit for, where to go, where to stay and how to get around!
How many days do I need in the Top End?
If you’re looking to explore the Top End of Australia, including Kakadu, Katherine and Darwin, between 1 to 2 weeks is recommended. Start with 3 days in Darwin, followed by 3 to 5 days in Kakadu, concluding with 3 to 5 days exploring Katherine.
If time allows, add a few remote Top End destinations like Arnhem Land and West Daly to experience the region off the beaten track. Or, continue your itinerary onto the Tenant Creek & Barkly Region before making it to the Red Centre, home to the iconic Uluru, Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges.
Where is the Top End?
The “Top End” is a colloquial term used to describe the northernmost part of the Northern Territory in Australia. The Top End is widely understood to cover a large area, from Darwin out west to Arnhem Land, and down south just past Katherine. The Top End includes Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, amongst other protected, unique National Parks.
2-week Top End Itinerary
Darwin Loop Itinerary - Kakadu, Katherine, Litchfield & Darwin In 14 Days
- How - rent a 4WD or book tours
- Stay - in campsites, hotels, hostels or caravan parks
- When - the best time to visit Top End is dry season (June to September)
- What - National Parks, watering holes, culture, art, geological wonders, wildlife
Day 1: Arrive in Darwin
Fly or drive into Darwin. If you’re planning on hiring a rental car so you can DIY your own road trip, collect your vehicle (we recommend a 4WD to allow access to more hidden gems). Head down to Darwin’s Waterfront to grab a bite from one of the 21 restaurants along the foreshore and bask in the gorgeous beach views at sunset. Welcome to the Top End!
Stay - local Darwin hostel or hotel
Day 2: Discover Darwin
Darwin is renowned as a boiling pot of cultures, flavours, sceneries and experiences, so spend a day exploring!
Here are our favourite things to do in Darwin:
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Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
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George Brown Botanic Gardens
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Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
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Wave pool & beach relaxing
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Crocosaurus Cove
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Explore Darwin CBD local shops and restaurants
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Darwin harbour cruises
Stay - local Darwin hostel or hotel
Day 3 - 7: Kakadu National Park
Getting to Kakadu
Make the journey from Darwin to Kakadu, which is approximately a 3-hour drive via the Arnhem Highway. On your way, stop in at the Bowali Visitor Centre for some information, updates and walking routes from the local rangers. Make sure you stock up on fuel, food, water and supplies in Jaibru.
- 2WD or 4WD?
Some sites and roads in Kakadu are only suitable for 4WD, so we recommend hiring a 4WD over a 2WD vehicle if you can.
Top things to see and do in Kakadu National Park
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Ubirr Rock - ancient Aboriginal rock art and views
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Nadab Lookout
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East Alligator River boat cruise
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Anbangbang Billabong & Nourlangie Rock art
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Yellow Water Billabong cruise
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Jim Jim Falls swimming (4WD only)
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Twin Falls visit & picnic (4WD only)
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Gunlom Falls infinity pools (4WD only)
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Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
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Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) forest walk (4WD only)
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Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park swimming
Camping accommodation in Kakadu
Kakadu National Park is brimming with excellent campsites accessible by both 2WD and 4WD. You can opt to set up camp in one and drive every day, or hop between each beautiful site to see more of the hidden corners of the National Park.
Here are our favourite campsites in Kakadu:
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Cooinda Campground - near Yellow Water Billabong
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Merl Campground - near Ubirr Rock, basket weaving workshop
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Gunlom Campground - near Gunlom Falls
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Mardugal Campground - near Jim Jim and Twin Falls (4WD only)
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Muirella Park Campground - near Nourlangie Rock
Prebook your campsite in advance, and ensure you’re prepared with ample supplies and have read up on park regulations and weather warnings.
Not-camping accommodation in Kakadu
There are a handful of lodges in Jaibru, which make for ideal accommodation bases for your adventure if you’re driving yourself. It’s essential to pre-book these experiences as availability is limited.
Guided tours from Darwin to Kakadu
If you’d prefer to be guided through this lush part of the world, we recommend these tours departing from Darwin for Kakadu National Park.
Top Selling Tours From Darwin To Kakadu
Optional itinerary add-on: continue to Arnhem Land
Day 8 - 12: Katherine & Litchfield National Park
Getting to Katherine from Kakadu
Embark from Kakadu National Park towards Katherine, which is roughly a 3-hour drive along the Kakadu Highway. Pass through the charming town of Katherine, where you should stock up on supplies.
An excellent stop to make on the way through to Nitmiluk National Park is the Katherine Hot Springs, where naturally heated water fringed with bushland awaits your relaxation!
Things to do in Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park
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Katherine Hot Springs
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Boat cruise or kayak through Katherine Gorge
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Hike through Nitmiluk National Park
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Leliyn (Edith Falls) picnics and walks
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Top Didj Cultural Experience
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Cutta Cutta Caves
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Jatbula Trail & Falls (4WD only)
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Butterfly Gorge swimming (4WD only)
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Southern Rockhole swimming (4WD only)
Continue on from Katherine to Litchfield National Park, about a 3-hour drive via the National Highway 1.
Things to do in Litchfield National Park
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Wangi Falls
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Florence Falls (4WD only)
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Bluey Rockhole
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Tolmer Falls & loop walk
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Magnetic Termite Mounds
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Lost City sandstone formations
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Cascades hiking & swimming
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Walker Creek
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Greenant Creek & Tjaetaba Falls
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Bamboo Creek Tin Mine (4WD only)
Guided Tours to Katherine, Nitmiluk & Litchfield National Park
Sit back, relax and let your local guide illuminate the wonders of Katherine, the Gorge and National Parks with the following tours:
- 5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine & Litchfield Tour
- 1 Day Litchfield Park & Crocodile Experience
- 1 Day Darwin To Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk & Edith Falls Tour
- 1 Day Litchfield National Park Tour From Darwin
Camping in Katherine & Litchfield
There are an array of campsites in Katherine Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park alike. Katherine is a fantastic place to organise a campsite itinerary, with a new tranquil spot every night. Please book in advance, and ensure you have ample supplies, know of the road and weather conditions and treat each campsite with respect, following the rules and regulations of each ground.
Here are our favourite campsites in the area:
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Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) Campground
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Katherine Hot Springs Campground
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Wangi Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park
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Florence Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park
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Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park (4WD only)
Not-camping accommodation in Katherine
There is an array of hotels, motels and lodges in the small township of Katherine which can act as the perfect base for this section of your itinerary. There is also one roadside hotel between Katherine and Litchfield, along with a resort and tourist park in Litchfield itself. Booking in advance is imperative due to limited availability.
Day 12 - 14: Return to Darwin & hidden gems
Return to Darwin via Berry Springs
From Litchfield National Park, Darwin is only a 1.5-hour drive via Litchfield Park Road. However, there are ample things to do on the way that make this journey worthy of 2-days of travel time!
Stay a day and night and discover the lush-lined springs, staying at the nearby resort and caravan park.
OR Continue onto Red Centre
Instead of returning towards Darwin, continue on to the Red Centre to experience the magic of Central Australia. Discover Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, Alice Springs, the MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, art, culture, wildlife and more in the sunburnt heart of Australia.
Learn more about visiting the Red Centre with our handy visitor guide. Or, let a local lead the way with these top Red Centre & Uluru experiences, with everything from camping to hiking!
