Planning a road trip from Darwin to explore Kakadu National Park? Whether you’re driving a regular 2WD vehicle or a sturdy 4WD, you’ll be surprised how much of Australia’s largest national park is accessible without leaving the sealed road.
This 3-day Kakadu itinerary is designed to help you experience the highlights — from Burrungkuy’s Aboriginal rock art and the mighty East Alligator River to the world-famous Yellow Water Cruise at sunrise. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kakadu is dual-listed for both its incredible natural beauty and the deep culture of Kakadu National Park, where thousands of years of history are etched into its rock art sites and landscapes. Depending on the seasons in Kakadu, from the lush wet season to the adventure-ready dry season, this guide will show you how to make the most of your journey through the Top End.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Kakadu? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Darwin to Kakadu
Leaving Darwin and driving through Humpty Doo along the Arnhem highway, be sure to ring the Bowali Visitor Centre before you are out of range to get up to date on what is currently open and all the complimentary guided experiences in Kakadu so you can factor them into your time in the park.
Then it’s on to the northern reaches of the park and the world-renowned wetlands. This area of Kakadu supports an abundance of life and is a crucial stopping point for numerous trans-continental migratory birds such as Magpie Geese. This is one of the main reasons for Kakadu’s world heritage listing. Mamukala wetlands walk and purpose-built bird hide are easily accessible and offer great vantage points to observe the wildlife up close. Keep your eyes peeled for crocs among the waterlilies and birdlife!
Take a Break in Jabiru
From here, deciding on where to next can be a coin flip, either into the town of Jabiru for a night at Aurora Kakadu Lodge, Mecure Kakadu Crocodile or Cooinda Lodge Kakadu.
Alternatively, continue onto Ubirr rock to stay at Merls campground. Neither are bad options and if you are keen on Ubirr at sunset then Merls is right around the corner and is extremely well-maintained. Ubirr is special at any time of the day when exploring the ancient rock art galleries but the view from the top of Ubirr at sunset is something truly remarkable, not to mention there are often free guided tours.
Cahill’s crossing is a stone’s throw away from Merls campground, where there are great viewing platforms to see crocodiles at high tide feeding on incoming mullet and barramundi.
There are also several accommodation options in and around Jabiru and some great activities in town. Including visiting the Bowali Visitor Centre or dropping into Marrawudi Arts and Culture for a coffee and a look at the exceptional artwork created by local First Nations people, with many of the artists working at the back of the shop leading to the opportunity to meet and watch them work.
Either way, you go the distances between the Ubirr area and Jabiru are relatively short so going between the two is not an issue.
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Top Kakadu 2WD Stops
Before leaving the Jabiru area consider taking a morning/evening Yellowater cruise, these tours provide great information around the wetland systems and the flora and fauna within as well as getting you out onto the water for a relaxing ride.
On your way out of Kakadu via the Kakadu highway completing some of the Nourlangie walk is well worth it to see another of the amazing rock art galleries that Kakadu has to offer and provides great vantage points to take in the vista.
A must-do stopover is Maguk falls. The road in is bumpy but most Two-Wheel Drive cars should make it with no problem, slow and steady is the key. A short walk from the carpark Maguk is truly magical and an afternoon spent swimming here will not be regretted. The campground at Maguk is a great option for a night as it allows you to use every last bit of time you have to enjoy the waterfall.
After Maguk it’s back on the highway and through Pine Creek at the southern entrance to Kakadu and onto the next adventure-packed activity the territory takes your fancy.
Top Kakadu National Park Tours
Kakadu Day Tour
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 12 hours
Discover Kakadu National Park’s rich cultural heritage on this immersive one day tour.
Highlights:
- Ubirr Rock Art: See ancient Aboriginal rock art and floodplain views.
- Nadab Lookout: Take in sweeping Kakadu landscapes.
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise: Learn from Traditional Owners on the East Alligator River.
- East Alligator River: Spot wildlife along the Arnhem Land border.
- World Heritage Kakadu: Experience one of Australia’s most iconic national parks.
- Expert Guide Commentary: Hear stories of culture, history and country.
Kakadu Waterfall Tour
📍Darwin to Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 6 hours
Discover Kakadu from the sky on a scenic helicopter tour departing Darwin. This unforgettable flight showcases Kakadu’s most spectacular waterfalls, rivers and escarpments, offering a rare aerial perspective of the national park’s wild beauty.
Highlights:
- Jim Jim Falls: Fly over one of Kakadu’s tallest, most dramatic waterfalls.
- Twin Falls & Koolpin Gorge: See striking cascades and rugged escarpments from above.
- South Alligator River Views: Aerial vistas of wide waterways & surrounding wetlands.
- Yellow Water Cruise Option: Spot crocs and birdlife on iconic billabong waters (seasonal).
- Lunch at Cooinda: Land for a meal in the heart of Kakadu country.
- Scenic Aerial Adventure: Experience Kakadu’s wild landscapes from the sky.
Kakadu to Litchfield 4WD Camping 3 Day – Safari Tent from Darwin
📍Kakadu National Park, NT
⏰ 3 days
Explore the natural wonders of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks on this immersive 3-day tour from Darwin.
Highlights:
- Mary River Wetlands: Spot crocs and diverse birdlife on a serene cruise.
- Ubirr Rock Art: Witness some of the world’s most ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- Kakadu Waterfalls: Swim in pristine plunge pools surrounded by lush monsoon forests.
- Litchfield National Park: Relax in the refreshing waters of Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls.
- Magnetic Termite Mounds: Marvel at these unique, towering structures of nature’s engineers.
Wrapping up this Kakadu 3-day tinerary, it’s clear that you don’t need a 4WD to experience the magic of Australia’s largest national park. With careful planning around the seasons in Kakadu — whether you visit during the dramatic wet season or the cooler, more accessible dry season — travelling in a regular 2WD vehicle is entirely achievable. Thanks to well-maintained sealed road access and the main highways through the park, getting around is straightforward, allowing you to focus on the landscapes and stories that make Kakadu a UNESCO World Heritage destination.
From cruising the wetlands on a Yellow Water Cruise to standing before ancient Aboriginal rock art at a world-class rock art site like Burrungkuy, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the culture of Kakadu National Park. Even areas near iconic spots such as East Alligator River, Cahills Crossing, and the Jim Jim Falls car park offer rewarding experiences without leaving the bitumen. By day 4, many travellers choose to continue on to Litchfield National Park, rounding out a classic Top End adventure that proves Kakadu’s highlights are accessible, immersive, and unforgettable — even without a 4WD
We highly recommend you Kaka’DO’ during your time in the NT!
Have you been to Kakadu National Park?. Comment below if you’ve been or if you have any suggestions to our Kakadu 2WD itinerary!
You can always get more inspiration for other National Parks to visit by following @northerhq. or signup for our monthly newsletter here to get travel inspiration and more straight to your inbox.
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.
