Kakadu

Arrive Darwin, rent 4WD(1 hour)

4WD essential for Jim Jim Falls and remote tracks. From AUD 120/day. Fill fuel tank — next station is Jabiru (250km)

Drive to Kakadu via Arnhem Highway(2.5 hours)

Stop at the Window on the Wetlands visitor centre (free, 30km from Darwin) for views over the Adelaide River floodplain

Bowali Visitor Centre check-in(1 hour)

AUD 40 park entry (valid 7 days, free under 16). Excellent displays on Aboriginal culture and park ecology. Grab maps and check which roads are open

Check-in at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel(30 minutes)

The only hotel in Jabiru — shaped like a crocodile from the air. From AUD 200/night. Or Cooinda Lodge from AUD 180 (45 min south)

Sunset at Ubirr Rock Art(2 hours)

Free with park entry. 1km walk through 20,000-year-old Aboriginal rock art galleries — X-ray style animals, creation beings. Climb to the lookout for 360° sunset views over Nadab floodplain. Open Apr-Nov 8:30AM-sunset. Arrive by 4PM

Yellow Water sunrise cruise (6AM)(2 hours)

AUD 99 adults. Book through Kakadu Tourism. Crocodile-rich wetlands with jabiru storks, sea eagles, and lotus-covered billabongs. 20+ croc sightings typical. The dawn light on the water is extraordinary

Breakfast at Cooinda Lodge(1 hour)

Full cooked breakfast after the early start. The lodge is the hub for the southern park area

Nourlangie Rock Art(1.5 hours)

Free with entry. Easy 1.5km circular walk. The iconic Lightning Man (Namarrgon) painting spans 20,000 years of Aboriginal art. Anbangbang Shelter shows how families lived among these rocks. Less crowded than Ubirr

Lunch at Cooinda Lodge cafe(1 hour)

Burgers, wraps, and cold drinks. AUD 18-30

Anbangbang Billabong walk(1.5 hours)

Free. 2.5km loop walk around a picturesque billabong near Nourlangie. Waterbirds, paperbark trees, and lily pads. Keep 5m from water's edge — crocodile territory

Drive to Jim Jim Falls (depart 7AM)(2 hours)

60km 4WD track from the Kakadu Highway. Rough, corrugated. Low-range 4WD needed for creek crossings. Check road status at Bowali. Allow 2 hours each way

Walk to Jim Jim Falls plunge pool(2 hours)

900m over boulders to the 200m waterfall plunge pool. Moderate-difficult. Swimming allowed (croc traps set). The cliff amphitheatre is awe-inspiring

Packed lunch at the falls(45 minutes)

No facilities. Bring everything from Jabiru. Eat by the plunge pool

Twin Falls boat shuttle and walk(2 hours)

AUD 12.50 return boat, then 400m walk. Twin cascades into a sandy cove. 100m gorge walls tower above. Swimming in shallows only

Drive back to accommodation(2 hours)

Return before dark — the track is treacherous at night with wildlife

Mamukala Wetlands walk (early)(2 hours)

Free. Boardwalk and observation platform. 280+ bird species. Best Sept-Oct when thousands of magpie geese congregate. Early morning before 8AM

Jabiru town walk(1 hour)

The tiny park township (population 500). The town pool, general store, and Marrawuddi Art Gallery (Aboriginal art from the region, some pieces from AUD 50)

Lunch at Escarpment Restaurant (Mercure)(1 hour)

The best dining in Kakadu. Barramundi, buffalo, and bush tucker inspired dishes. AUD 25-45

Afternoon at Jabiru swimming pool(2 hours)

After days of not being able to swim (crocs), the Jabiru town pool is a welcome relief. AUD 5 entry

Evening ranger talk(1 hour)

Free ranger-led talks at Bowali Visitor Centre on Aboriginal culture, wildlife, or geology. Check schedule at the centre

Aboriginal cultural tour with local guide(3 hours)

From AUD 100/person half day. Learn about bush tucker, medicine plants, and the creation stories behind the rock art. Guides from the Bininj community. Book at Bowali or Cooinda

Drive to Gunlom Falls (south of Cooinda)(1.5 hours)

37km on sealed road then short drive on dirt. Check road status

Gunlom plunge pool swim(1 hour)

The famous infinity-edge natural pool at the top of the falls — featured in Crocodile Dundee. A steep 1km walk (20 minutes) to the top. The view over the southern plains is staggering. Croc-free above the falls

Cahill's Crossing viewing platform(1 hour)

At the East Alligator River, the tidal crossing attracts massive saltwater crocodiles (up to 5m) waiting for fish. Best at incoming tide. Free viewing from the platform. DO NOT wade or stand near the water — this is one of Australia's most dangerous croc spots

East Alligator River boat cruise(1.5 hours)

AUD 60-80. Guided cruise with Aboriginal cultural commentary. Spot crocs, birds, and learn about the boundary with Arnhem Land

Rock art viewing near Ubirr(1 hour)

Revisit lesser-known galleries near Ubirr that you may have missed on day 1. The morning light reveals different details

Lunch at Border Store cafe(1 hour)

Basic food and drinks at the Cahills Crossing area. AUD 15-25

Sunset return to Ubirr lookout(1.5 hours)

If you only see one sunset in Kakadu, this is it. The floodplain turns gold then red then purple. Stay until dark

Sunrise walk at Nourlangie(1.5 hours)

Return to Nourlangie for the early morning light on the rock art. Different character than afternoon. You may have it to yourself

Drive to Darwin(2.5 hours)

Arnhem Highway back. Stop at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve (free, 70km from Darwin) — a birdwatcher's paradise with boardwalk over the wetlands

Lunch in Darwin at Mindil Beach Market (Thu/Sun)(1.5 hours)

If timing works, the famous sunset markets have laksa, satay, croc burgers. Or Darwin's Waterfront Precinct restaurants

Airport transfer(30 minutes)

Darwin Airport is small. Allow 2 hours before your flight

Arrive Darwin, rent 4WD(1 hour)

4WD from AUD 120/day. Fill fuel tank

Check-in Darwin CBD(1 hour)

Hilton Darwin or YHA from AUD 100-250/night

Darwin Waterfront Precinct(2 hours)

Wave lagoon (AUD 7), restaurants, and free recreation lagoon. The tropical waterfront setting is beautiful

Mindil Beach sunset market (Thu/Sun)(2 hours)

Street food — laksa, croc burgers, satay. Free entry. If not market day, dinner at Hanuman restaurant (Thai-Indian, AUD 25-45)

Darwin Military Museum (East Point)(2 hours)

AUD 22. WWII tunnels, the bombing of Darwin story (188 Japanese aircraft, 1942). Moving and largely unknown outside Australia

Crocosaurus Cove(1.5 hours)

AUD 38. Central Darwin. Swim in the 'Cage of Death' next to a 5m saltwater croc (AUD 170 for 15 minutes). Not for the faint-hearted

Lunch at Stokes Hill Wharf(1 hour)

Outdoor fish and chips on the harbour. AUD 15-25. Sunset dining on the wharf is excellent

Museum and Art Gallery of NT(1.5 hours)

Free. Outstanding Aboriginal art collection and the story of Cyclone Tracy (1974) including the chilling sound recording

Dinner at Pee Wee's at the Point(1.5 hours)

Waterfront dining at East Point. Barramundi and Asian-fusion. AUD 35-55. Sunset views

Drive to Kakadu via Arnhem Highway(2.5 hours)

Stop at Window on the Wetlands (free, 30km from Darwin) for floodplain views

Bowali Visitor Centre(1 hour)

AUD 40 park entry (7 days). Maps, road conditions, ranger talk schedule

Check-in Mercure Crocodile Hotel(30 minutes)

From AUD 200/night. Shaped like a croc from the air

Sunset at Ubirr Rock Art(2 hours)

Free. 20,000-year-old Aboriginal art galleries. Climb to lookout for 360° floodplain sunset. Arrive by 4PM

Yellow Water sunrise cruise (6AM)(2 hours)

AUD 99. 20+ croc sightings typical. Jabiru storks, sea eagles, lotus billabongs

Nourlangie Rock Art(1.5 hours)

Free. 1.5km loop. Lightning Man painting spanning 20,000 years

Anbangbang Billabong walk(1.5 hours)

2.5km loop. Waterbirds, paperbark. Stay 5m from water — croc territory

Lunch at Cooinda Lodge(1 hour)

AUD 18-30

Drive to Jim Jim (7AM)(2 hours)

60km 4WD track. Rough, creek crossings. Check road status

Walk to Jim Jim plunge pool(2 hours)

900m boulder walk. 200m waterfall. Swimming allowed (croc traps set)

Twin Falls boat and walk(2 hours)

AUD 12.50 boat. Twin cascades, 100m gorge walls, sandy cove

Drive back(2 hours)

Return before dark

Mamukala Wetlands (early)(2 hours)

Free. Boardwalk. 280+ bird species. Best before 8AM

Jabiru town and gallery(1.5 hours)

Marrawuddi Art Gallery — regional Aboriginal art from AUD 50

Lunch at Escarpment Restaurant(1 hour)

Best dining in Kakadu. Bush tucker inspired. AUD 25-45

Jabiru swimming pool(2 hours)

AUD 5. Welcome after days of no swimming (crocs)

Ranger talk at Bowali(1 hour)

Free evening talk on Aboriginal culture or wildlife

Aboriginal cultural tour(3 hours)

From AUD 100 half day. Bush tucker, medicine plants, creation stories. Book at Bowali

Lunch at Border Store(1 hour)

Near Cahill's Crossing. AUD 15-25

Cahill's Crossing croc viewing(1 hour)

Free. Massive saltwater crocs at incoming tide. Stay on the platform — extremely dangerous area

East Alligator River cruise(1.5 hours)

AUD 60-80. Aboriginal commentary, crocs, birds, Arnhem Land boundary

Drive to Gunlom Falls(1.5 hours)

South of Cooinda. Check road status

Climb to Gunlom infinity pool(2 hours)

1km steep walk to the natural infinity-edge pool atop the falls. Croc-free above the falls. The view over southern plains is staggering

Swim and relax at the top(1.5 hours)

Bring lunch and enjoy the natural rock pool. One of Australia's best swimming spots

Lower pool swim(1 hour)

The plunge pool at the base is also beautiful and croc-checked

Return to Cooinda or camp at Gunlom(1.5 hours)

Gunlom campground AUD 10/person. Beautiful bush setting

Drive to Litchfield (from Jabiru)(3 hours)

Via Darwin or direct on unsealed roads. Check conditions

Florence Falls swim(1.5 hours)

Free with park entry. Twin falls into a croc-free plunge pool. 160 steps down. Crystal clear water surrounded by monsoon forest

Wangi Falls(1.5 hours)

Free. Largest and most popular falls. Double cascade into a big natural pool. Sometimes closed in wet season due to croc activity

Magnetic Termite Mounds(30 minutes)

Free. Thousands of tombstone-shaped mounds all oriented north-south to regulate temperature. A bizarre natural phenomenon

Lunch at Litchfield cafe(1 hour)

Near Wangi Falls. Burgers and wraps AUD 18-25

Darwin Botanic Gardens(1.5 hours)

Free. 42 hectares of tropical plants. The Aboriginal plant use garden is excellent. Monsoon vine forest walk

Lunch at Wharf One(1.5 hours)

Waterfront dining. Fresh seafood, cold beer. AUD 25-40

Mindil Beach sunset (market nights) or Cullen Bay dinner(2 hours)

Cullen Bay marina has several restaurants. Il Piatto for Italian (AUD 25-40)

Drive to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)(1 hour)

12km unsealed road from Kakadu Highway. 4WD. Check road status at Bowali

Walk to Maguk plunge pool(2 hours)

1km walk through monsoon forest to a beautiful waterfall and deep plunge pool. Croc traps set. Swimming OK. Quieter than Jim Jim

Yellow Water sunset cruise (4:30PM)(2 hours)

AUD 99. Different atmosphere than sunrise — golden light, different wildlife activity

Morning rock art walk near Ubirr(2 hours)

Revisit the lesser-known galleries with morning light. Different details emerge

Ubirr to Cahills Crossing walk(1.5 hours)

Walk along the East Alligator River track. Watch for crocs from a safe distance

Afternoon at Merl campground area(2 hours)

Quiet area near Ubirr. Walk the Manngarre Monsoon Rainforest trail (1.5km, easy). Ancient cycads and pandanus

Final Ubirr sunset(1.5 hours)

One more sunset from the lookout. Each one is different

Motor Car Falls walk (near Gunlom)(3 hours)

7.5km return walk through woodland to a beautiful set of falls. Less visited than Gunlom. Moderate difficulty

Lunch at Escarpment Restaurant(1 hour)

Final meal in Kakadu

Drive to Darwin(2.5 hours)

Via Arnhem Highway. Stop at Fogg Dam (free, birdwatching boardwalk, 70km from Darwin)

Overnight Darwin(1 hour)

Check in for final night

Parap Markets (Saturday morning)(1.5 hours)

If Saturday — Darwin's best food market. Laksa, dim sum, tropical fruit. Free entry

Breakfast at Darwin Waterfront(1 hour)

Cafe near the lagoon. AUD 15-25

Airport transfer(30 minutes)

Darwin Airport is small. Allow 2 hours before flight. Buy croc jerky and mango products at the terminal

Arrive, rent 4WD(1 hour)

AUD 120/day. Fill fuel tank

Check-in Darwin CBD(1 hour)

Hilton or YHA AUD 100-250

Darwin Waterfront and Wave Lagoon(2 hours)

AUD 7 wave lagoon. Free recreation pool. Tropical setting

Mindil Beach sunset market (Thu/Sun)(2 hours)

Laksa, croc burgers, satay. Or Hanuman restaurant AUD 25-45

Darwin Military Museum(2 hours)

AUD 22. WWII tunnels, 1942 bombing story

Crocosaurus Cove(1.5 hours)

AUD 38. Cage of Death AUD 170 — swim next to a 5m croc

Lunch at Stokes Hill Wharf(1 hour)

Fish and chips on the harbour AUD 15-25

Museum and Art Gallery of NT(1.5 hours)

Free. Aboriginal art, Cyclone Tracy sound recording

Dinner at Pee Wee's(1.5 hours)

Barramundi, sunset views. AUD 35-55

Drive via Arnhem Highway(2.5 hours)

Stop at Window on the Wetlands (free)

Bowali Visitor Centre(1 hour)

AUD 40 park entry (7 days). Maps, conditions

Check-in Mercure Crocodile Hotel(30 minutes)

From AUD 200/night. Or Cooinda Lodge AUD 180

Sunset at Ubirr(2 hours)

20,000-year-old rock art. 360° floodplain sunset from lookout

Yellow Water sunrise cruise(2 hours)

AUD 99. 20+ croc sightings. Jabiru storks, sea eagles

Nourlangie Rock Art(1.5 hours)

Free. Lightning Man. 1.5km loop

Anbangbang Billabong walk(1.5 hours)

2.5km. Waterbirds, paperbark. Stay 5m from water

Drive to Jim Jim (7AM)(2 hours)

60km 4WD track. Creek crossings

Jim Jim plunge pool walk(2 hours)

900m boulders. 200m waterfall. Swimming OK

Twin Falls boat and walk(2 hours)

AUD 12.50 boat. Sandy cove, 100m gorge

Mamukala Wetlands (early)(2 hours)

Free. 280+ bird species. Best before 8AM

Jabiru town, Marrawuddi Gallery(1.5 hours)

Aboriginal art from AUD 50

Lunch at Escarpment(1 hour)

Bush tucker. AUD 25-45

Jabiru pool(2 hours)

AUD 5. Relief from no-swim croc waters

Cultural tour with local guide(3 hours)

AUD 100 half day. Bush tucker, medicine, creation stories

Cahill's Crossing croc viewing(1 hour)

Massive crocs at incoming tide. Stay on platform

East Alligator River cruise(1.5 hours)

AUD 60-80. Aboriginal commentary, crocs, Arnhem Land boundary

Climb to infinity pool(2 hours)

1km steep walk. Natural rock pool atop falls. Croc-free. Views over southern plains

Camp at Gunlom(overnight)

AUD 10/person. Bush setting. Stars

Motor Car Falls walk(3 hours)

7.5km return. Beautiful falls through woodland. Less visited

Drive to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)(1 hour)

4WD, 12km unsealed

Maguk plunge pool swim(2 hours)

1km walk through monsoon forest. Deep pool, waterfall. Croc traps set

Yellow Water sunset cruise (4:30PM)(2 hours)

AUD 99. Different light and wildlife than sunrise cruise

Afternoon walk along Cooinda trails(1.5 hours)

Short walks near the lodge through paperbark woodland

Drive to Litchfield(3 hours)

Via Kakadu Highway and Pine Creek

Florence Falls swim(1.5 hours)

Free. Twin falls, croc-free pool. 160 steps down

Wangi Falls(1.5 hours)

Free. Double cascade, big natural pool

Magnetic Termite Mounds(30 minutes)

Free. North-south oriented. Bizarre

Lunch at Litchfield cafe(1 hour)

AUD 18-25

Darwin Botanic Gardens(1.5 hours)

Free. Aboriginal plant use garden. Monsoon forest walk

Lunch at Wharf One(1.5 hours)

Waterfront seafood AUD 25-40

Cullen Bay marina dinner(1.5 hours)

Il Piatto Italian AUD 25-40

Drive to Mary River region(2 hours)

110km southeast of Darwin. Wildman Wilderness Lodge area

Mary River jumping croc cruise(1.5 hours)

AUD 45. Guides entice saltwater crocs to leap from the water for food. Spectacular and terrifying. Adelaide River Queen or similar

Corroboree Billabong cruise(2 hours)

AUD 55. One of the highest croc densities in the world. Up to 120 crocs on a 2-hour cruise. Plus thousands of waterbirds

Ubirr main gallery (morning light)(2 hours)

Different details in morning vs sunset light. The X-ray fish and creation figures are remarkable

Manngarre Monsoon Rainforest trail(1 hour)

1.5km. Ancient cycads and pandanus near Ubirr

Sunset at Ubirr lookout(1.5 hours)

Final sunset from the most iconic viewpoint in Kakadu

Guided Arnhem Land tour(8 hours)

AUD 250-400/person. Lord's Safaris or similar. Cross at Cahill's into one of the largest Aboriginal-owned territories. Rock art sites, bush tucker, and landscapes with virtually no other tourists. Permits arranged by operator

Scenic helicopter or fixed-wing flight(1 hour)

AUD 200-400. See Jim Jim Falls, the escarpment, and the vast floodplains from above. The scale is impossible to appreciate from the ground. Kakadu Air from Jabiru airstrip

Afternoon revisit to favorite swimming hole(2 hours)

Return to Gunlom, Maguk, or Jim Jim for one more swim

Final ranger-led walk(1.5 hours)

Check Bowali for the day's program. Rangers offer different walks each day

Drive to Katherine via Stuart Highway(3.5 hours)

Through Pine Creek (historic gold mining town) to Katherine

Lunch in Katherine town(1 hour)

Katherine Country Club or Nitmiluk Centre cafe. AUD 18-30

Katherine Gorge sunset cruise(2 hours)

AUD 90. Cruise through the first two gorges of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Freshwater crocs on the banks. The escarpment walls glow at sunset

Overnight Nitmiluk Chalets(overnight)

From AUD 150/night. At the gorge entrance

Canoe hire for the gorges(5 hours)

AUD 70 half day. Paddle through the first 2-3 gorges. Portage between them (carry canoe 50m). Freshwater crocs are not dangerous but keep distance. Pack lunch

Jatbula Trail short section(2 hours)

Walk the first section of the famous multi-day trail. 3km to Crystal Falls (if water flowing). Return same way

Drive back to Darwin(3 hours)

Via Stuart Highway

Parap Markets (Saturday)(1.5 hours)

If Saturday — Darwin's best food market. Laksa, dim sum. Or Darwin Botanic Gardens revisit

Lunch at Saffrron(1.5 hours)

Fine dining Indian. AUD 30-50. One of Darwin's best restaurants

Farewell dinner at Hanuman(1.5 hours)

Thai-Indian excellence. AUD 25-45. A proper Darwin goodbye

Morning waterfront walk(1 hour)

Esplanade walk past tropical gardens and war memorials

Breakfast at Darwin Waterfront cafe(1 hour)

AUD 15-25

Airport transfer(30 minutes)

DRW is small. Allow 2 hours. Buy croc jerky and mango products