So, you're heading north. Way north. Like crocs, waterfalls and zero-phone-signal north. Welcome to the Top End, where the heat slaps harder than your mate after a bet, the gorges are ancient and your Wicked camper is the only hotel you'll ever need.
Here’s how to turn one week of annual leave into the most legendary road trip you’ve ever done (or barely survived).
Day 1: Darwin – Your Launchpad to Madness
Touch down in Darwin, grab your camper, stock it like a doomsday prepper (ice, fuel, toilet paper and 8 litres of water), and soak in the urban jungle before hitting the real one.
Wicked things to do:- Sunset sesh at Mindil Beach Markets
- Crocosaurus Cove (yes, you can swim with a salty, if you're feeling suicidal)
- Eat laksa the size of your head at Parap Markets
Camp it: Free camp near Howard Springs or treat yo’self at a powered site in Darwin.
Day 2: Darwin → Kakadu National Park (via Window on the Wetlands) – 250km
Time to leave town. Roll east toward Kakadu, a national park so big it makes your ex’s ego look modest.
On the way:- Stop at the Window on the Wetlands for a reality check on just how big and soggy this land gets in the Wet Season.
- Cross the Adelaide River, wave to the jumping crocs, but don’t go swimming unless you’ve got a death wish.
- Hike up to Ubirr for a sunset that'll punch you in the soul. The 360° view over Nadab floodplains is absolutely cooked (in the best way).
- Explore Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), epic rock art galleries telling stories 20,000 years old.
- Cool off in the plunge pool at Maguk Gorge or Gunlom Falls (check road access because a 4WD may be needed).
Camp it: Jabiru or Cooinda campgrounds. There’s even a bar if you’re lucky.
Day 3: Deep Dive into Kakadu
Kakadu ain’t a one-night stand, it deserves your time. So spend another full day exploring more of the wild.
Must-dos:- Yellow Water Billabong Cruise: Crocs, birds and wetland weirdos in their natural habitat.
- Jim Jim Falls: A mission, but worth every corrugated, dusty kilometre. Massive gorge. Cold pool. Feral vibes.
- Grab a cultural tour with local Bininj/Mungguy guides if you want the real story of the land you're stomping around on.
Camp it: Cooinda again, or get rugged at a bush camp like Muirella Park. Make sure to check road conditions and if you need a 4WD.
Day 4: Kakadu → Katherine (via Edith Falls) – 300km
Hit the road early. You’ve got more territory to tear up. Next stop: Katherine Gorge, via the glorious Edith Falls (Leliyn).
Wicked Stop:- Edith Falls is one of the safest freshwater swim spots in the NT. Multiple pools, a big hike loop if you’re keen, and free waterfall therapy for your road-weary bod.
- Canoe through Nitmiluk Gorge (epic AF) or hop a scenic cruise if your arms are noodles.
- Soak in the Katherine Hot Springs, nature’s bathtub, only better.
- Hit the Top Didj Cultural Experience for fire?making, spear?throwing and stories from local Jawoyn people.
Camp it: Knotts Crossing or set up in Nitmiluk National Park campground.
Day 5: Katherine → Litchfield National Park – 260km
Fuel up, blast tunes, and steer west to Litchfield, the NT's answer to an outdoor spa and a geologist's dreamscape.
Along the way:- Swing by Pine Creek for a meat pie and some dusty outback gold-rush vibes.
- Detour to Douglas Daly Hot Springs if you're craving more hot water action.
- Swim at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole: triple threat perfection.
- Hike to Tolmer Falls for something quieter but just as sexy.
- Got a 4WD? Push to The Lost City, mind-blowing sandstone pillars that look like the ruins of an ancient desert rave.
Camp it: Florence Falls campground or camp wild at Walker Creek.
Day 6: More Litchfield & Return to Darwin – 130km
Have one last splash in a waterfall, then reluctantly point your van back to Darwin.
Last stops:- Marvel at the giant Cathedral Termite Mounds, honestly weird.
- Optional croc detour to Berry Springs Nature Park for lunch and a lazy float.
- One last NT sunset on the Darwin foreshore before hitting the pub.
Day 7: Cry. Clean your van. Go home.
You’re sunburnt, slightly feral and covered in red dust. But you’ve conquered the Top End. Good luck explaining the mozzie bites, strange tan lines and primal grin to your co-workers.
Wicked Roadtrip Tips
- Best time to go: Dry season (May to September). No rain, no flood closures, no regrets. But our depot is open all year round so if you trust your rain dances, go whenever, we got you!
- Drive safe: Watch for roos and don’t drive between dawn and dusk.
- Don’t swim unless it’s clearly marked safe. Crocs don’t care if it’s Instagrammable.
- 4WD optional but awesome: Some spots like Jim Jim and The Lost City need it.
- Respect Country: You’re driving through sacred land. Don’t be a fool, follow local signage and advice.
Want this road trip to change your life? Book your van now before someone else does and names it something stupid.
BOOK your Darwin Road Trip NOW
