Alice Springs to Kakadu

7 Nights/8 Days

Day 01: Alice Springs and Surrounds

Dive into the Red Centre's rugged beauty by visiting its wild swimming pools. Start with a visit to the sacred Standley Chasm, a rocky canyon with a deep pool. Venture to Simpsons Gap, where a natural pool reflects a split between two red rock cliffs. Afterward, relax with a pint at Alice Springs Brewing Co, and check into the Doubletree by Hilton for a restful night.

Day 02: The West MacDonnell Ranges

Continue your waterhole trail with a 30-minute drive from Ellery Creek Big Hole to Glen Helen Gorge, where you’ll find views of Mount Sonder and a waterhole that’s home to native fish and birdlife. Less than 25 minutes from there is Redbank Gorge, another unique spot for a splash. Finish your day by camping under the stars at Squeaky Windmill.

Day 03: Alice Springs to Katherine

Catch a flight north from Alice Springs to Katherine. Take to the rejuvenating thermal waters of Bitter Springs to bathe in warm natural spas. Another calming spring is the Mataranka thermal pool. Finally, explore the soothing pools at Katherine Hot Springs before spending the night at the luxurious Cicada Lodge.

Day 04: Katherine and Surrounds

Explore Nitmiluk Gorge, just 20 minutes from the town of Katherine. Here, the Katherine River carves its way through red sandstone cliffs to form a chain of 13 scenic gorges. Take a short hike to Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a refreshing dip in the pools. Paddle beneath towering cliffs, join a Malappar Traveller experience for some fun above the water, or board a helicopter to soar above the ancient landscape. Finish your day at Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery, where you can learn to paint using traditional symbols.

Day 05: Katherine to Litchfield

Drive north to Litchfield National Park, around a three-hour drive from Katherine. Take a dip in the deep plunge pool at Florence Falls. Along the same road, delight in the sights and sounds of Buley Rockhole, a chain of spa-like shallow pools. The most popular place to get wet is Wangi Falls, where you can swim in a large natural pool. Spend the night in peaceful seclusion at Hideaway Litchfield.

Day 06: Litchfield National Park

Spend a second day in Litchfield National Park. Take a moderate hike to Sandy Creek Falls/Tjaynera Falls, where you can dig your toes into the pool’s soft floor. Visit the intriguing spectacle of the Magnetic Termite Mounds. Then, drive an hour to Berry Springs, an oasis littered with wildflowers and greenery. Finish your day at Litchfield Tourist Park, where you can cook a hearty dinner around the barbecues.

Day 07: Litchfield to Kakadu

Drive three hours to Kakadu National Park. If you prefer a crowd-free spot, take a two-hour hike to the magical swimming spot of Motor Car Falls. If you prefer a shorter hike, head to Maguk Gorge (also known as Barramundi Gorge). Afterward, take a sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to spot birds, buffalo, and crocodiles. Bed down in a crocodile-shaped hotel for the night at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.

Day 08: Kakadu

Spend your last day in Kakadu. Take a guided two-hour tour of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site to listen to local Aboriginal stories and admire ancient rock art. During the dry season, the 200m (656ft) tall Jim Jim Falls slows to a gentle trickle, allowing visitors to swim in the water below.

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