One of the best things about travelling in the Top End is how clearly the journey breaks into memorable stops. From easy day trips to multi-day adventures, Darwin is the start of so many exciting possibilities, and with
affordable campervan hire in Darwin, it’s easy to create a trip around certain key stops while being in charge of the pace.
But when it comes to choosing where to go from Darwin, things get a little complicated. After all, there’s so much choice! So, to make things easier, we’ve compiled this Top End road trip guide, with the best drives from Darwin. Each of our choices offers something different, too, so no matter what your style of adventure is, you’ll find a destination you’ll want to visit!
Litchfield National Park
Just over an hour south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a popular destination for good reason. Not only is it close to the city and easy to access, but it’s packed with things to see and do. Even the drive itself is an adventure, taking you through tropical bushland and magnetic termite mounds along the way.
Once you’re inside the park, you’ll want to chase waterfalls. Florence Falls is an absolute must, with a short walk down to a cool plunge pool that is a welcome relief on a hot day. Wangi Falls is another popular attraction, and it’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the light softens and the crowds have thinned out a bit. Also, if you’re keen on stretching your legs, multiple walking trails through Monsoon Forest cannot be missed.
Kakadu National Park
Taking you in another direction, Kakadu National Park is around 90 minutes east of Darwin. This is one of Australia’s largest national parks, and it’s not just its size that impresses, but also the depth of history and culture that are layered into the landscape.
One of the first places most people visiting here head to is Ubirr, where you can see ancient Aboriginal rock art and climb to a lookout with incredible views over the floodplains. Yellow Water Billabong is another popular spot here, and you can take a guided cruise to spot crocodiles, buffalo, and birdlife while learning more about the local area.
Also, if you’re visiting in the dry season, waterfalls like Jim Jim and Twin Falls have walking tracks that lead straight to them and are well worth the effort. Just keep in mind, whatever time of year you’re visiting, that with so much to see, it’s worth giving yourself a few days to explore Kakadu National Park without having to rush.
Katherine Gorge
A longer drive South now, Katherine Gorge lies about 3.5 hours from Darwin and is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the Northern Territory. The gorge itself is located within Nitmiluk National Park and is actually a series of connected gorges carved out by the Katherine River, with huge rock walls that will make you suddenly feel very small!
One of the best ways of experiencing Katherine Gorge is with a boat cruise, especially if you want to learn more about the Jawoyn people and the cultural significance of the area. But, if you’re feeling more adventurous, hiring a canoe lets you get closer and explore at your own pace. And, whichever method you choose, the nearby Katherine Hot Springs give you the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
Arnheim Land
This one is a bit of a trek, but well worth the effort. Arnheim Land is around 13 hours on the road from Darwin, and it’s the place to head if you want to get deeper into the Top End. This is Aboriginal-owned land, which means permits are required, but once you have one, you’ll get the opportunity to explore remote country where culture, community, and landscape are intertwined.
Guided experiences are the way forward here, with the chance to learn about anything from rock art sites to fishing and local traditions. And, it goes without saying, the scenery is simply beautiful, with escarpments, rivers, and open woodland that are practically untouched by human hand.
Final Thoughts
Each of these drives from Darwin offers something different, from easy weekend getaways to incredible waterfalls to longer journeys that take you to mystical places. All you need to do now is decide which you want to head out on first!
