5D4N Top End Nature's Way

Arrive in Darwin. A good starting point is the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT or the Crocosaurus Cove, located right in the heart of Darwin’s CBD. Perhaps you might like to walk on the wild side at the Territory Wildlife Park. Located about an hour out of Darwin, the park offers travellers a close-up encounter at an extensive aquarium with a walk through tunnel where they can stand nose to nose with a 3.7 metre saltwater crocodile, marvel at a daily birds of prey display and trek through the nocturnal house. If it is a Thursday or Sunday, visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (5 pm – 10 pm between May to October). Be spoilt for choice with over 200 quality art and craft stalls , tantalise your tastebuds with more than 50 food stalls offering a range of dishes from across the world and be entertained by a wealth of street buskers.

Overnight: Darwin

Depart Darwin to travel to Jabiru in Kakadu National Park. Birdwatchers and nature lovers should stop along the way at the Window on the Wetlandsand a Jumping crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River to get close and personal with these prehistoric predators. Spend the afternoon basking in the natural beauty of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, where Aboriginal rock art sites, walks to escarpment lookouts, majestic waterfalls and impressive visitor centres await you. Stop off at Mamukala Wetlands, an excellent place to view birds, as they congregate here to feed. One of the best ways to experience Kakadu is from above, so consider a scenic flight. Perhaps you mightwant to start from Ubirr to witness first hand the fascinating manifestations of rock art and visit Bowali Visitor Centre to learn about the wonders of the park.

Overnight: Kakadu

• Note: The Kakadu National Park entry fee is A$25 per adult and children under 16 years are not required to pay. The ticket is valid for 14 consecutive days.

In the morning, take a leisurely cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong Morning Mist Cruise, the best place to experience Kakadu's prolific wildlife. Next, visit Nourlangie Rock Aboriginal rock art and occupation site and Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Continue southward to Katherine via Pine Creek. Gold was first discovered at Pine Creek in 1871 and marvel at the original buildings which were first built in the heady gold days. Pine Creek's attractions include a Railway Station that was built in 1888 and Miners' Park, which houses original mining machinery from olden times. Continue south down the Stuart Highway to the outback town of Katherine.

Overnight: Katherine

Explore the spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) by boat, canoe, helicopter or on foot. Another popular attraction in the park is the Edith Falls (Leliyn), a wonderfully scenic swimming hole fringed by lush green foliage and framed by cascading waterfalls. In the afternoon, take a detour to explore Litchfield NationalPark on the bushwalking tracks, admire the bird and wildlife species and swim in the crystal-clear waterholes under towering waterfalls that flow year-round. A must-see highlight is the amazing magnetic termite mounds. At the end of the day, drive the hour and a half back up the highway to Darwin.

Overnight: Darwin

Visit Aquascene, a quirky and enduring attraction which happens to be a magnet to hundreds of fish from Darwin Harbour each day at high tide. The water boils with large milkfish, mullet and mangrove jack as visitors throw bread into their midst. Or head to Casuarina Square with over 180 stores or visit the Parap Village Saturday Market, a favourite destination to enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch and admire indigenous crafts before heading home or to Central Australia.