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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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

Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory — Watch the stars come out over five courses.

Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

3. Kungkas Can Cook

Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap — Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) — See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

5. Pudakul

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours — Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)

Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin — Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls) — Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.