How to road trip Kakadu and itineraries for visiting

There’s no shortage of great tours on offer, but to road trip Kakadu via a do-it-yourself driving adventure? That’s pretty hard to beat.

Getting to Kakadu is the easy part. From the south, it’s 150 kilometres from Katherine via the Stuart and Kakadu highways, but most people come from Darwin since that’s the closest airport. The drive will take you around an hour and a half, and the road into the park is sealed and open year-round, although you do need to keep an eye out for wandering cattle, buffalo and kangaroos.

Once you’re in the park a sealed all-weather road runs right through the centre of the wilderness, roughly forming a triangle from the two highways with the township of Jabiru at the apex. This triangle forms the classic Top End Road Trip.

Road trip Kakadu on sealed roads

crocodiles at Cahill’s Crossing, Kakadu — Stay clear of the water when you pass by Cahill’s Crossing. (Image: Tourism NT/@betsybiglap)

All of the must-see road trip Kakadu attractions are accessible via sealed roads, meaning it’s easy to take a 2WD. However, in the wet season, be sure to check the Kakadu access report, as thunderstorms can cause flooding.

What can you see via sealed roads in Kakadu? The magnificent rock art galleries at Ubirr and Nourlangie, toward the Western edge of the park, are not to be missed. Visit Ubirr at sunset for the most incredible views.

Cahill’s Crossing, one of the best places in Kakadu National Park for spotting crocodiles, is on the way to Ubirr. It has a spacious car park and sealed roads. The recently expanded viewing platform is very safe and a hit with kids, too.

The tour hub of Cooinda and nearby wildlife-filled Yellow Water Billabong are easily accessible from Kakadu National Park’s main road. A cruise on the billabong is a highlight of a road trip in Kakadu.

The Yurkmikmik walks and Motor Car Falls are at the end of an unsealed road, however, this particular road is 2WD-friendly during the dry season.

All the popular accommodation options and most of the parks that cater for caravans are on sealed, 2WD-friendly roads.

Road trip Kakadu on unsealed roads

a road trip to Kakadu — The drive will take you around an hour and a half to Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

You don’t need a 4WD to see the best of Kakadu, although if you do have one, there are a few special spots where their high clearance comes in handy.

Even with a 4WD, be sure to check the Kakadu access report. Road closures are common and can even happen during the dry season, and no matter how experienced you are at 4WD techniques, stay away from closed roads as flooding can be deep and extensive.

The stunning Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are on many travellers’ Kakadu bucket lists, but they are quite challenging to access. At the end of a lengthy 50km unsealed 4WD track, expect deep corrugation, narrow single-lane areas and shallow water crossings, especially earlier in the dry season. Take your time (allow at least two hours) and be aware of drivers returning in the opposite direction.

an aerial view of Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu — See the spectacular Jim Jim Falls on a scenic flight. (Image: Tourism NT/@helloemilie)

The popular Sandy Billabong campground is at the end of a 12km 4WD-only track that starts at the Muirella camping area. If you have a 4WD, it’s a great spot to camp as the billabong is teeming with birdlife.

At the end of a 14km unsealed road is Maguk, an incredible waterfall and swimming spot in Kakadu National Park. This road is often very corrugated and care should be taken when driving. During the wet season, the road is closed.

Camping on a Kakadu road trip

Kakadu guests arriving at Bowali Visitor Centre — Learn more about road conditions and campsites at Bowali Visitor Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

There are more than 25 designated campgrounds in Kakadu, ranging from commercial caravan parks to remote bush camping sites with no facilities, as well as bush campgrounds with toilets and hot showers.

Hiring a campervan is a great option if you have flown to Darwin: most come with basic camping gear. However, it is worth checking your policy when renting a campervan or caravan in the Northern Territory, as many rental companies will have rules around off-road driving and even unsealed-road driving.

It is also imperative that you know the clearance of your vehicle and its capabilities. Do not take a 2WD campervan or caravan on 4WD tracks, as it is easy to get bogged or damage the vehicle. Some campgrounds in Kakadu are 4WD access only, but plenty will accommodate for your vehicle. If in doubt, visit the Bowali Visitors Centre for up-to-date information about road conditions to campsites.

Kakadu road trip tips

Avoid driving after dusk and before dawn: your chances of colliding with an animal are very high, can lead to serious accidents, and most car hire insurance policies do not cover you for the damage.
Check the fine print: Many hire car companies will not allow their cars on dirt roads – even SUVs. Most will not allow you to drive off-road.
Download your maps: The visitor centres frequently run out of maps, so download one from parksaustralia.gov.au . The free ‘Visit Kakadu’ app (iTunes and Android) is also helpful, but the maps are easier to read on a tablet than on a phone. Also, download your phone maps for the area, as there is limited reception through Kakadu National Park.
Be 4WD prepared: You’ll need a snorkel fitted to your vehicle if you drive on 4WD tracks in the wet season and on some roads during the dry season. Be sure to follow appropriate 4WD protocol, such as lowering your tyre pressure depending on the road condition.
Always fill up with fuel: Fuel is available at Jabiru, Cooinda and Pine Creek, but these locations can be hours apart, so never drive past a fuel stop if you are below half a tank, unless you are sure you have enough to make it to the next fuel stop. Fuel in Kakadu National Park can be expensive, so it’s best to enter with a full tank. No fuel is available at Goymarr Roadhouse.

Kakadu road trips in the wet season

the Motor Car Falls in Kakadu — Motor Car Falls is one of the only waterfalls you can access in Kakadu during the wet season. (Image: Tourism NT/Jarrad Seng)

The wet season is a beautiful time to visit Kakadu National Park, and there are still plenty of must-do attractions that are accessible year-round. It’s important to keep an eye on the Kakadu access report and check daily for any road closures or hazards.

Can go: The Arnhem and Kakadu highways remain open, as do the roads to Nourlangie, Ubirr and Cooinda, although they may close after big storms. The road to the Yurmikmik walks is also often accessible, including Motor Car Falls.

Can’t go: The roads to Jim Jim and Twin Falls are closed. The best way to see these is on a scenic flight. Old Jim Jim Road, Maguk and Sandy Billabong are also out of action. Many minor unsealed roads are closed; those that remain open are 4WD-only, and some bush campgrounds are closed.

Check out our Kakadu FAQs for more.

Road trip Kakadu itineraries

Kakadu in three days

Day 1:

Drive Darwin to Jabiru
Head to Bowali Visitor Centre
Visit Cahills Crossing to spot some crocodiles
Enjoy the sunset at Ubirr
Camp at Merl Campground (Luxe option: Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru )

Day 2:

Take a two-hour Guluyambi Cultural Cruise up the East Alligator River
See the amazing art at Nourlangie Rock
Do a sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong
Camp at Mardugal campground (Luxe option: Cooinda Lodge )

Day 3:

Spend the morning luxuriating at Maguk
Drive back to Darwin

Kakadu in five days

Follow the three-day itinerary, stay an extra two nights at Mardugal Campground or Cooinda Lodge

Day 3:

Visit Jim Jim Falls (4WD only)
Camp at Sandy Billabong (take a chair and watch the birds descend at sunset)

Day 4:

Luxuriate at Maguk (4WD only)
Camp at Maguk Campground

Day 5:

Enjoy one of the Yurmikmik walks
Drive to Darwin

Kakadu in eight days

Follow the five-day itinerary, plus:
Stay an extra night at Jabiru and do the Bardedjilidji Walk along the Alligator River
Stay an extra two nights at Mardugal Campground or Cooinda Lodge and walk out to Gubara Pools
Add in a full-day 4WD tour , especially if you are travelling with a 2WD

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.