Exploring Australia’s Top End in 7 Days

Make the short trek down to marvel at these twin waterfalls before taking a dip in the popular swimming hole.

Take a plunge and bask in the sunlight at this well-known swimming spot.

Enjoy this year-round waterfall and shaded picnic area after a long day of exploration.

Catch a glimpse of the iconic Darwin Sunset and Fannie Bay while dining seaside with a diverse menu of fresh seafood, Asian fare, and more.

Serving up Thai, Indian, and Malaysian dishes, this is a great option if you want to enjoy a tasty meal in an intimate and eclectic setting, then maybe catch a live music performance in the next room over.

Parking in Zones A and B are free after 3 pm during weekdays and free all day on weekends (with a few exceptions)

Perfectly situated halfway between Darwin and Litchfield National Park, this inviting park features powered and non-powered sites starting at $58/night.

Fall asleep in the heart of the national park, with the popular swimming hole, cafe, and picnic areas all located close by.

Get a glimpse of this stunning natural gallery of Aboriginal rock art spanning thousands of years, with depictions of animals, spirits, and more.

Explore the expansive wetlands of the Kakadu firsthand, catching sites of crocodiles and birdlife in a tranquil setting.

Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!

Take part in this interactive experience where you can view artifacts and learn about the Aboriginal traditional owners of Kakadu. Entry is free for everyone!

Tucked into the Cooinda Lodge, this is a popular bistro where you can dine al fresco while enjoying local bites like wild goose pie or smoked crocodile.

A campervan-accessible lodge with shady camping areas, a lagoon-style pool, and BBQs and restaurants available on-site.

Two first come, first serve campgrounds that don’t require any advanced bookings and give you an up-close glimpse at local wildlife.

Relax in these clear thermal baths, which are open every day of the week and located conveniently on the southern end of the town.

Making up the southern end of the national park, this is an expansive area where you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities, whether that’s walking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, or biking.

Head out to the western side of the park and take a swim in this idyllic natural pool right after trekking the 2.6 km Leliyn Trail loop.

An exceptional brunch spot at a family-run cafe right in the heart of this quaint NT town.

A pet-friendly caravan park with resort-style amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, BBQs, and on-site bistro.

Enjoy these delightful natural thermal pools, ideal for floating and relaxing while taking in the stunning scenery of the ancient rainforest in Elsey National Park.

With a picturesque backdrop of lush palm fronds, take a dip in these relaxing thermal pools and swimming hole, fed by Rainbow Spring at 300 liters per second.

A quick 1.2 km loop, this short and quiet trail through Elsey National Park gives you a close-up view of the local rainforest species.

Found at the Mataranka Homestead, finish off a day at the Mataranka Thermal Pools with a delightful meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ran on a first come, first served basis, this spacious park offers both powered and unpowered camping spots, with the famous Mataranka Thermal Pools conveniently located on-site.

Immerse yourself in the significant history of this small NT town, visiting the WWII cemetery that honors the Top End residents who died during the conflict, as well as the museum at the old railway bridge and station.

Open year-round, experience an unforgettable encounter with the region’s unique wildlife on this Indigenous-owned guided tour.

A thriving hub for popular water sports like jet skiing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, located halfway between Adelaide River and Darwin.

Enjoy a no-frills dining experience in this historic pub, named after the 303 rifles used by the Australian Army in WWII.

Cap off your road trip by indulging in some of Darwin’s top-rated Indonesian cuisine. Family-owned, great prices, and rich flavors, what’s not to love?

Enjoy your final night of the trip by getting some much-needed rest, with on-site laundry, camp kitchens, a gym, and a swimming pool available at your leisure.