Back to nature: 3-day road trip to Kakadu with Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Experience the freedom of nature’s wide open spaces on a fun-filled road trip from Darwin to Kakadu. This three-day Top End road trip promises a relaxed getaway where epic landscapes combine with wildlife, waterfalls and wild swimming holes.

This itinerary was created in partnership with Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

Toyota's launch of its all-new LandCruiser Prado, offers the perfect means to explore more of Australia’s natural beauty, like the Northern Territory. Hit the road and experience unparalleled landscapes, wildlife and ancient cultures of Kakadu National Park, a place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

Start the day poolside in Darwin with breakfast at Novotel Splash Café where tropical breezes waft through the open-sided café. Then it’s time to hit the road for the three-hour drive to Kakadu National Park. World Heritage-listed Kakadu is Australia’s second largest national park and is one of the Territory’s most popular parks. For good reason. Extraordinary rock art sites, floodplains bursting with wildlife, walking trails, swimming holes and spectacular waterfalls are just some of the attractions. Bowali Visitor Centre is worth a visit to find information about sites that may be closed within the park.

The township of Cooinda is on Murumburr Country and is the southern hub of Kakadu. Check into Cooinda Lodge, a resort style oasis that’s an ideal base from which to explore the national park. Nearby is Warradjan Cultural Centre, managed by the Bininj/Munguyy community to showcase the stories and artworks of Bininj artists.

Book a sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to Kakadu’s most famous billabong up close and personal. The waterway is a tributary of South Alligator River and provides habitat for an extraordinary array of wildlife. About one third of Australia’s bird species can be found in Kakadu – look for whistling ducks and Magpie geese which are in abundance. You’ll see birdlife aplenty, but so too the creature everyone wants to see – saltwater crocodiles.

Disembark your cruise (with a gazillion new photos added to your collection!) then sit down for dinner at Cooinda Lodge. Mimi’s restaurant has an indoors air-conditioned dining area along with alfresco Barra Bar (depending on the season). The menu is influenced by native foods such as barramundi with Kakadu plum or kangaroo fillet with native current chutney.

After a hearty breakfast at Mimis, pack your swimmers and your walking shoes for an epic day exploring Kakadu National Park. First up is Moline Rockhole, where a short walking trail leads to a little-known, picture-perfect swimming hole. Eucalypt trees and pandanus palms cling to granite rocks, creating a shady canopy over crystal-clear waters of this private natural pool. Moline is only accessible by a limited number of tour guides, ensuring you’ll have the whole place all to yourself.

Next up, visit Maguk Gorge (also known as Barramundi Gorge) where dramatic sandstone escarpments line a magnificent swimming hole fed by a waterfall flowing year-round. The plunge pool lies at the end of a 1km walking trail that winds through paperbark forest – keep an eye out for the colourful Rainbow Pitta bird which is endemic to northern Australia.

Return to Cooinda for lunch, but don’t linger too long – there’s still plenty more of Kakadu to explore. Drive towards the East Alligator River at the eastern perimeter of Kakadu National Park for one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Territory. And it’s free! Cahills Crossing is where the Arnhem Highway crosses the East Alligator River, providing the only road access route between Kakadu and West Arnhem Land. Depending on the tide, saltwater crocodiles are lured to the area for the plentiful food sources which are trapped near the crossing. A viewing platform above the crossing provides a safe place to watch wild crocodiles doing their thing. Make sure your camera is charged and ready to go – this is not to be missed!

When you’ve had your fill of croc spotting, take time to engage with the extraordinary Aboriginal culture of Kakadu. Take a guided tour with Yibekka Kakadu Rock Art Tours and visit the rock art shelters at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). During a guided tour you’ll discover paintings which are dated more than 20,000 years old. Kakadu’s rock art is regarded as one of the longest historical records of any group of people on Earth. Later, as the sun sinks low on the horizon, take the 1km-long walking trail loop at Ubirr. Pause to admire the magnificent rock art galleries on the way to the lookout point. Time your visit at sunset for spectacular views of the floodplains and escarpments of Kakadu.

Return to Cooinda Lodge for dinner before being lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of gentle breezes rustling through the eucalypt trees. Don’t forget to set the alarm for an early morning walk you won’t want to miss!

Rise and shine bright and early for a 30-minute drive to Nawurlandja Lookout where you’ll enjoy a very special view of Kakadu bathed in golden sunlight at dawn. The view is worth the sleep deprivation – promise! The walk takes about 40 minutes return, depending on how long you linger to watch the changing colours across Anbangbang Billabong, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Another option is to see Kakadu on a scenic heli flight or you can check out more inspiration with Top 10 things to do in Kakadu.

Before leaving Kakadu, stop at the township of Jabiru where Marrawuddi Arts & Culture is a terrific art centre and gallery showcasing the works of more than 500 artists. On the return drive to Darwin, stop at Bark Hut Inn for lunch or book a spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River.

Back in Darwin, we suggest you keep your walking shoes handy – Darwin is a very walkable city. Head to the Waterfront precinct where you’ll find the Wave Lagoon and free saltwater recreation lagoon surrounded by lush gardens along with cafés, restaurants and bars with a relaxed waterfront vibe.

Other options include an underground tour of WWII tunnels, Darwin Military Museum or Fannie Bay Gaol. Shop for art at one of the numerous galleries, visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT) or for something uniquely Territorian, slip into the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove. Don’t be alarmed – it’s totally safe despite its name.

The perfect way to finish your Top End adventure is with a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise. Feast on fresh-caught local seafood and see the city from a different perspective as Darwin’s epic sunset casts a golden glow across Darwin Harbour. If that doesn't float your boat, book a table for dinner to discover Darwin's terrific multi-cultural culinary scene.