None of a kind Top End itinerary 7 days exploring Darwin, Katherine and Kakadu National Park

Travel from Darwin to Katherine and Kakadu, where tropical coastlines meet ancient landscapes. A journey of gorges, wetlands, wildlife and moments you won’t find anywhere else.

Morning: Arrive at Darwin

Touch down in Darwin, where warm air and palm-lined streets signal the shift into the tropics immediately. For this itinerary, hire a vehicle so you can explore the Top End at your own pace. Make your way into the city and check into Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Settle in, slow down, and ease into the rhythm of the north.

Midday: 00Seven Jet Ski Adventures & Waterfront lunch

Kick things off with an adrenaline-filled ride with 00Seven Jet Ski Adventures, skimming across Darwin Harbour and taking in the coastline. After the thrill, wind things down with a laid-back lunch at Dock One Bar & Restaurant located at Stokes Hill Wharf, where you can settle in by the marina and refuel with fresh, local flavours.

Evening: Sunset sailing and dinner

Step aboard a sunset sailing cruise with Cape Adieu. The Northern Territory is known for having the best sunsets in Australia. Watch the sky shift from blue to deep orange as you glide across the harbour, with dinner served on board, the perfect start to your Top End adventure.

Morning: Breakfast by the beach

Start the day with breakfast at De La Plage, located right on the beach. Coffee, ocean views are quintessentially Darwin and the best way to start the day.

Midday: Culture and history

Head to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to learn about Cyclone Tracy and explore the region’s art and history. Continue on to East Point Reserve and visit the Darwin Military Museum, where coastal views meet powerful wartime stories.

Afternoon: Waterfront and swim

Make your way to the Darwin Waterfront for lunch at Snapper Rocks, then spend the afternoon at the Beach Club. Swim, relax and cool off, a contrast to the outback landscapes still to come.

Evening: Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

As the sun sets, head to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Here, Darwin’s proximity to Asia comes to life through its food, with flavours, aromas and energy that feel far beyond Australia’s east coast. Wander through stalls serving everything from street food favourites to local specialties, with live music and a vibrant mix of cultures by the water. Grab dinner as you go and settle in to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Morning: Darwin local favourites

Start with breakfast at Laneway Cafe in Parap, known for its fresh, vibrant menu. Close by you'll find The Laundry Gallery an old laundromat turned galley where you can explore contemporary Aboriginal art before hitting the road.

Midday: On the road to Katherine

Begin the drive south towards Katherine. Stop at Adelaide River Inn for lunch, an iconic outback pub and home to Charlie the buffalo from Crocodile Dundee. One of those unplanned stops that becomes a highlight.

Continue on and have a look at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a quiet and reflective place that tells an important part of the region’s history.

Afternoon: Katherine Hot Springs

Arrive in Katherine and take a dip in Katherine Hot Springs. Clear water, tropical surrounds and an easy way to break up the drive.

Continue on to Nitmiluk National Park and check into your glamping tent at Gorge View Retreat.

Evening: Dinner and a show

Enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking Nitmiluk Gorge, with the sounds of nature around you and live didgeridoo adding to the atmosphere. A uniquely Top End way to end the day.

Morning: Sunrise cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge

Start early with a Rock Art Cruise with Breakfast through Nitmiluk Gorge. As the light hits the sandstone cliffs, the gorge comes alive. A calm and immersive way to experience one of the Top End’s most iconic landscapes.

Midday: Elsey National Park

Drive to Elsey National Park and visit Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool. Float through crystal clear warm water surrounded by palms. Slow, quiet and completely immersive.

Afternoon: Outback stopovers

If timing allows, catch the Territory-style whip cracking show by Nathan 'Whippy' Griggs. Nathan performs in the dry season and is well worth a visit. These unexpected stops are part of what makes the journey feel none of a kind.

Evening: Pub dinner and live music

Settle in for dinner at the Mataranka Homestead, often with live music and a laid-back atmosphere. Simple, social and full of character.

Morning: Road trip to Kakadu

Begin the drive towards Kakadu National Park. The landscape shifts as you head north, opening into floodplains and wetlands.

Enter via the southern end and make your way towards Cooinda, allowing time to stop along the way.

Midday: Arrival and exploration

Stop at Warradjan Cultural Centre to gain an understanding of the region’s Aboriginal culture and stories before exploring further. Continue to your accommodation at Cooinda Lodge and check in.

Afternoon: Nothing beats a sunset in Kakadu

Head to Nawurlandja lookout for sunset, where sweeping views across the escarpment and surrounding landscapes shift as the light fades. A quiet and expansive way to experience Kakadu’s scale at the end of the day.

Afterwards, return to your accommodation and enjoy dinner at Barra Bar & Bistro, a relaxed way to end the day ahead of the next morning’s early start.

Morning: Yellow Water Billabong cruise and check out

Start early with a Yellow Water Billabong cruise at sunrise. Watch crocodiles, birdlife and the wetlands come alive as the day begins, one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Australia. After the cruise, return for breakfast and check out of your accommodation before continuing the journey.

Midday: Rock art at Ubirr

After breakfast, begin the drive north towards Ubirr in the East Alligator region. Explore some of the world’s oldest rock art galleries and learn the stories that connect people to Country. Climb to the lookout for sweeping views across the floodplains.

Afternoon: Cahills Crossing and Arnhem Land border

Continue on to Cahills Crossing one of Australia's most iconic water crossings. From the viewing platform you can spot crocodiles in the river below.

Evening: Check in and unwind

Make your way back and check into Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru. Spend the evening at your own pace, reflecting on the day’s experiences as the light fades and Kakadu settles into stillness.

Morning: Home time

Check out of your accommodation and grab breakfast before hitting the road. Before leaving Jabiru, stop by Marrawuddi Art Gallery to explore contemporary Aboriginal art and pick up a meaningful piece from the region. From here, begin the drive back to Darwin for your onward flight, taking the time to reflect on your unforgettable Top End visit.