Experience a taste of the outback with this jam-packed itinerary from Darwin to Kakadu!
Day One
Start your journey in the sparkling harbour of Darwin. Sink your taste buds into fresh seafood at the Mindil Beach Markets or skip across Crocosaurus Cove home to Australia’s iconic saltwater crocs. If you have time, consider stopping by the Defence of Darwin, an interactive multimedia WWII exhibition. After a busy day, the friendly team at Quest Parap will be able to ensure a restful night ahead of another big day tomorrow and the journey ahead.
Day Two
Kakaku awaits! Pack the car for a 2-hour journey east to Kakadu National Park. This world heritage listed site has everything a park could offer with cascading waterfalls, rugged escarpments, aboriginal rock art, giant crocodiles and exotic bird life. Follow your Steve Irwin instincts and jump on the award-winning Yellow Water Cruise. Spot whistling ducks, magpie geese, eagles and if you’re lucky Jabirus and Brolgas. You will also see plenty of crocodiles and buffalo in their natural habitat as you cruise along the floodplains.
If time permits, drive 2 hours to Gunlom plunge pool. Hike along stone country, woodland and riparian areas to take a well-earned dip in crystal clear waters. If rough terrain isn’t for you, stroll along the flat trail to Murrill Billabong leading to a seasonal waterfall and pool. Head back to Quest Parap and settle in the for the evening. You’ll need plenty of shut eye for tomorrow’s activities.
Day Three
Rise, shine and journey two and a half hours by car to Katherine, where you’ll be able to embrace it’s natural thermal hot springs on the banks of the Katherine River. This bubbling natural spring sits at a relaxing 25-30 degrees Celsius. Settle in the for the evening before driving an hour to Pine Creek tomorrow morning.
Day Four
Just a one-hour drive from Katherine, the old mining town of Pine Creek is best known for its 1870's gold rush heritage. Look for the oldest surviving prefabricated structure in the Northern Territory at the local museum. Back on the road, choose between Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise to see saltwater crocs in their natural habitat, or Litchfield National Park, home to magical waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds and clusters of weathered sandstone pillars at the Lost City. Or why not do both? You’ve travelled long and far by this point and you are almost at the finish line. Gather your things to drive an hour to return to Darwin where Quest Palmerston or Quest Berrimah will be ready for your arrival.
