A Darwin to Katherine Road Trip is one of the Northern Territory’s most rewarding adventures, showcasing a blend of dramatic landscapes, cultural richness, and unforgettable stops along the way. Spanning just over 300 kilometres, this drive takes you from the tropical energy of Darwin to the laid-back charm of Katherine, where gorges, hot springs, and natural wonders await. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring historic sites, or simply soaking in the Top End’s untamed beauty, this journey is as much about the stops along the Stuart Highway as it is about the destination.
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Darwin to Katherine Road Trip Overview
Planning a road trip from Darwin to Katherine is the perfect way to experience the Top End at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to enjoy its natural wonders and cultural highlights along the way.
Duration: 5 days (roundtrip)
Distance: 320 km one way (Darwin to Katherine)
Vehicle: 2WD-friendly (all roads are sealed)
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May to October)
Highlights: Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Bitter Springs, Nitmiluk Natioinal Park, Berry Springs Nature Park, Adelaide River cruise
Check out our complete Wet Season and Dry season guides for more about the weather in the NT.
Day 1: Darwin
Begin your adventure in Darwin, the gateway to the Top End. Before hitting the road, spend a day soaking in the city’s top attractions and tropical vibe.
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory: Delve into the region’s history, from Indigenous cultures to Cyclone Tracy.
- Crocosaurus Cove: Get up close with some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles.
- Darwin Botanic Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the 42-hectare gardens.
- Mindil Market: If you visit in Darwin’s dry season, visit this local market for food stalls and live entertainment.
- Sunset Cruise: End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise on Darwin Harbour, where you can watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink.
For more ideas, be sure to check out our complete list of things to do in Darwin.
Overnight in Darwin: Consider staying at a local hotel so you’re well-rested for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Darwin to Litchfield National Park
Drive to Litchfield National Park.
The distance from Darwin to Litchfield National Park is about 106 km, which takes roughly 1.5 hours by car
Hit the Stuart Highway and head towards Litchfield National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and unique termite mounds.
- Magnetic Termite Mounds: Marvel at these natural structures that stand as high as two metres.
- Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole: Take a refreshing dip in these popular swimming spots and admire the lush tropical landscapes.
- Wangi Falls and Tolmer Falls: Explore more of Litchfield’s dramatic scenery with visits to Wangi Falls and Tolmer Falls. You’ll find easy walks and stunning lookouts.
Camp or Stay in Litchfield: Consider camping under the stars or staying at nearby accommodation. The night skies in Litchfield are spectacular with a clear view of the Milky Way.
Day 3: Litchfield to Katherine
Drive to Katherine.
The distance from Litchfield to Katherine is around 255 km, taking about 2.5 hours to drive.
Leave Litchfield behind and continue your journey south to Katherine, the third-largest town in the Northern Territory.
- Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft: Discover the region’s Indigenous art and culture with a visit to this local gallery.
- Cutta Cutta Caves: Explore these ancient limestone caves, home to unique wildlife and geological formations.
- Bitter Springs or Katherine Hot Springs: Unwind with a soothing swim in the thermal waters of Bitter Springs or Katherine Hot Springs. These natural pools offer a perfect refresh after a long day of adventure.
Stay in Katherine: Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant before settling in for the night at one of Katherine’s comfortable accommodation options, such as Knotts Crossing Resort.
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Day 4: Nitmiluk National Park
Explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Start your day with an early visit to Nitmiluk National Park, where you can explore the spectacular Katherine Gorge.
- Baruwei Lookout: Hike to this stunning viewpoint for panoramic views of the gorge.
- Nitmiluk Visitor Centre: Learn about the cultural significance of the park to the Jawoyn people.
- Canoeing and Sunset Cruise: Hire a canoe to paddle through the gorge, taking in the towering cliffs and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise or helicopter tour in the evening, where the gorge glows in the golden light of dusk.
Stay in Katherine: For a luxurious experience, stay at Cicada Lodge, a beautiful eco-lodge with top-notch dining and comfortable accommodations near the gorge.
Day 5: Return to Darwin via Adelaide River
Drive Back to Darwin (3.5 hours, 320 km)
Begin your return journey to Darwin, but don’t rush—there’s still plenty to see along the way.
- Adelaide River: Stop for a jumping crocodile cruise, where you can watch these incredible creatures leap out of the water.
- Berry Springs Nature Park: Take one last dip in the cool, clear pools of Berry Springs surrounded by lush vegetation.
End in Darwin: Celebrate the end of your adventure with a farewell dinner in Darwin, perhaps at one of the city’s top restaurants, or book a gourmet food tour.
Essential NT Road Trip Tips
- Be Crocwise: Only swim in designated areas that are clearly signposted, especially during the wet season.
- Carry Extra Water: The Top End’s heat can be intense, so make sure to stay hydrated.
- Respect Cultural Sites: Many areas have deep cultural significance to First Nations communities. Always be respectful and follow guidelines.
- Plan for Limited Mobile Coverage: In some remote areas, mobile signal can be patchy or non-existent. Consider carrying a satellite phone or a reliable GPS device for emergencies.
For more road trip inspiration, see the complete 9 Day Alice Springs to Uluru Itinerary.
Choosing the Best Vehicle for the Darwin to Katherine Drive
When planning your road trip from Darwin to Katherine, it’s worth thinking about what kind of vehicle will best suit your travel style and comfort. The distance between the two destinations is roughly 320 kilometres, and the Stuart Highway offers a smooth, sealed road the entire way—making it suitable for most types of vehicles.
A standard car is perfectly fine for the journey, especially if you’re sticking to the main highway and planning to stop at attractions like Adelaide River or Edith Falls. For travellers who want to venture off the beaten path—perhaps exploring Leliyn (Edith Falls) access tracks or Nitmiluk’s backroads—a 4WD provides extra flexibility and peace of mind.
If you’re after a more adventurous ride, motorbikes are a popular choice thanks to the open stretches of highway and stunning outback scenery. Meanwhile, campervans are ideal for those who want to combine travel and accommodation, with several caravan parks and campgrounds conveniently located along the route.
Ready to plan your road trip from Darwin to Katherine? Pack your bags, grab your snacks, and get ready to explore one of the Northern Territory’s most stunning and diverse regions.
Cover photo by @lukeycarling
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Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
