Top End Wilderness Loop

Discover the best of Darwin with the Croc N History Explorer! This all-in-one pass lets you explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace, combining wildlife, history, and iconic sights in one seamless experience. Your pass includes a 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass with Big Bus Darwin, full-day entry to Crocosaurus Cove, and full-day entry to the Royal Flying Doctors Service Darwin Tourist Facility. 

If you want to experience the very best of the Top End in a single day, this all-inclusive tour is perfect for you! Combining a helicopter flight, airboat adventure, and billabong cruise, it’s the ultimate way to see the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Litchfield region. Spot crocodiles, buffalo, and tropical birds on the airboat ride, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over spectacular floodplains, and relax on a billabong cruise while savouring a BBQ brunch. The adventure finishes with a thrilling live crocodile feeding and interaction.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.
Please note, a one-way fee may apply

The journey from Darwin to Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park passes through some of the Top End’s most iconic landscapes. Travel through savannah woodlands and the Mary River floodplains, with optional stops at Fogg Dam for birdwatching or the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre. Explore Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) to see ancient Aboriginal rock art and enjoy panoramic escarpment views. At Cooinda, relax at the lodge, walk nearby trails, or take a sunrise or sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles, jabirus, and other wildlife. Encounters with wallabies, buffalo, and birds complete this immersive cultural and natural experience.

Explore Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage-listed treasure in Australia’s Top End. Spanning diverse landscapes from ancient rock formations and wetlands to cascading waterfalls and rugged escarpments, Kakadu is home to crocodiles, kangaroos, and hundreds of bird species. Visit ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, enjoy breathtaking views from scenic lookouts, and experience nature on walking trails, boat cruises, and guided cultural tours. Kakadu offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

The Kakadu National Parks Pass allows entry to explore ancient sites such as Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, Burrunkguy and Maguk. You will be required to keep your Kakadu National Parks accessible when within the National Park and produce to Park Rangers upon request.

Experience Kakadu’s most famous wetland at its most magical time of day. This two-hour dawn cruise reveals Yellow Water Billabong awakening with wildlife and golden light. Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, the billabong forms part of the South Alligator River system, the only river system in the world fully enclosed within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park, from the towering cliffs and rock formations of ancient stone country to the tranquil pools and cascading waterfalls of Gunlom Falls, Kubara Pools, Motorcar Falls, Boulder Creek, Koolpin Gorge, and Maguk. Along the way, hear the stories of the land and its people, brought to life by passionate local guides. With a small-group format and comfortable 4WD travel, this tour offers a unique chance to experience Kakadu’s most iconic and secluded destinations.

Leaving Jabiru's wetlands and escarpments, you pass vast savannah woodlands dotted with termite mounds and vibrant seasonal wildflowers, while keeping an eye out for wallabies, lizards, and colourful birds. As you approach Nitmiluk, the scenery shifts to dramatic sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River, with lookout points perfect for short walks and photos. Along the way, discover Aboriginal rock art sites and cultural insights from the Jawoyn people. Arriving at Nitmiluk, you’re ready to explore the gorges by cruise, canoe, or scenic walk.

Experience the magic of the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise as you glide along the serene waters of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Watch the sun set over the dramatic sandstone cliffs while enjoying a delicious, locally inspired dinner and refreshing drinks. Along the way, hear stories of the Jawoyn people, their Dreaming heritage, and the cultural significance of this ancient landscape. With stunning scenery, peaceful waters, and captivating stories, this cruise offers an unforgettable evening connecting nature, culture, and cuisine.

The Katherine region is full of hidden gems, including free-to-visit natural hot springs. On the edge of town, the Katherine Hot Springs sit on the riverbank, framed by lush native vegetation. With accessible ramps, shaded lawns, a playground, and a seasonal pop-up cafe, it’s a perfect spot to relax. About an hour’s drive away, Mataranka offers sandy-bottomed hot springs in Elsey National Park, crystal-clear blue waters, short bush walks, and the scenic Mataranka Falls, where you can float along the river and take in the tropical woodlands from a unique perspective.

Discover the beauty and culture of Nitmiluk National Park on the NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour & Swim. Cruise through two spectacular gorges, taking in the towering sandstone cliffs and tranquil waterways, before stopping to swim in pristine pools surrounded by nature. Along the way, learn about the Jawoyn people and their Dreaming stories, gaining insight into the cultural significance of this ancient landscape. This small-group adventure combines stunning scenery, refreshing waters, and fascinating storytelling, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Top End.

Take to the skies on the 8 Gorge Scenic Helicopter Flight and Remote Landing for a breathtaking perspective of Nitmiluk National Park. Soar above the winding Katherine River as it carves through eight spectacular gorges, revealing towering sandstone escarpments, hidden waterfalls, and vast, untouched wilderness. Touch down at a remote landing site rarely accessed by visitors, where you can step out, take photos, and appreciate the scale and beauty of this remarkable landscape. This unforgettable experience combines aerial adventure, exclusive access, and awe-inspiring scenery, offering a truly unique way to see Nitmiluk.

Driving from Nitmiluk National Park to Darwin offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife along the way. Just before crossing the Ferguson River, detour to Edith Falls for a swim in paperbark- and pandanus-fringed pools. Back on the highway, cross Wardie Creek and stop in Pine Creek, home to the renowned Kensington Pride mangoes at the Pine Creek Mango Plantation. Continue through Adelaide River and Tortilla Flats, passing Manton Dam, popular for picnics and water activities, and McMinns Lagoon, ideal for a peaceful wetland walk. Closer to Darwin, detour to Berry Springs for a refreshing swim before arriving in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.

Berry Springs is a tropical oasis where crystal-clear lagoons are framed by native forest and shaded pandanus trees. Popular with locals and visitors, it’s the perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a picnic. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, goggles to spot native fish, or follow the loop walking track through monsoon forest and woodland. Once a World War II rest camp, remnants of huts and weirs can still be seen around the main pool.

Discover the best of Darwin’s vibrant food scene on this hosted culinary experience led by a local guide. Enjoy lunch at two award-winning restaurants, sampling a degustation of nine or more tasting plates featuring local seafood, crocodile, tropical fruits, and vegetables. Along the way, your guide shares insights into Darwin’s culture, history, and architecture. Includes a welcome drink, non-alcoholic beverages, dietary options, and a tropical dessert to finish, offering a true taste of the Top End.

Spend a day exploring Darwin at your own pace and soak up the tropical charm of Australia’s Top End. Don’t miss the vibrant Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday only), where you can browse countless stalls and soak up the lively atmosphere. For a truly magical evening, hop on a sunset harbour cruise and enjoy drinks and canapés as the sky lights up. Movie lovers will delight in the Deckchair Cinema, where outdoor screenings start at 7:30 pm, and local eateries keep hunger at bay with tasty stalls. For a taste of the Territory’s wild side, encounter real crocodiles on a boat adventure or at Crocosaurus Cove, home to these iconic locals. To unwind on land, stroll through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, a tropical oasis featuring exotic plants with fascinating natural and cultural histories.

Explore more of Darwin before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!