Create a travel plan for a 5 day self drive trip from Darwin thru Litchfield, Kakadu and Katherine on the Natures Way and return to Darwin on a loop road trip

Create a travel plan for a 5 day self drive trip from Darwin thru Litchfield, Kakadu and Katherine on the Natures Way and return to Darwin on a loop road trip

Access: 2 Wheel Drive on sealed and minor unsealed roads access
Start: From Darwin
Return: To Darwin in Northern Territory Australia
Highlights: Litchfield National Park , Kakadu National Park

• Nature's Way recognised as Top Travel Scenic route in Australia: Nature's Way winds through a wetland wilderness steeped in pioneering history and Aboriginal culture. The triangular drive commences in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, and meanders through the Adelaide and Mary River wetlands to World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park - owned and jointly managed by a number of Aboriginal clans. Then it's on to Litchfield National Park with its stunning waterfalls and return to Darwin. For photographic, wildlife and bird watching enthusiasts, this is a dream drive on a fully sealed road - suitable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle.

• Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu National Park
On this day travel a total 250 kms from Darwin to Jabiru in Kakadu National Park . Depart Darwin on the Explorer's Way and turn left onto the Arnhem Highway. From there turn right and the jumping crocodile cruise is located on their private stretch of the Adelaide River at the end of Fogg Dam Road. All in all it was about 75 minutes since you leave Darwin. I then followed to the right on a dirt track form some 5klm to Harry Bowmans - Adelaide River Crocodile cruise. (Please note motorhome access may not be permitted but there are other Crocodile cruises leaving from the Adelaide River Bridge a bit further up. Last we heard it was $43 for a adult and $16 for a child with 4 cruises a day and the boat captivity is 30 folks. Cruise times are 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm Daily from May to November.

Continue along to Jabiru in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park . Birdwatchers and nature lovers should stop along the way at the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and a jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. Spend the night in the township of Jabiru.

• Day 2 and 3: Kakadu National Park (really just to see Gunlom Falls, Koolpin Fall, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk Gorge, Nourlangie Art Site you need an extra 5 days best to see JimJimFalls.com for ideas)
Spend the next two or three days experiencing Kakadu. There are many Aboriginal rock art sites, walks to escarpment lookouts, waterfalls and impressive visitor centres. One of the best ways to experience Kakadu is from the air, so consider a scenic flight. There are also day trip options with indigenous experiences and Twin Falls boat cruises. Join a river or billabong cruise, the best place to experience Kakadu's prolific wildlife with a local Aboriginal guide.

Camp the night at Cooinda. Situated 3 hours from Darwin, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda offers convenient access to Kakadu National Park attractions. Take the Stuart Highway south from Darwin, then transfer to the Arnhem Highway towards Jabiru. Travel approximately 225 kilometres then turnoff to the Pine Creek Highway and travel 54 kilometres to the Cooinda turnoff.

• Day 4: Kakadu National Park and Pine Creek
Travel from Jabiru to Litchfield National Park a total of 360 kms. Depart Jabiru and continue south to Pine Creek. Gold was discovered at Pine Creek in 1871 and the original buildings built back in the heady gold days still stand. Pine Creek's attractions include a Railway Station that was built in 1888 and Miners' Park which houses original mining machinery. Head back onto the Explorer's Way to Litchfield National Park . Spend the night in its gateway township of Batchelor.

• Day 5: Litchfield National Park
Spend the day exploring Litchfield on the bushwalking tracks, admiring the bird and wildlife species, and swimming in the crystal-clear waterholes under thundering waterfalls that flow year-round. At the end of the day, drive the hour-and-a-half back up the highway to Darwin.

Notes:
Fatigue causes many crashes in Australia.
When driving long distances, stop and rest every 1-2 hours.
Try to have someone sit beside you to keep you company driving as our NT roads can be long and straight. (But not distract you)
Alcohol and driving don�t mix.
The blood alcohol level is 0.05.
Seat belts and child restraints must be worn by all vehicle occupants.
Always carry a copy of your driver�s license in English.
Take plenty of water on all outback trips;
Check distances and driving conditions; and ensure you have adequate petrol at all times.
Remember, rule �Number 1� in the Outback: if your car breaks down you MUST stay with your vehicle for safety reasons.
Don�t drive after dark.
Parks & Wildlife Commission Northern Territory provides information on Camping, National Parks, and Permits.
Ensure you are informed re the safety of swimming in the �Top End� � many areas are not safe to swim due to crocodiles.

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