Top End Wilderness Loop

Discover the best of Darwin with the Roc 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. 
A suggested itinerary makes planning easy: start at Crocosaurus Cove at 10:00am, hop on the Big Bus Darwin at 1:00pm, and finish your day at the Royal Flying Doctor Service at 3:30pm. Enjoy Darwin your way with this convenient and exciting explorer pass!

Get ready for the ultimate Top End adventure with the Top End Safari Camp Day Tour. Start with a scenic helicopter flight over the Finniss River, spotting buffalo, wild boars, and various bird species. Then, take a leisurely houseboat cruise along Sweet’s Lagoon as expert guides provide fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife. For more excitement, experience an airboat ride through rainforest channels, where you’ll spot wild crocodiles up close. The tour also includes a unique crocodile encounter, offering the chance to learn about these incredible creatures. After an action-packed day, unwind with a refreshing swim in the infinity pool overlooking the Outback, and enjoy a drink from the licensed bar. This unforgettable experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers looking to explore the wonders of the Top End in one day.

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Please note, a one-way fee may apply

Traveling from Darwin to Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park is an unforgettable journey through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush savannah woodlands and the Mary River floodplains, with opportunities to stop at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve for birdwatching or the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre for panoramic views and insights into the region’s ecology. A highlight is Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), where ancient Aboriginal rock art tells stories of the Dreamtime, and a short hike to the lookout offers sweeping views of the escarpment and surrounding bushland. Arriving at Cooinda, you can relax by the lodge, explore nearby walking trails, or take a sunrise or sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to spot saltwater crocodiles, jabirus, and other wildlife. Throughout the journey, encounters with wallabies, buffalo, and a rich variety of birds make the trip a true immersion in the natural and cultural wonders of the Top End.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is Australia's biggest national park, filled with ancient landscapes. Here you will find stunning waterfalls, lush rainforest, spectacular wetlands and swimming pools, and the oldest Indigenous rock art in the world. Although this remote, untouched outback land is just 3 hour's drive from the city of Darwin, you will feel like you are a world away. This treasured region is filled with adventure opportunities, from learning the cultural significance of Australia's most prominent rock art at Ubirr, cruising along Yellow Water Billabong or the East Alligator River, touring to stunning Koolpin Gorge, or walking through monsoon rainforest to reach crystal-clear plunge pools at Maguk, there is an awe-inspiring experience here for everyone. If you prefer to take it easy, the view from Nourlangie at sunset is nothing short of a spiritual experience and one that can't be missed. If you're looking for a unique experience celebrating cultural diversity and community, check out the annual Mahbilil Festival celebrating Kurrung season (late august to early September).

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.

Journey through Kakadu’s diverse landscapes, from sweeping lowlands and ancient stone country to waterfalls and secluded natural pools. Every destination is rich with Indigenous culture and stories passed down for generations. Your flexible itinerary, shaped by seasonal conditions, may include iconic spots such as Gunlom Falls, Ikoymarrwa, Kubara Pools, Motorcar Falls, Boulder Creek, Koolpin Gorge, or the stunning Maguk. While many of these can be reached by 4WD, travelling with our passionate local guides brings the landscape to life through their stories and knowledge. Enjoy a small-group experience in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned 4WD, complete with refreshments and a buffet lunch at Mimi’s.

Driving from Jabiru to Nitmiluk National Park takes you through the heart of the Top End, with vast savannah plains, termite mounds, and sandstone escarpments shaping the journey. Roughly an hour into the drive, a short detour on an unpaved road will take you to Gulung Mardulk, a beautiful small rural stop featuring a natural infinity pool at the base of a waterfall, easily reached via a 200-metre accessible flat track, while more adventurous travellers can tackle the steep 1-kilometre hike to the top for breathtaking views over cascading pools. Along the way, you’ll also pass through Pine Creek, a historic 1800s heritage town and former gold-mining capital of the Northern Territory, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in centuries past. Continuing along the route, another detour leads to Leliyn (Edith) Falls, a must-see destination with shady lawns, a kiosk, and a refreshing freshwater plunge pool at the base of the falls, a little slice of paradise. From here, make your way to Nitmiluk National Park, near the town of Katherine.

Considered the jewel in the crown of the Nitmiluk experience, sit back and relax as the tranquil surroundings transport you into a spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture and history.
Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun, and concluding with the shimmering of the stars and the moon. The cruise has its own chef and waitstaff, so you won’t have to worry about moving from the comfort of your seat as all your food and beverage needs are taken care of.

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.

The NitNit Dreaming cruise is one of the most popular tours in the region. A boat will take you to the end of the first gorge, where you will experience the beauty of the large boulders, rock pools and sands that make up the crossover to the second gorge. Along the way, cultural guides will share their knowledge about plants, animals, Dreamtime stories and culture. Surrounded by the limestone escarpment, the scenery is second to none. Immerse yourself in the cultural significance and geology of the park - discover historical facts, such as how the river has been named.

Nitmiluk Heli-Touring is the sole operator permitted to land within the National Park. Depart from the helipad located a three-minute drive from the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre and take off over the park enjoying the magnificent views of Nitmiluk Gorge, the Arnhem Land escarpment and local wildlife. You will have a landing opportunity above the tranquil tenth gorge, where a short 50 metre walk will take you to a unique and breathtaking photo location. Not accessible by road, you’ll have this secluded location all to yourselves allowing you to feel a deep connection to the natural wonders of Nitmiluk Gorge.

Driving from Nitmiluk National Park to Darwin will give you plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Just before crossing the Ferguson River, you can take a detour to Edith Falls and swim in the paperbark and pandanus-fringed natural pools. Back on the highway, cross Wardie Creek before reaching Pine Creek, home to the delicious Kensington Pride mangoes at the Pine Creek Mango Plantation. Continue through Adelaide River and Tortilla Flats, passing Manton Dam, a popular spot for picnics and water activities, and McMinns Lagoon, a great place for a walk in unspoilt wetlands. Closer to Darwin, a short detour to Berry Springs offers another refreshing swim in natural pools surrounded by lush bushland. From there, the highway leads you into Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory.

Berry Springs is a tropical oasis where the rest of the world seems to melt away and all that's left are the cerulean blue waters of the tranquil lagoons, surrounded by native forest. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this is the ideal place to spend a warm afternoon, throw a shrimp on the BBQ and perhaps have a little siesta beneath the shade of a pandanus tree! Bring your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching, your pool noodle for a relaxing float, and if you've brought your goggles along, you'll even be able to see the native fish and aquatic life in the crystal clear waters. You can also explore the park on foot with the looped walking track that spans through the monsoon forest and woodlands. In World War II, the area was part of a rest and recreation camp set up for the weary armed forces personnel, and the remains of a number of huts and weirs can be spotted around the main pool.

Discover the very best of Darwin’s vibrant food scene on this hosted culinary experience, led by an experienced local guide. Enjoy lunch at two of Darwin’s award-winning restaurants, where chefs and staff present a delicious degustation of more than nine tasting plates showcasing the region’s finest local produce. From crocodile and local seafood to tropical fruits and vegetables, each dish tells a story of the Top End’s rich flavours. As you dine, your guide shares fascinating insights into Darwin’s culture, Aboriginal and contemporary history, architecture, and local life. Enjoy a welcome drink of beer, wine, or spirits at the first venue, plus a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage throughout. With vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options available, this relaxed and accessible experience offers a true taste of Darwin, complete with a tropical dessert to finish.

Darwin has a fantastic mix of things to do, whether you are joining a tour or going the self-guided route. Make sure you head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market and wander the multitude of stalls. Join a sunset harbour cruise and soak up the sunset with drinks and canapes. Catch a film under the stars at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema (known as "The Deckie" to locals); all screenings start at 7:30pm and local eateries have food stalls to keep your hunger at bay.
There are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world, so jump in a boat or visit Crocosaurus Cove and meet the real locals. If you're looking to stretch your legs, visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. These beautiful, exotic gardens are home to some spectacular plant species that provide a tropical oasis where you can learn about their natural and cultural history.

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!