If you’re keen on exploring the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory but don’t have a lot of time to spare, we’ve got you covered! Here are the best 3-day Northern Territory tours that’ll have you soaking up all the top sights and incredible landscapes of this captivating region. You have your pick of adventures, from a 4WD excursion in Kakadu National Park to a camping trip in West MacDonnell.
Start planning your 3-day in the NT now!
Top 3 Day 4WD Kakadu Tours
3 Day 4WD Kakadu Adventure – Camping (June – Sept)
Explore the beauty of Kakadu National Park on this 3-day adventure departing from Darwin.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Begin with a wildlife cruise on Corrobboree Billabong, spotting crocs and birdlife. Picnic lunch by the East Alligator River, followed by rock art exploration at Ubirr. Camp at Mardugal Billabong, enjoying the campfire.
- Day 2: 4WD to Jim Jim Falls, swim in the plunge pool. Explore Burrungkuy for rock art and Gunwhardewharde lookout for panoramic views. Visit Warradjan cultural centre. Return to camp for dinner.
- Day 3: Hike to Maguk for a swim, then to Gunlom Falls for more swimming and stunning views. Return to Darwin via Pine Creek.
3 Day 4WD Kakadu Adventure – Accommodated (June – Sept)
This is a 3-day Kakadu adventure from Darwin.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Picnic lunch at Anbangbang Billabong, rock art exploration at Burrunguy, and a swim at Cooinda Lodge’s pool. Sunset Cruise on Yellow Waters.
- Day 2: Swim at Gunlom Falls, explore Maguk, optional visit to Warradjan cultural centre. Stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.
- Day 3: Spot wildlife at East Alligator River, visit Ubirr for rock art and panoramic views, bird watching at Mamukala wetlands, and a drink at Humpty Doo Hotel before returning to Darwin. Prices include specified meals.
Autopia Tours: Kakadu to Litchfield 4WD Camping 3 Day
Get ready for a 3-day Northern Territory tour through Kakadu and Litchfield National Park.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Start your day off with a croc-spotting cruise on Corroboree Billabong before diving into Kakadu. You’ll hit up the Bowali Visitor Centre, get a dose of rock art at Ubirr, and then bunk down at Jabiru Campground.
- Day 2: This day, you’ll be waterfall chasing! Swim under cascades at Motor Car Falls or Jim Jim Falls if conditions are spot on. Then, check out the ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) before settling in back at camp.
- Day 3: You’ll shift gears to Litchfield National Park. Dive into Buley Rockhole or cool off at Wangi Falls before you wrap up and head back to Darwin.
3 Day Kakadu/Litchfield 4WD Expedition
This 3-day Northern Territory tour dives into the heart of Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Kick off your adventure with a wildlife cruise on Corrobboree Billabong. Then, picnic by the East Alligator River and delve into the ancient rock art at Ubirr. Camp out under the stars at Mardugal Billabong.
- Day 2: Rise early for waterfall wonders at Maguk and Gunlom Falls, followed by a refreshing dip at Ikoymarrwa. Wind down at Mary River Roadhouse on the Kakadu border.
- Day 3: Explore Litchfield’s Cathedral and Magnetic mounds, then hike and swim at Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, and Wangi Falls. Return to Darwin by 5:30 PM.
Follow Us
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty by following us on Instagram
Join our Newsletter List
Be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations.
Top 3 Day Uluru & Kings Canyon Tours
3 Day Red Centre – Uluru – Kata Tjuta – Kings Canyon
Explore the heart of the Red Centre on this 3-day adventure, diving into Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Departing Alice Springs, it travels 450 km through iconic Outback landscapes to Uluru. It stops at legendary roadhouses and the ancient Finke River. In the afternoon, you’ll do a walk around Uluru’s base, learning about the Tjukurpa, the aboriginal Dreamtime.
- Day 2: After breakfast, choose between a moderate walk in Walpa Gorge or a challenging trek through the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta. Then, explore Kings Canyon with a creek walk and lunch at a camel farm. Spend the night in luxury glamping tents at Kings Creek Station.
- Day 3: Conquer the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon or opt for an easier stroll at Kathleen Springs before journeying through the stunning landscapes, with optional stops along the way.
Uluru Kata Tjuta Safari 3 Day
This is a 3-day Northern Territory tour through the heart of the Red Centre, exploring Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Explore Uluru with visits to Mutitjulu waterhole, Kantju Gorge, and enjoy a sunset dinner. Overnight at Ayers Rock Coach Campground.
- Day 2: Witness a sunrise at Uluru, then hike through Kata Tjuta’s Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge. Experience a stunning outback sunset at Kings Canyon Campground, followed by a meal around the campfire.
- Day 3: Venture into the ancient landscape of Kings Canyon, exploring the Ulpanyali and Lilla people’s sacred grounds. Return to Alice Springs, stopping along the way for scenic views.
Red Centre Rock Safari 3 Day
This 3-day Northern Territory tour explores the heart of the Red Centre, hitting up Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Start off with a peek at Mt Connor, then dive into the cultural centre to learn about the park’s significance. Get up close to Uluru, checking out rock art and sacred sites before catching a stunning sunset with dinner served up.
- Day 2: Rise and shine for an epic sunrise at Uluru, then explore the striking Kata Tjuta with a hike through the Valley of the Winds. Wind down with a sunset at Kings Canyon, followed by a hearty campfire meal.
- Day 3: Early bird gets the canyon views at Kings Canyon, soaking in the ancient landscape before heading back to Alice Springs.
3-Day Rock Trip
This is a 3-day Red Centre tour, kicking off either at Alice Springs or Ayers Rock Airport.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Guided walk at Uluru, sunset with bubbly wine, hot shower, and camp under the desert stars.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Kata Tjuta, hike through Valley of the Winds, Aussie BBQ at Kings Creek Station.
- Day 3: Kings Canyon exploration, Rim Walk, Garden of Eden, return to Alice Springs.
Other Top 3-Day Northern Territory Tours
3 Day Darwin to/from Alice Springs
You can choose your route on this 3-day Northern Territory tour – Darwin to Alice Springs OR Alice Springs to Darwin.
Highlights:
- Dive into Litchfield National Park, taking in Buley Rockhole, Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls, and Wangi Falls. Check out the Magnetic and Cathedral Termite mounds before winding down at an Outback Pub in Adelaide River.
- Enjoy a morning at Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, followed by a pit stop in Katherine. Relax in the thermal stream of Bitter Springs and soak in the Mataranka Hot Springs. End the day with dinner and live music at Daly Waters pub.
- Explore Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles. Dive into the cultural and geological marvels of the area before heading south to Alice Springs as the sun sets.
Autopia Tours: Kings Canyon Mereenie Loop to West MacDonnell 3 Day
This 3-day tour travels from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs, with stops at Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell Ranges, and Standley Chasm.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Depart from Ayers Rock Campground for Kings Canyon, immersing in the rugged wilderness. Enjoy a campfire meal under the outback sky.
- Day 2: Early exploration of Kings Canyon, followed by a scenic drive along the Mereenie Loop. Arrive at the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges for an evening of stargazing.
- Day 3: Discover Standley Chasm and cool off in Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek. Conclude your adventure with a final stop at Simpsons Gap before returning to Alice Springs.
3 Day Top End, Kakadu Art, Kakadu Waterfalls, Katherine Gorge, Edith Falls
This is a 3-day tour is led by Mattia, exploring the best of Kakadu and beyond.
Highlights:
- Day 1: Bird watching at Fogg Dam, Mamukala wetlands exploration, Nourlangie rock art, and a sunset cruise at Cahills Crossing.
- Day 2: Choose between a trek to Jim Jim Falls or a relaxed Yellow Water Cruise. Swim at Maguk and discover Pine Creek’s mining history.
- Day 3: Sunrise cruise at Katherine Gorge, a refreshing dip at Edith Falls, and a visit to the Adelaide River War Cemetery before returning to Darwin.
These are some of the best 3-day Northern Territory tours. They’re perfect for travellers craving a glimpse of NT’s top highlights while having time constraints.
Have you taken one of these top-rated tours? Comment below with your experiences!
If you love exploring National Parks, Norther has got you covered, get your daily fix of the Northern Territory’s beauty courtesy of Norther® by following @northerhq. You can also check out more Northern Territory content by following Norther on Facebook. Please sign up here to join our newsletter list to be the first to get hints and local recommendations for anything awesome in the Northern Territory.
