Self-drive · Northern Territory, Australia

The Top End

Kakadu, Nitmiluk & Litchfield

Monsoon forest, thundering falls, rock art galleries older than memory and thermal springs you can float down. Darwin out to Kakadu, south to Nitmiluk and the Mataranka pools, home through Litchfield — sealed the whole way, with a swim at the end of most walks.

15days14nights1,091km3national parks

Explore the route See the real map

Driving the Top End

The Top End road trip is a loop out of Darwin through three national parks — Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield — with the Katherine region thermal springs strung along the bottom of it. The whole main route is sealed, so a 2WD camper does it comfortably; the 4WD tracks are optional detours rather than the spine of the trip.

Kakadu is the part that rewards slowing down. Ubirr and Nourlangie hold rock art layered over tens of thousands of years, and both are best read with a Bininj guide. Time Ubirr for late afternoon — the climb to the lookout for sunset over the Nadab floodplain is the moment most travellers remember longest. At Cooinda, the dawn cruise on Yellow Water puts you level with saltwater crocodiles, jabirus and magpie geese in the same still light.

South of Katherine the country changes. Nitmiluk is thirteen gorges you can paddle, cruise with Jawoyn guides or fly over, and an hour further down the Stuart the Mataranka thermal pool and Bitter Springs run at a constant 34°C — clear, palm-shaded and warm enough that people float the length of them on pool noodles rather than swim.

Litchfield closes the loop and is the most swimmable park of the three. Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi and Tolmer sit within a short drive of each other, most with a plunge pool at the bottom worth the walk down, and it is close enough to Darwin to be the last night or a day trip depending on how the week has gone.

Timing matters. The Top End runs on two seasons rather than four, and this is a dry-season trip (roughly May to October) when the roads and swimming holes are open, the humidity drops and the falls are still flowing. Always check park alerts for crocodile closures before you swim, carry more water than you think you need, and book Kakadu and Katherine accommodation ahead in peak months.

You can run it as a fast weekend from Darwin, take the classic seven days, or stretch it to a fortnight and give every gorge its own morning. Whichever length you choose, the CamperMate map below has the campsites, swimming holes, walks and bookable tours along the whole route — add the ones you like to build your own version of the drive.

Day 1
Day 01
Darwin
Ease into the tropics
Settle into the slower rhythm of the Top End. Swim the waterfront lagoon while the harbour glows, then graze your way through Mindil Beach Sunset Markets as the sky goes molten.
- Darwin Waterfront Recreation LagoonTourist AttractionsA place to swim! There are life guards. We didn't find any changing room so its necessary to be well prepared and already wear bi…
- Mindil Beach Sunset MarketsScenic SpotsExcellent to visit. I would recommend going on a Thursday as the markets are larger than the ones on a Sunday!
Definitively worth it!We had a very tasty diner for nothing( paw-paw, chicken and noodles and a good fresh lemonade?).And on top there is free concerts and you can enjoy the sunset. K?
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookBIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park is a tranquil retreat just 10 minutes south of Darwin, nestled among tropical gardens and shady trees. The…
Discovery Parks - DarwinPaid CampsitesBookImmerse yourself in the lush, tropical landscaped gardens, giant shady trees and comfortable accommodation at Discovery Parks - Darwin, the…
Marrara Gardens Caravan ParkPaid CampsitesBookMarrara Gardens Caravan Park has 136 sites available that are fully self-contained with Private ensuite facilities. We also offer a Laundro…
Worth booking nearby3
Wharf OneFood & BeverageWharf One Food & Wine is the newest restaurant at the Darwin Waterfront. Our restaurant's industrial decor is chic and welcoming, and every…
Sail DarwinWater ActivitiesBookSail into the evening aboard the catamaran Kuru for a two-hour and 30-minute sunset cruise across Darwin Harbour. With the engines powered…
Snapper RocksFood & BeverageSnapper Rocks was built around an idea. Taste Fresh. Inspired by our relaxed Australia beach culture, fun, sun, great food, bbq and a quiet…
250 km · 3 hr 30 min
Day 2
Day 02 · Drive
Darwin → Kakadu
Into the floodplains
Head east on the Arnhem Highway into croc country, wetlands flickering with birdlife the whole way. Stop at Bowali for the park pass and the ranger talks, then time your arrival for late afternoon at Ubirr, when the galleries and the floodplain catch the last light.
- Ubirr Rock Art and LookoutScenic SpotsFabulous spot for rock art and views
Definitely take the effort and climb up all (!) the way to the top of the lookpot. Amazing view over the wetlands. The green is quite a contrast.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Aurora Kakadu LodgePaid CampsitesSet in tranquil tropical surrounds just three hours drive from Darwin, Kakadu Lodge is an ideal place to experience all that Kakadu Nationa…
Burdulba Camping AreaPaid CampsitesBurdulba is a boutique campground close to many of Kakadu's natural and cultural wonders. Burdulba is a great base to explore from - it's…
Yellow Water CampgroundPaid CampsitesBookNgurrungurrudjbah Yellow Water Campground "Nyu-rung-gah-rudge-bah" Whether you are looking for a powered site or a shady space to pitch yo…
Day 3
Day 03
Nourlangie
Stone country, slowly
Give the galleries a whole morning. The Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) circuit takes in shelters painted and repainted over millennia, and the Bowali displays fill in what you are looking at before you go.
- Nourlangie Rock Art WalkWalking & HikingAbsolutely AMAZING! This was a shady cool walk, easily accessible and the art work is extremely breathtaking, there is some great…
Fantastic walk through the rocks and some unique rock art. Very impressive and well maintained
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Bucket Billabong Camping AreaFree CampsitesThis secluded billabong is suited to those who enjoy really out of the way places. This secluded billabong is suited to those who enjoy re…
Sandy Billabong Camping AreaPaid CampsitesIn the heart of Kakadu lies what many call the most beautiful camping spot in our World Heritage national park. A serene landscape of nymp…
Muirella Park (Djarradjin) CampgroundPaid CampsitesDjarradjin (Muirella Park) is a perfect hub for anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurers exploring Kakadu. Situated centrally, it off…
Worth booking nearby3
Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone WalkWalking & HikingEnjoy spectacular views, experience a variety of habitats and see the Nanguluwurr art site. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) is a large sandstone o…
Anbangbang Billabong WalkWalking & HikingSoak up the serenity of Anbangbang Billabong on this short circular walk with Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) forming a spectacular backdrop. This…
Nawurlandja Lookout and WalkWalking & HikingNawurlandja lookout offers world-class views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment. The vi…
Day 4
Day 04
Cooinda
Dawn on the billabong
The Yellow Water cruise is the reason to stay at Cooinda. Book the dawn departure — the light is better, the birdlife is up, and the crocodiles are easier to pick out along the bank.
- Yellow Water CruiseWater ActivitiesGreat cruise, must do at sunset
Would highly recommend doing this tour. Amazing at sunset and sunrise, we did both, and saw many animals, and you get 25% off I think it was for the second tour. I highly recommend Dennis as your guide and operator, he was informative, lots of aboriginal local knowledge, sto…
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Alligator Billabong Camping AreaFree CampsitesOpen only in the cool season. A popular billabong with local fishers and those who prefer a more secluded bush camping experience. The tu…
Gunlom CampgroundPaid CampsitesGunlom's campground facilities provide for a comfortable stay and each morning you'll wake to the call of lorikeets, honey eaters, galahs a…
Graveside Gorge 4WD Camping AreaFree Campsites4WD access only. This magical location boasts a gorgeous cascading waterfall set in lush surroundings. This is a challenging campground t…
Worth booking nearby3
Mimi's Restaurant & Barra BarFood & BeverageMimi's restaurant at Cooinda Lodge offers comfortable indoor dining with air conditioning all year round. During the cooler months, from Ap…
Mirray Lookout WalkWalking & HikingTake this short, steep climb and you'll be rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree view of the north of the park. The lookout shelter is su…
Gungarree and Mardukal Billabong WalkWalking & HikingThis family-friendly walk takes you through monsoon forest, woodlands and near Ankurdabbal Billabong. Passing through three habitats you'…
Day 5
Day 05
Jim Jim & Twin Falls
The 4WD day
The one genuinely rough detour on this trip, and worth taking if you have the vehicle for it: a slow track in, then a boulder scramble to the Jim Jim plunge pool and a boat shuttle up Twin Falls gorge. Closed in the wet and well into the early dry.
- Jim Jim FallsScenic SpotsVery cold. Campsite is very well maintained, friendly site managers.
- Twin Falls GorgeScenic SpotsA wonderful walk to waterfalls. Not only the twin falls are beautiful also the other waterfalls, the lookouts and the walk. We ne…
Water has dried up this time of year. However still worth a visit. Hike isn’t too long but challenging rock scramble at the end. Ensure you are wearing good footwear. Also beach entry sand is very hot.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Maguk CampgroundPaid CampsitesBush camping at its best, Maguk offers quiet surrounds a short walk from one of Kakadu's most popular visitor sites. This is the perfect p…
Gungurul CampgroundPaid CampsitesOne of Kakadu's quietest campgrounds, Gungurul boasts an abundance of wildlife. The rare red goshawk is one of the birds you might be luck…
Jim Jim Billabong CampgroundPaid CampsitesJim Jim Billabong Campground
Worth booking nearby3
2 Day Kakadu and East Alligator River TourTourist AttractionsBookHead into the luscious and world-famous Kakadu National Park on this 2-day tour from Darwin. Departing the Northern Territory capital, you'…
Bubba Wetlands WalkWalking & HikingA popular spot with nature-lovers and bird-watchers, at Bubba wetlands you'll see plants and animals typical of Kakadu. Admire the stark…
Arnhem Land Day Tour from JabiruTourist AttractionsBookArnhem Land is one of the last wilderness areas on earth and this day tour will encompass all the cultural and natural splendour that the r…
Day 6
Day 06
Maguk
Barramundi Gorge
A short walk through monsoon forest opens onto a plunge pool under a waterfall, with a rock shelf to climb for the view back down. Usually quieter than the northern sites, and the water stays cold.
- Maguk Barramundi FallsScenic SpotsDiscover the hidden gem of Kakadu, Maguk (formerly Barramundi Falls), a crystal-clear waterfall nestled beneath towering gorge walls. Bar…
- Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural CentreCultural PlacesGreat experience and staff were fab! Super informative sharing First Nations culture and perspectives
The drive there wasn’t too bad a little corrugation. The place is a gem. Deep clean water perfect place to swim
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Mary River Wilderness RetreatPaid CampsitesBookThe lush wetlands of the Mary River are calling your name... Well known for fishing, croc spotting and birdlife, the Mary River is a world…
Point Stuart Wilderness LodgePaid CampsitesBook***Lodge open - 27 February to 07 October (Caravan sites & Campground open from mid April)*** Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge is situated in…
Corroboree Park Tavern and CampPaid CampsitesBookThe Corroboree Park Tavern is situated on the Arnhem Highway, just two hours drive from the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, hal…
Worth booking nearby3
Gungurul Lookout WalkWalking & HikingHome to the rare red goshawk, Gungurul boasts an abundance of wildlife. If you're looking for a moderately easy nature walk among the mon…
Yurmikmik WalksWalking & HikingThe Yurmikmik region of Kakadu National Park boasts four interconnected trails that offer an exhilarating challenge, particularly during th…
Boulder Creek WalkWalking & HikingIf you are not up to the long walks, Boulder Creek is a nice wet season walk where you may find banded fruit doves and spangled drongos. N…
300 km · 3 hr
Day 07 · Drive
Kakadu → Katherine
Out of the park
The Kakadu Highway south through Pine Creek and onto the Stuart. Nothing pinned — a transit day, so the campsites and roadhouses along the way are the useful thing.
Where to camp tonight3
The Bawaka ExperiencePaid CampsitesOur home, Bawaka homeland, is a small community located 55 kilometres from Nhulunbuy or approximately a one-hour drive. Bawaka homeland is…
Dundee Beach Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesDundee Beach Holiday Park is perfectly positioned at the picturesque seaside town of Dundee Beach, Northern Territory. Dundee Beach is an…
Litchfield Tourist ParkPaid CampsitesBookLooking for a true Top End experience? Welcome to Litchfield Tourist Park, a great base for your Litchfield National Park adventure. We…
Day 8
Day 08
Nitmiluk
Thirteen gorges
Katherine Gorge is really thirteen of them, carved through sandstone and separated by rapids. Paddle the first two by canoe, take a Jawoyn-guided cruise deeper in, or walk the escarpment for the view down the whole system.
- Nitmiluk Katherine GorgeScenic SpotsNitmiluk (also known as Katherine Gorge) is a 13 gorge system that meanders around the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park. You can…
Where to camp tonight3
Discovery Parks - KatherinePaid CampsitesBookLocated 3.5 hours drive from Darwin and just 6kms outside of Katherine on the way to Nitmiluk Gorge is Discovery Parks – Katherine (formerl…
Discovery Parks - Katherine RiverPaid CampsitesBookSettle in at Discovery Parks – Katherine River, where tropical surrounds and easy access to some of the Top End's best natural attractions…
Riverview Tourist VillagePaid CampsitesBookRiverview Tourist village is situated on the Victoria Highway with the hot springs at our back door. Riverview Tourist Village is known for…
Worth booking nearby3
Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise (NitNit Dreaming)Water ActivitiesBookNitmiluk National (Katherine) Gorge boasts an impressive 13 gorges made of ancient sandstone. Book this two-hour Katherine Gorge cruise to…
Nitmiluk Gorge Canoe ExperienceWater ActivitiesBookEscape the concrete jungle and immerse yourself in total peace and tranquillity with a half-day canoe hire paddling along the Nitmiluk Gorg…
Jatbula TrailWalking & HikingThe 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, with stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities to swim in cool water…
105 km · 1 hr 10 min
Day 9
Day 09 · Drive
Katherine → Mataranka
Thermal springs
An hour south of Katherine the ground starts producing warm water. The Mataranka thermal pool is the built one, palm-shaded and busy; Bitter Springs is the one to float down on a pool noodle, clear and slow-moving at a constant 34°C.
- Mataranka Thermal PoolTourist AttractionsThe kids loved the warm water and could have spent the whole day there. Had lunch at the caravan park and it was pretty good. Bee…
- Bitter SpringsTourist AttractionsSince I can't do it on CamperMate, I'm going to give my opinion on the Bitter spring cabin and campsite ?️ Mataranka. $40. For a…
Beautiful place to stay. Large camp with shady trees between each site. Can walk to Springs for relaxing swimming and floating down creek.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Territory Manor Motel and Caravan ParkPaid CampsitesBookEscape to Roper-Mcarthur region of the Northern Territory and experience the remote beauty that must be seen to be believed. Located approx…
Bitter Springs CampingPaid CampsitesWelcome to Bitter Springs Cabins & Camping. We offer you safe, peaceful accomodation a few minutes drive from Mataranka and on the banks of…
Larrimah Wayside Inn Caravan ParkPaid CampsitesLarrimah Wayside Inn Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, caravans and long rigs. Facilities include toilets…
165 km · 1 hr 50 min
Day 10
Day 10 · Drive
Mataranka → Leliyn
Back north to the falls
Retrace the Stuart to Katherine and turn off for Leliyn (Edith Falls). Tiered pools, a short walk between the lower and upper levels, and a café at the bottom for afterwards.
- Leliyn Edith FallsScenic SpotsFull over the long weekend, has a swim at the upper pools which was a 15 minute climb. Great place to visit.
Really good campground and fabulous to have the swimming pool right on your door step. Sites need to be booked in advance
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Katherine FarmstayPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to Katherine Farmstay — a relaxed, family-run getaway where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Just 10 minutes fr…
Gravel PitFree CampsitesLarge gravel pit off highway, heaps of roads and private areas. **Disclaimer: Free Camps** Please note that many of the free camps listed…
Ferguson River / Edith Falls Free CampgroundFree CampsitesFree site with no amenities near the main road but virtually noise free. Spacious gravel field. Best to keep to the right when entering t…
220 km · 2 hr 30 min
Day 11
Day 11 · Drive
Leliyn → Litchfield
Into the waterfall park
North up the Stuart and west into Litchfield. Tolmer Falls first for the lookout over the drop — the pool below is closed to swimmers to protect the bat colony — then set up before the afternoon heat.
- Tolmer Falls LookoutScenic SpotsTolmer Falls is an impressive waterfall in the NT, best viewed from the lookout. The top time to see Tolmer Falls is during the wet season…
Where to camp tonight3
Banyan Tree Resort LitchfieldPaid CampsitesBookEscape to green serenity at Banyan Tree Resort Litchfield and explore Litchfield National Park's natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls…
Litchfield Safari CampPaid CampsitesBookWelcome to Litchfield Safari Camp: Located in the heart of Litchfield National Park, your perfect base to explore all the park has to offer…
Sandy Creek CampsitePaid CampsitesBookTjaynera/Sandy Creek Falls, located in Australia's Litchfield National Park, is a captivating natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Ca…
Day 12
Day 12
Wangi Falls
The big one
Wangi runs year round and drops into a pool wide enough to swim properly in. Walk the loop up through the monsoon forest to the top of the falls, then come back down for the swim.
- Wangi FallsScenic SpotsThe perfect falls. Two waterfalls, areas deep enough for jumping in. A small hole in the rocks for a private spot, lush vegetatio…
Make sure you check if open as crocs can be pulled from here. We got lucky and it was open. Lovely spot. Set up for tourists with a cafe l (great burgers and coffee) opens at 11am - 2.30/3pm. Short walk with bbq facilities and free wifi.
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Batchelor Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesWelcome to Batchelor Holiday Park. We are located 98 kilometres south of Darwin, at the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Stay in Batch…
Surprise Creek CampgroundPaid CampsitesBookSurprise Creek is one of the more isolated campgrounds in Litchfield National Park. Known for its many waterfalls each flowing into its ow…
Pandanus on LitchfieldPaid CampsitesBookStay at Pandanus on Litchfield for quality accommodation and an extensive range of resort facilities in Litchfield. At Pandanus on Litchf…
Worth booking nearby3
Top End Safari Camp Day TourTourist AttractionsBookJoin this all-inclusive day tour from Darwin for an incredible experience witnessing spectacular scenery and wildlife from a helicopter, ai…
Tolmer Falls WalkWalking & HikingTolmer Falls is one of the most spectacular falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park. It cascades over two high escarpments into…
The Lost City TrackWalking & HikingThe Lost City is a series of impressive towering sandstones in Litchfield National Park. The vast array of these rock formations gives the…
95 km · 1 hr 10 min
Day 13
Day 13 · Drive
Litchfield → Berry Springs
A last soak
Buley Rockhole on the way out — a chain of cascades you can move down one pool at a time — then Berry Springs Nature Park, close enough to Darwin to be the last swim of the trip.
- Buley RockholeScenic SpotsAbsolutely love this place. So many little swim holes you never feel cramped. A few are good for jumping in too ?
- Berry Springs Nature ParkScenic SpotsBerry Springs Nature Park is a picturesque area 47 kilometres south of Darwin that is a popular day trip destination for picnics, incorpora…
We started at the top and made our way down the rock pools as people left. It is very busy, as it is accessible and family friendly. But worth it just to sit and relax in the water
— CamperMate traveller
Where to camp tonight3
Coomalie Creek Tourist ParkPaid CampsitesThis campground is Large RV friendly. There are hot showers, laundry facilities, washing lines, toilets and garbage bins as well as recycli…
CMCA RV Park Sundance Farm Batchelor NTPaid CampsitesThis large flat park is located just 2km east of Batchelor NT. The park caters for self-contained RVs and includes level sites with a dump…
Crab Claw Resort and CampPaid CampsitesNestled on the water's edge of Bynoe Harbour, Crab Claw Island Resort offers fabulous views across the harbour, a first-class fishing exper…
50 km · 45 min
Day 14 · Drive
Berry Springs → Darwin
Home the short way
Under an hour back into the city. Nothing to pin here — finish at the waterfront if the timing works, or head straight for the airport with wet towels in the boot.
Where to camp tonight3
BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesBookBIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park is a lush, sun-drenched retreat perfectly placed just outside Darwin. Surrounded by swaying palms and wide…
Tumbling Waters Holiday ParkPaid CampsitesSet on 100 acres, nestled among lush tropical gardens, palm trees and manicured lawns, this idyllic tropical oasis is located just 30 minut…
Noonamah Tourist ParkPaid CampsitesBookNoonamah Tourist Park is a tranquil and well-equipped holiday park located in a rural setting, approximately 40 minutes south of Darwin, No…

The road, for real

Every marker is a real place from the CamperMate map — the route and drive times are computed live.

There's more to the map than the stops

CamperMate maps every kind of place along this loop — campsites, swimming holes, walks, cultural sites, tours and more. Here are the top-rated in each.

372 on the route

Scenic Spots51

Darwin Litchfield Kakadu Arnhem Katherine Daly