5-day Darwin to Katherine road trip

From wartime and cyclones to stories of the Larrakia people, Darwin’s not short of momentous tales old and new. Take a deep dive into the city’s history at Darwin’s collection of museums, theatres and galleries.

Pay a visit to Crocosaurus Cove, home to some of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocodiles. If you’re feeling brave, plunge into the Cage of Death, where you’ll (safely) get an up-close look at one of these magnificent reptiles.

Balmy afternoons call for a cool-off. Head to the city’s lively Wave Lagoon to play among the waves with a boogie board (supplied by the lagoon), or put your feet up poolside. A shallow play area makes it perfect for young families, too.

If you’re mad about military history, hop aboard a genuine World War II army truck for the immersive History and Wartime Experience. Learn about pre-war Darwin, colourful historical characters and the infamous bombing of 1942.

When it comes to sunsets, it’s hard to compete with the pastel sky that settles across Darwin at dusk. Watch it melt across the ocean on a 2.5-hour Charles Darwin Sunset Cruise, complete with drinks and snacks.

If you’re visiting between Thursday and Sunday from April to October, take your taste buds on a tour of the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. The food stalls here reflect Darwin’s multiculturalism, from steaming bowls of laksa to tasty Greek treats.

Explore the magnetic termite mounds, one of Litchfield’s most bizarre sights. The flat plain is dotted with two-metre (6.5-foot) high structures over 100 years old. Stroll along the boardwalk to learn about the termites hiding within.

Stop by Florence Falls to bask in the inviting pool and enjoy the nearby Buley Rockhole. Or make a splash at Wangi Falls, home to the most accessible and largest plunge pool in the park.

Waterfall walks don’t get any better than the nearby Tolmer Falls loop walk, an easy 45-minute trail that will bring you to two lookouts over the falls. You’ll pass creeks and rockpools before enjoying a spectacular view.

Hear stories of history and heritage and view vivid artworks at the Aboriginal-owned Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft. This gallery represents artists from the Katherine region, and the art is as diverse as the landscape surrounding it.

Formed millions of years ago, the Cutta Cutta Caves are one of the few places in Australia where you can walk among an ancient landscape of sparkling karst limestone. The caves are home to a surprising variety of wildlife, too.

Unwind at Elsey National Park’s Bitter Springs or the iridescent Katherine Hot Springs. With temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit), they’re as relaxing as they are beautiful.

From April to October, the Katherine Outback Experience gives you a front-row seat to the Northern Territory’s unique pastoral culture. Enjoy the thrill of horse-starting and working dog demonstrations, and nod along to the live music.

A great place to get your bearings is at the Nitmiluk Visitors Centre. Learn about the significance of Nitmiluk Gorge to its Traditional Owners, the Jawoyn people, and get top tips for local tours and experiences.

Full of rocky escarpments and panoramic views, Nitmiluk National Park is a great place to put on your hiking boots and hit the trail. Choose between short or long hikes that lead to waterholes, waterfalls and epic lookouts.

Hire a canoe from Nitmiluk Tours to glide along the gorge, looking out for local wildlife. Then, opt for a sunset dinner cruise to watch the glowing reflections bounce off the gorge at dusk. After the sun sinks low, enjoy a candlelit dinner.

Immerse yourself in Nitmiluk’s natural landscape and culture at Cicada Lodge. This luxurious eco-lodge is perched right next to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and is 100% Indigenous owned. You’ll enjoy on-site dining and stunning rooms.

Feel a sense of freedom during a scenic flight above the Katherine region. Whether by light plane or helicopter, Nitmiluk Gorge from the air offers an entirely different – but no less incredible – perspective.

Set your GPS to Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, an untamed – and relatively unexplored – gorge framed by towering red cliffs. Follow the snaking footpath to see Aboriginal artwork, or wade through the water (checking for croc activity as you go).

Join local Aboriginal guides at Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours to get hands on as you learn about traditional practices on Limilngan-Wulna land. Throw a spear, weave a basket or play the didgeridoo as you soak in the stories, culture and seasonality of the region.