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Northern Territory Top End Flexi Self Drive Holiday 10D/9N

Discover the best of Australia’s Top End on this flexible 10-day self-drive journey, combining iconic national parks, rich Aboriginal culture, tropical landscapes, and relaxed coastal city life. Beginning and ending in Darwin, this itinerary takes you through Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine Gorge, Mataranka, and Litchfield National Park, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace while enjoying guided cultural experiences, scenic cruises, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes.

From Darwin to Darwin – Dry Season

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Darwin’s tropical charm with city sights, Aboriginal art, botanic gardens, and a memorable sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour

  • Journey through Kakadu National Park, stopping at wetlands, billabongs, and lookouts, and immerse yourself in the world’s oldest living culture

  • Experience Arnhem Land with local Indigenous guides, including Cahill’s Crossing and a visit to Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre

  • Cruise the dramatic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, swim beneath seasonal waterfalls, and relax in the thermal pools of Mataranka Springs

  • Discover the waterfalls and natural rock pools of Litchfield National Park, including Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Berry Springs before returning to Darwin

Price from

$3,190.00

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Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • - 11 day automatic, 4 door intermediate sedan car hire with Avis or Budget, on NIL excess rate.
  • - 9 night accommodation in 4 star hotels, standard guest room, room only.
  • - 2 lunches & 2 dinners.
  • - Darwin City Sights half day tour from Darwin.
  • - Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darwin.
  • - Arnhemlander Cultural Heritage 4WD day tour from Jabiru.
  • - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise from Jabiru.
  • - Timeless Land 3 Gorge Cruise from Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park.
  • - Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise from Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park.

Departures:

Daily, all year round.

Additional Information:

  • - The car type can be upgraded to a compact SUV, Full Size Sedan, standard SUV, Large SUV, 8 Seater Van or Large 4WD.
  • - The accommodation in each destination can be upgraded or can be changed to self contained apartment style or lodges, breakfast can be added at the hotels or lodges with suitable facilities.
  • - All drivers must have a physical open valid drivers license to present on pick-up.
  • - There is no maximum age limit. The drivers under 21 years old must pay a daily surcharge direct on pick-up.
  • - Child safety seats and booster seats can be provided with an extra cost, to be paid direct on pick-up. The child seats and the booster seats have to be requested at the time of booking.
  • - Roof racks, snow chains and tow bars are not allowed.
  • - If you return the vehicle earlier than agreed, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please Note:

  • - One way fee and/or airport pick-up & drop-off fee may apply, please check with your V Travel Network sales consultant.
  • - This is a suggested self drive itinerary, the itinerary can be done in the opposite direction, the number of nights in each destination can be extended or reduced.
  • - Offered tours can be removed or more day tours & activities can be added.
  • - The itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples & families.

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin

Collect your vehicle from Darwin Airport and drive to Darwin city.
(11 km, 15 minutes drive)

Overnight Darwin. (Paid parking)

Day 2: Darwin City Sights & Sunset Dinner Cruise

Today explore the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT, admire Aboriginal Art and stroll through the Darwin Botanic Gardens on a half day guided tour of Darwin.

Enjoy the 2 hour Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise offering unbeatable harbour views paired with a Territory-style buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce.

Overnight Darwin. (Paid parking)

Day 3: Darwin to Kakadu

Depart for Jabiru, located in the heart of Kakadu National Park.

On the way, stop at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and visit the Window on the Wetlands for stunning views of the Top End’s wetlands. (260 km, 2 hours 55 minutes drive)

Overnight Jabiru. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 4: Kakadu & Arnhem Land

Explore Arnhem Land & Northern Kakadu on an exceptional full day tour with an experienced guide.

Journey across Cahill’s Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land.

Meet Aboriginal artists at Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre in Oenpelli. (221 km, 2.5 hours drive)

Overnight Jabiru. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 5: Guluyambi Cultural Cruise - Katherine

This morning join the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, a unique boat tour on Kakadu’s scenically spectacular East Alligator River.

Learn the local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants & animals as well as bush survival skills.

Then travel towards Pine Creek and onto Katherine, making a stop at Edith Falls. (305 km, 3.5 hours drive)

Overnight Katherine. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 6: Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Enjoy a 4 hour scenic 3 gorges cruise, learning the in-depth history and function of the eight to ten thousand year old Indigenous rock art you will see on this journey.

Whilst visiting the third gorge, you’ll have the opportunity to swim at the Lillypond seasonal waterfalls or at the shallow rock pools.

Overnight Katherine. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 7: Katherine & Mataranka Springs

Today drive to Mataranka, 107 km from Katherine.

The thermal pools of Mataranka are a very popular swimming spot and have a constant temperature of 34 degrees Celsius.

This evening experience the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise and discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of Nitmiluk Gorge.

Overnight Katherine. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 8: Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Drive to Litchfield National Park and explore the Top End’s most accessible natural attraction offering swimming and spectacular waterfalls.

Visit Buley Rockhole, Wangi, Tolmer & Florence Falls and the magnetic termite mounds. (255 km, 3 hours drive)

Overnight Litchfield National Park. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 9: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

Enjoy more time at Litchfield National Park and return to Darwin via Berry Springs, one of the most beautiful parks to cool off and relax on your way. (110 km, 1.5 hours drive)

Overnight Darwin. (Paid parking)

Day 10: Darwin Airport

Drop your vehicle off at Darwin Airport, AVIS or Budget depot.