Day 1 & 2 – Kakadu National Park
Leave the ordered streets of Darwin behind as you drive east through the tropical wilderness and…
Top End Adventure
6 day Self Drive – from £679
Experience Australia’s iconic ‘Top End’ on this circular self drive from Darwin. Travel through tropical wetlands, forests and river gorges as you visit three of the Northern Territory’s most impressive National Parks.
Highlights:
- Explore the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
- Learn about Aboriginal culture through its ancient rock art
- Swim in the sparkling waterholes of Litchfield National Park
- Visit the historic mining town of Pine Creek
- Cruise the steep-sided gorges of Katherin River
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can personalise your Northern Territory self drive by adding extra nights or stops along the way. It can also be driven in either direction.
Leave the ordered streets of Darwin behind as you drive east through the tropical wilderness and wetlands of Australia’s ‘Top End’. Learn about the local ecosystems at the Wetlands Visitor Centre or stop for a crocodile cruise on the Alligator River. Enjoy a full day exploring Kakadu National Park. The cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment tower over the wetlands below and the native flora and wildlife becomes even more diverse. There are waterfalls and billabongs to discover or take a drive into Arnhem Land to see the fascinating rock art at Ubirr and some fabulous panoramic views from many well-signed walking trails.
Darwin > Jabaru | 255 kms
Anbinik Kakadu Resort or similar
Day 3 to 4 – Katherine & The Gorges
Travel on through Kakadu National Park to the magnificent Katherine River Gorges. There are several places…
Travel on through Kakadu National Park to the magnificent Katherine River Gorges. There are several places of interest on the way, including Pine Creek, an old mining town from the 1980s, with plenty of historic buildings from that time. A two night stay in Katherine allows time for an unforgettable cruise through a series of steep-sided gorges within the Nitmiluk National Park. There are also caves, waterfalls and more gorges to explore, as well as the town itself, with a fascinating heritage museum and galleries of contemporary Aboriginal art.
Kakadu National Park > Katherine | 300 kms
Nitmiluk accommodation
Day 5 – Litchfield National Park
Head north from Katherine for a first stop at the impressive Edith Falls, 20 minutes from…
Head north from Katherine for a first stop at the impressive Edith Falls, 20 minutes from the highway. There is wild swimming here and some informative walking trails. As you drive on towards Litchfield National Park, you will pass native eucalyptus forests, gigantic termite mounds and stunning outback scenery. Your accommodation for the night is at Lake Bennett, at the entrance to Litchfield and, if time permits, you can explore some of the Park this afternoon.
Katherine > Lake Bennett | 265 kms
Litchfield Outback Resort or similar
Day 6 – Darwin
Drive into Litchfield this morning, one of the most beautiful and accessible National Parks in the…
Drive into Litchfield this morning, one of the most beautiful and accessible National Parks in the Northern Territory. Two favourite attractions and nature walks are at Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls, or you can hike to the more secluded Cascades or Buley Rock Hole. Tear yourself away from this tropical paradise to make the short journey back to Darwin. Here you can catch your onward flight or ask your FREEDOM Consultant to arrange further accommodation for you.
Lake Bennett > Darwin | 115 kms
Your Itinerary
You can personalise your Northern Territory self drive by adding extra nights or stops along the way. It can also be driven in either direction.
Day 1 & 2
| Kakadu National Park
Leave the ordered streets of Darwin behind as you drive east through the tropical wilderness and wetlands of Australia’s ‘Top End’. Learn about the local ecosystems at the Wetlands Visitor Centre or stop for a crocodile cruise on the Alligator River. Enjoy a full day exploring Kakadu National Park. The cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment tower over the wetlands below and the native flora and wildlife becomes even more diverse. There are waterfalls and billabongs to discover or take a drive into Arnhem Land to see the fascinating rock art at Ubirr and some fabulous panoramic views from many well-signed walking trails.
Darwin > Jabaru | 255 kms
Anbinik Kakadu Resort or similar
Day 3 to 4
| Katherine & The Gorges
Travel on through Kakadu National Park to the magnificent Katherine River Gorges. There are several places of interest on the way, including Pine Creek, an old mining town from the 1980s, with plenty of historic buildings from that time. A two night stay in Katherine allows time for an unforgettable cruise through a series of steep-sided gorges within the Nitmiluk National Park. There are also caves, waterfalls and more gorges to explore, as well as the town itself, with a fascinating heritage museum and galleries of contemporary Aboriginal art.
Kakadu National Park > Katherine | 300 kms
Nitmiluk accommodation
Day 5
| Litchfield National Park
Head north from Katherine for a first stop at the impressive Edith Falls, 20 minutes from the highway. There is wild swimming here and some informative walking trails. As you drive on towards Litchfield National Park, you will pass native eucalyptus forests, gigantic termite mounds and stunning outback scenery. Your accommodation for the night is at Lake Bennett, at the entrance to Litchfield and, if time permits, you can explore some of the Park this afternoon.
Katherine > Lake Bennett | 265 kms
Litchfield Outback Resort or similar
Day 6
| Darwin
Drive into Litchfield this morning, one of the most beautiful and accessible National Parks in the Northern Territory. Two favourite attractions and nature walks are at Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls, or you can hike to the more secluded Cascades or Buley Rock Hole. Tear yourself away from this tropical paradise to make the short journey back to Darwin. Here you can catch your onward flight or ask your FREEDOM Consultant to arrange further accommodation for you.
Lake Bennett > Darwin | 115 kms
This Self Drive Includes
5 nights accommodation
6 days car hire, with unlimited kilometres
Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book your Top End Adventure self drive and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.
You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:
- An upgrade to a 4×4 vehicle
- Extra nights in Kakadu, Katherine or other places on the way
- Accommodation in Darwin before or after your self drive
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Australia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Top End Adventure
6 day Self Drive – from £679
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and include pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited kilometres. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard. Seasonal supplements may apply.
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