Nature's Way - 7 day itinerary

Nature’s Way is the ideal way to see the best of the Top End, in one easy driving route. Kakadu National Park is World-renowned and recognised for both its cultural and natural values and is a must-do when travelling the Northern Territory. The majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge has spectacular cliffs that glow in the changing light.

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park

Begin your Nature's Way adventure  from Darwin – an easy 3-hour drive along sealed roads. There’s plenty to do and see on the way to Kakadu, including the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise and Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise. Upon arrival into Jabiru, visit the Bowali Visitor Centre to learn more about the region and then check into your accommodation at Anbinik Kakadu Resort or the Mecure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. Enjoy a swim at the hotel pool and dinner at the hotels respective restaurants.

Day 2: Kakadu National Park

After breakfast, head to the East Alligator River and join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise. This cruises focused on Aboriginal culture, crosses into Arnhem Land and also takes guests to Cahills Crossing, the infamous road into Arnhem Land. 

After the cruise, visit the Ubirr Rock Art site, home of the world’s most outstanding rock art and is one of the reasons for Kakadu’s dual World Heritage status. There is an easy 1km walking track to view the artwork.

Head back to Jabiru for lunch and visit the Marrawuddi Arts and Culture Centre, enjoy a swim in the hotel pool and some relax time before dinner.

Day 3: Arnhem Land

Head into Arnhem Land for the day with Kakadu Cultural Tours on their Arnhem Lander tour which takes visitors into visit the Mikinj Valley, Inkiyu Billabong and Injalak Cultural Centre.

Alternatively, head into Arnhem Land with Top End Day Tours who have two tours on offer, the Yigana Arnhem Land Tour which includes a visit to Injalak Hill and the Injalak Cultural Centre., or the Mikinj Valley which includes the Red Lily Billabong and Injalak Cultural Centre.

Return to Jabiru after the tour for a swim in the hotel pool and time to relax before dinner.

Alternative options for those wanting to explore Kakadu at a more leisurely pace include the numerous walks on offer or a scenic flight with Kakadu Air to see the expanse of Kakadu National Park from the air.

Day 4: Cooinda, Kakadu National Park

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and head south to Burrungkay (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site. This is another area that helped Kakadu National Park gain its World Heritage-listing for outstanding cultural values. The rock art at Burrungkay documents life in the region from 20,000 years ago to the first contact with European explorers. This is an easy walking track. 

Head to the Nawurlandja Lookout, just a few minutes up the road, which has world-class views across Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy Nourlangie and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Depart for Cooinda and head to the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the Aboriginal history in this region, and purchase some unique Aboriginal artwork and artefacts. 

Head to Cooinda Lodge for tonight’s accommodation and for this evening’s Yellow Water Cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong. After the cruise enjoy dinner at Mimi’s or in the Barra Bistro and Bar at Cooinda Lodge.

Day 5: Cooinda – Katherine 

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and drive to Katherine, which takes around 3 hours.  Stop in at Pine Creek, a historic town on the main highway heading south to learn about the gold rush history in this area.

On arrival, stop for a refreshing dip in the Katherine Hot Springs, a series of clear pools fed by a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Katherine River.

After the swim, explore the Katherine township including the visitor centre for updates of local information and pick up a coffee from the Black Russian Caravan.  A visit to the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (GYRACC) is a must do where you can buy local Aboriginal art.

Head to Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery.  The art gallery sells Aboriginal art, didgeridoos, artefacts, gifts and books, all of which are locally sourced.    

Afterwards, head to Cicada Lodge for tonight’s accommodation. Cicada Lodge is located at Nitmulik Gorge, just 20 minutes from Katherine. This evening, dine at the Cicada Lodge restaurant.

Alternative accommodation includes:
Nitmiluk Cabins
Contour Hotel 
Knotts Crossing Resort

Day 6 – Nitmiluk National Park

Enjoy the day at beautiful Nitmiluk Gorge with Nitmiluk Tours. Spend the morning enjoying a cultural experience with an Ancient Garlarr River Safari, which includes a cruise along the first gorge, stopping along the way to learn about the geology, geography, rock art, bush medicine and cultural traditions distinct to this region.

For something more active, enjoy the Malapparr Traveller half day canoe tour, which begins with a scenic boat cruise through the first gorge before exploring the second gorge and beyond by canoe. 

Spend the early afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the area including the Bariwei Lookout before enjoying dinner on the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise. Here you will learn about the local Jawoyn people, while cruising through the Nitmiluk Gorge. The fine dining, candlelit experience includes a three course meal, wine and beer and runs for 3 ½ hours.

Day 7 – Katherine to Darwin

Head into Katherine to catch the Katherine Outback Experience, to learn about the rich pastoral cultural and history through real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations

Enjoy lunch in Katherine before departing for Darwin.  The Adelaide River Inn is worth a stopover, which you can meet ‘Charlie’ the Buffalo, who starred alongside Paul Hogan in the movie Crocodile Dundee and the Adelaide River War Cemetery is a reminder of the impact of WWII on the Territory and commemorating military and civilian casualties.

If time, a visit to Litchfield National Park is a must so, where Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls are worth a visit, before heading back to Darwin.

*You’ll need a separate park passes to visit Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.  Get your Kakadu Pass here and Litchfield Pass here.