With a week to spend in Darwin & Surrounds, our Darwin in 7 Days itinerary will make you discover the culture, the natural attractions and the wildlife of the Top End. The city of Darwin offers many activities such as
Crocosaurus Cove: See crocodiles and maybe even swim with one in the famous “Cage of Death”!
Territory Wildlife Park in Berry Springs with their famous Bird of Prey show and Oolloo Sandbar
Sunset in Kakadu
Litchfield National Park
Katherine Gorge
Day 1 Darwin to Litchfield (115 kms/ 1.5 hrs)
Before arriving in Litchfield National Park, you will pass through the town of Batchelor. There, you will find a butterfly farm, museum and plenty of places to grab lunch. Camping is available year-round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
Day 2 Litchfield National Park
Keep enjoying the national park for another day.
A summary of activities you could do during your time at Litchfield:
swimming
camping
bushwalking
wildlife spotting
visit scenic lookouts
view historic ruins at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek
four-wheel driving.
Day 3 Litchfield to Kakadu National Park (159 kms – 2 hours)
Kakadu is by far the most popular place in the Top End. It is Australia’s largest national park covering 20,000 hectares with stunning landscapes and amazing Aboriginal rock art sites. There are many options for campsites and would depend on how far you drive in the national park.
Day 4 Kakadu National Park
Explore on foot, join a cruise or guided tour, spot crocs or birds and make a splash in one of the many waterfalls. Another option is to book a guided tour to Arnhem Land and visit the Injalak Art gallery. Please note a permit is required to access Arnhem Land. Call 08 8920 5100 or visit www.nlc.org.au.
Day 5 Kakadu National Park – Nitmiluk National Park (Up to 300 kms/ 3.5 – 4 hrs, depending on where you are located in the park)
Nitmiluk National Park has 13 stunning gorges which can be explored by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter. The most popular ones are Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge. If you have time for a walk, Sweetwater Pool can be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls. You can also take a scenic flight over the 13 gorges of the park or jump on a cruise. There are also plenty of art galleries in Katherine. The Park has two main points of visitor access. The Gorge entrance to the park is 30km east of Katherine on the sealed Gorge Road. Follow the signs. The turnoff to Leliyn (Edith Falls) is 40km north of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. The park entry is 20km further along Edith Falls Road. Powered and non-powered sites are available near the Gorge Caravan Park and non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls). You can also stay at one of Katherine’s caravan parks.
Day 6 Nitmiluk National Park
Keep enjoying Katherine. Don’t forget to stop at the Katherine Hot Springs. Other activities available in Katherine include:
On your way back to Darwin, stop in Pine Creek to visit this old gold rush mining town. There you can visit the historic railway heritage
museum and take in the stunning views from the lookout.
Darwin to Darwin Itinerary including Litchfield National Park, Kakadu and Arnhem Land in 14 days
Day 1 Darwin – Windows on the Wetlands/ 63 kms + 47 kms/ 1.5 hours + 30 min
The top floor of the centre has 270 degree views of the wetlands below. You can experience a jumping crocodile cruise, a relaxing wildlife and wetland cruise or take an airboat ride. There are free nature walks available at the visitor centre every day, except Wednesdays and Sundays. You can also learn about the culture of Aboriginal people. Stay and camp at Mary River National Park. Mary River is popular for four-wheel driving, fishing, bushwalking and birdwatching. It’s a must-see park for any nature lover. You can camp at Couzen’s Lookout Camping Area and Shady Camp.
Day 2 Mary River National Park – Kakadu/41 kms/ 30 min
Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and offers various experiences. The park offers a great number of walks, 4WD tracks and waterfalls to explore. On the first day, you can visit the northern part of the park, while staying at Aurora Kakadu Resort.
Day 3 Kakadu – Arnhem Land/ 57 kms/ 1.5 hours
Book a guided tour to Arnhem Land and visit the Injalak Art gallery. You can also visit the community of Gunbalanya. Please note a permit is required to access Arnhem Land. Call 08 8920 5100 or visit www.nlc.org.au.
Day 4 Kakadu – Non-travel day
Kakadu has plenty to keep you busy, from a boat cruise to some crocodile spotting from the safe platforms of Cahills Crossing and Yellow Water or rock art sites.
Day 5 Kakadu – Nitmiluk National Park/ 126 kms/ 1.5 hours
A third day at Kakadu can be spent exploring the southern part of the park, which includes Gunlom Falls and Mary River Ranger Station. The Yellow Water Billabong can be explored by a cruise and a must-do experience when visiting Kakadu. Powered and non-powered sites in Nitmiluk are available near the Gorge Caravan Park and non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls).
Day 6 Nitmiluk National Park/ Katherine – Non-travel day
Nitmiluk National Park has 13 stunning gorges which can be explored by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter. The most popular ones are Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge. If you have time for a walk, Sweetwater Pool can be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls. You can also take a scenic flight over the 13 gorges of the park or jump on a cruise. There are also plenty of art galleries in Katherine.
Day 7 Nitmiluk National Park/ Katherine – Mainoru/ 250 kms/ 4 hours
Discover one of Australia’s last unspoiled areas! Please note you will require a permit. Call 08 8920 5100 or visit www.nlc.org.au.
The Mainoru Store is the only service facility on the 700 kilometre (approximately an 11 hour-drive) journey along the Central Arnhem Road between Katherine and Nhulunbuy. There are lodges and camping ground facility there as well as fuel. You can support the local communities by purchasing at those little convenient stores.
Day 8 Mainoru – Nhulunbuy/ 490 kms/ 7 hours
Stay at the Walkabout Lodge and Campgrounds. You can also make your way to Bremer Island via a leisurely 1 hour boat ride, or a 10 minute charter flight.
Day 9 Nhulunbuy – Discover the area
Take a short drive to Yirrkala Art Centre. Continue north to view the Roy Marika lookout and discover the Dhimurru area.
Day 10 Drive back to Katherine (stop at Mainoru)/ 490 kms/ 7 hours
A long day drive which can be cut in half by stopping at Mainoru for the night.
Day 11 Mainoru – Katherine to Pine Creek/ Daly Region/ 250 kms/ 4 hours + 93 kms/ 1.5 hours
Pine Creek is an old gold rush mining town. There is a historic railway heritage museum and stunning views from the lookout. Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park offers the opportunity to swim with a natural hot springs, called Douglas Daly Hot Springs.
Day 12 Pine Creek/ Daly Region – Litchfield National Park/ 187 kms/ 2.5 hours
Before arriving to Litchfield National Park, you will pass through Batchelor, where you will find a butterfly farm and a museum.
Litchfield National Park is one of the most popular park and offers a refreshing stop before heading back to Darwin. There are many waterfalls and waterholes to explore as well as a few walking trails.
Day 13 Litchfield National Park – Non-travel day
Enjoy your last day in Litchfield National Park.
Day 14 Litchfield National Park – Darwin/ 139 kms/ 2 hours
On the way stop at the Territory Wildlife Park to see wildlife up-close in their natural habitats. A fantastic stop for the children. Or you could visit Crocodylus Park in Berrimah, which is the best place in Australia to come face to face with the largest reptiles. There is also a crocodile park located in the city, where you can also swim safely next to a 5m + Saltwater crocodile.
Total Kilometers: Approx 1,743 kms
Total Travel Hours: Approx 28.5 hours
Travel times are estimated based on an average speed of 80km p/h. While the maximum legal speed while towing is 100km p/h, the travel times indicated should allow for delays due to road works as well as fuel, toilet and snack stops. Travel times and distances are approximate and we recommend using as a guide only along with a published map book.
After visiting Darwin, head to Litchfield National Park which is home to amazing waterfalls. It is a popular day tour destination but we would recommend staying overnight in order to explore as much as you can. It is possible to swim (even under the waterfalls!) and there are many beautiful walks starting from most popular sites. Camping is available year-round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
2 Litchfield NP Non-travel day
A summary of activities you could do during your time at Litchfield:
swimming
camping
bushwalking
wildlife spotting
visit scenic lookouts
view historic ruins at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek
four-wheel driving.
3 Litchfield NP – Kakadu NP 341 kms 4.5 hours
Kakadu is by far the most popular place in the Top End. It is Australia’s largest national park covering 20,000 hectares with stunning landscapes and amazing Aboriginal rock art sites. There are many options for campsites and would depend on how far you drive in the national park.
4 Kakadu NP Non-travel day
Explore on foot, join a cruise or guided tour, spot crocs or birds and make a splash in one of the many waterfalls.
Nitmiluk National Park has 13 stunning gorges which can be explored by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter. The most popular ones are Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge. Powered and non-powered sites are available near the Gorge Caravan Park and non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls). If you have time for a walk, Sweetwater Pool can be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls.
6 Katherine Gorge – Kununurra 541 kms 7 hours
After a long day of driving, check in at one of the many campsites available in Kununurra such as Ivanhoe Village Resort.
If time permits, make a quick stope a Lake Argyle. It is the largest lake in Australia and home to abundant wildlife. Stay at the Bungle Bungles Caravan Park.
8 Purnululu NP Non-travel day
Bushwalking, plane or heli-tours, bus tours, station tours and more. From Bungle Bungle Caravan Park there is 70-80km of rough 4WD road to either Echidna Chasm or Cathedral Gorge. Plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to visit a few attractions. Suggested trips: Visitor centre, Cathedral Gorge and Picaninny Creek Walk – including Whipsnake Gorge and Picaninny Lookout. The park’s main feature, the Bungle Bungle Range, stands 300 metress above the spinifex covered plain and is dominated by the famous orange and black banded beehive-shaped dome. The park has limited accessible drinkable water. Good to know that our Safari Camprite trailers can hold 160 litres of drinkable water!
9 Purnululu NP – El Questro 265 kms 3.5 hours
Spend a couple of days exploring the park. Visit the thermal pool at Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge or take a boat down the Chamberlain Gorge and fish for barramundi. Stay at El Questro’s campsite.
10 El Questro Non- travel day
11 El Questro – Manning Gorge 344 kms 4.5 hours
Visit Barnett River Gorge en route and enjoy the hospitality of a pioneering family-owned cattle station and explore the magnificient waterfholes on the property. Look out for incredible aboriginal art on the rock walls surroungding the waterholes.
Manning Gorge is a great place to camp for one night.
12 Manning Gorge – Silent Grove / Bell Gorge 122 kms 1.5 hours
Enjoy a bushwalk and experience the tranquility of Manning Falls. Silent Grove campsite is the best place where to set up camp and to see Bell Gorge and Bells Falls.
13 Silent Grove / Bell Gorge – Windjana 179 kms 2 hours
Explore and swim at the waterfalls including Bell Gorge along the lengths of the Gib River Road. Then head to Windjana Gorge National Park and take a trip out to explore Tunnel Creek. Stay at the Windjana Gorge Campground.
14 Windjana Gorge – Broome 370 kms 5 hours
Broome is a compact town to explore and attractions are all within 15 minutes drive.
Must see & do:
Camel ride on Cable Beach
Matso’s mango beer brewery
Fishing
Whale Watching
Pearl tour
Sunset
Total Kilometers: 2,901 kms
Total Travel Hours: 37 hours
The waterfalls at upper Manning Gorge, on Mount Barnett Station, off the Gibb River Road
Windjana
Couple riding on Home Valley Station past the Cockburn Range, located west of Kununurra
Bell Gorge in the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park
Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River National Park
Crikey 4WD and Safari Camper
Bungle Bungles
Sunset in Kakadu
Katherine Gorge
Litchfield National Park
The Cape Leveque Road heads northwards from Broome, to the Dampier Peninsula
Travel times are estimated based on an average speed of 80km p/h. While the maximum legal speed while towing is 100km p/h, the travel times indicated should allow for delays due to road works as well as fuel, toilet and snack stops. Travel times and distances are approximate and we recommend using as a guide only along with a published map book.
After visiting Darwin, head to Litchfield National Park which is home to amazing waterfalls. It is a popular day tour destination but we would recommend staying overnight in order to explore as much as you can. It is possible to swim (even under the waterfalls!) and there are many beautiful walks starting from most popular sites. Camping is available year-round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
2 Litchfield NP Non-travel day
A summary of activities you could do during your time at Litchfield:
swimming
camping
bushwalking
wildlife spotting
visit scenic lookouts
view historic ruins at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek
four-wheel driving.
3 Litchfield NP – Kakadu NP 341 kms 4.5 hours
Kakadu is by far the most popular place in the Top End. It is Australia’s largest national park covering 20,000 hectares with stunning landscapes and amazing Aboriginal rock art sites. There are many options for campsites and would depend on how far you drive in the national park.
4 Kakadu NP Non-travel day
Explore on foot, join a cruise or guided tour, spot crocs or birds and make a splash in one of the many waterfalls.
Nitmiluk National Park has 13 stunning gorges which can be explored by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter. The most popular ones are Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge. Powered and non-powered sites are available near the Gorge Caravan Park and non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls). If you have time for a walk, Sweetwater Pool can be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls.
6 Katherine Gorge – Kununurra 541 kms 7 hours
After a long day of driving, check in at one of the many campsites available in Kununurra such as Ivanhoe Village Resort.
If time permits, make a quick stope a Lake Argyle. It is the largest lake in Australia and home to abundant wildlife. Stay at the Bungle Bungles Caravan Park.
8 Purnululu NP Non-travel day
Bushwalking, plane or heli-tours, bus tours, station tours and more. From Bungle Bungle Caravan Park there is 70-80km of rough 4WD road to either Echidna Chasm or Cathedral Gorge. Plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to visit a few attractions. Suggested trips: Visitor centre, Cathedral Gorge and Picaninny Creek Walk – including Whipsnake Gorge and Picaninny Lookout. The park’s main feature, the Bungle Bungle Range, stands 300 metress above the spinifex covered plain and is dominated by the famous orange and black banded beehive-shaped dome. The park has limited accessible drinkable water. Good to know that our Safari Camprite trailers can hold 160 litres of drinkable water!
9 Purnululu NP – El Questro 265 kms 3.5 hours
Spend a couple of days exploring the park. Visit the thermal pool at Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge or take a boat down the Chamberlain Gorge and fish for barramundi. Stay at El Questro’s campsite.
10 El Questro Non- travel day
11 El Questro – Manning Gorge 344 kms 4.5 hours
Visit Barnett River Gorge en route and enjoy the hospitality of a pioneering family-owned cattle station and explore the magnificent waterholes on the property. Look out for incredible aboriginal art on the rock walls surrounding the waterholes.
Manning Gorge is a great place to camp for one night.
12 Manning Gorge – Silent Grove / Bell Gorge 122 kms 1.5 hours
Enjoy a bushwalk and experience the tranquility of Manning Falls. Silent Grove campsite is the best place where to set up camp and to see Bell Gorge and Bells Falls.
13 Silent Grove / Bell Gorge – Windjana 179 kms 2 hours
Explore and swim at the waterfalls including Bell Gorge along the lengths of the Gib River Road. Then head to Windjana Gorge National Park and take a trip out to explore Tunnel Creek. Stay at the Windjana Gorge Campground.
The Dampier Peninsula stretches about 200 kilometres north of Broome along the partly unsealed Cape Leveque Road. You can swim in the sparkling water, go snorkeling, fishing or relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Experience the amazing force of the giant tides, standing waves and whirlpools of King Sound near Cygnet Bay. Stay at Kooljaman for the night.
15 Cape Leveque Non-travel day
Enjoy the pristine beaches and spectacular coastline.
16 Cape Leveque – Broome 210 kms 2.5 hours
Broome is a compact town to explore and attractions are all within 15 minutes drive.
Must see & do:
Camel ride on Cable Beach
Matso’s mango beer brewery
Fishing
Whale Watching
Pearl tour
Sunset
17 Broome Non-travel day
18 Broome – 80-Mile Beach 376 kms 4.5 hours
This beach is famous for its amazing sunsets, shell collecting and fishing. Stay at 80-Mile Beach Caravan Park. It is the longest stretch of beach in WA.
19 80-Mile Beach – Karijini NP 581 kms 7.5 hours
Stay at the Eco Retreat Campsite.
20 Karijini Non-travel day
Karijini highlights include Fortescue Falls, Circular Pool and Fern Pool in Dales Gorge. The junction of four mighty gorges – Red, Weano, Joffe and Hancock Gorges can be viewed from Oxers Lookout.
Welcome to the Coral Coast. It offers numerous and extraordinary experiences for the whole family. Exmouth is very popular for its diving, surfing and snorkeling. You can get up close to the local whale sharks in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park which is one of the only places in the world where whale sharks appear regularly near the shore where visitors can see them. Stay at the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Resort.
22 Cape Range / Exmouth Non-travel day
The Cape Range National Park is just 40 kilometres from Exmouth and offers a variety of attractions ranging from bushwalking to birdwatching. Explore Yardie Creek, a spectacular gorge, Shothole Canyon and Charles Knife Canyon.
23 Exmouth / Cape Range – Coral Bay 152 kms 2 hours
Coral Bay is a spectacular paradise which draws visitors from around the world. From diving to whale watching or simply relaxing, Coral Bay has it all. You can even swim with sharks! This is also where sharks come to get cleaned by fish! A commercial tour is the best way for people to observe this natural phenomenon while also enjoying the other marine life that inhabits the area. You can also book a tour to swim with Mantra Rays! Stay at the Bayview Caravan Park.
24 Coral Bay – Monkey Mia 581 kms 7.5 hours
Monkey Mia is renowned for being one of the best places where to encounter dolphins. Stay at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
25 Monkey Mia Non-travel day
Spend the day relaxing and meet the friendly pod of dolphins.
26 Monkey Mia – Kalbarri 397 kms 5 hours
Kalbarri offers many natural attractions such as exceptional wildflowers in Spring and early summer. The top attractions to visit are: Nature’s Window, The Loop, Z-Bend, Hawks Head and Ross Graham Lookout. Kalbarri also offers many water sport activities such as canoeing. Stay at the Murchison Caravan Park with many sites having sweeping views across the Murchison River.
27 Kalbarri – Cervantes 378 kms 4.5 hours
The Pinnacles of Namburg National Park are the major attraction of Cervantes. Those amazing limestone structures can reach five metres and were formed between 25,000-30,000 years ago. Stay at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.
28 Cervantes – Perth 247 kms 3 hours
It’s finally time to head to Perth.
Check out our Perth itinerary for more information on which places to visit!
Total Kilometers: 6,671 kms
Total Travel Hours: 84 hours
The waterfalls at upper Manning Gorge, on Mount Barnett Station, off the Gibb River Road
Windjana
Couple riding on Home Valley Station past the Cockburn Range, located west of Kununurra
Bell Gorge in the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park
Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River National Park
Crikey 4WD and Safari Camper
Bungle Bungles
Sunset in Kakadu
Katherine Gorge
Litchfield National Park
The Cape Leveque Road heads northwards from Broome, to the Dampier Peninsula
Travel times are estimated based on an average speed of 80km p/h. While the maximum legal speed while towing is 100km p/h, the travel times indicated should allow for delays due to road works as well as fuel, toilet and snack stops. Travel times and distances are approximate and we recommend using as a guide only along with a published map book.
303/396 Scarborough Beach Road Osborne Park, WA, 6017
08 6364 0000
info@crikeycamperhire.com.au
Check Opening Hours