How to have the ultimate couple’s adventure in the Top End

The Northern Territory’s Top End is famous for crocs, but you can blend adventure with romance on a couple’s vacation. Simply follow our seven- to 14-day self-drive itinerary.

Darwin – Day 1

Australia’s northernmost capital city is one for the senses, with a fantastic array of Asian-inspired cuisine, plenty of adrenalin-inducing adventure, and stunning beaches perfect for romantic strolls. Ease into your Top End holiday by learning about Indigenous art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. From there, make your way to Darwin Waterfront for a relaxing afternoon under palms. Chill out on one of the sun loungers at Darwin Wave Lagoon or go for a swim in the croc-free Recreation Lagoon.

Sunset over Mindil Beach in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Highlight of the day: sunset on Mindil Beach, before you taste-test your way around the famous markets (held Thursdays and Sundays, April-Oct).

Darwin to Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park – Day 2

305 kilometres

Kakadu National Park is one of the star attractions not just of the Top End but of the entire Northern Territory thanks to its plethora of amazing wildlife and its historical and cultural significance. You could spend seven days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, but if you only have a few there are some highlights adventurous couples should tick off.

On your first day, drop into Bowali Visitor Centre to chat to the park rangers about the conditions of the roads and ask about any recent crocodile sightings in the waterholes. Then make your way to Ubirr, home to incredibly clear examples of ancient Indigenous rock art.

Ancient rock drawings at Ubirr, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territories, Australia.

Highlight of the day: Climbing to the top of the Ubirr rock escarpment for magnificent views across the floodplain.

Cooinda Lodge to Jim Jim Falls (Kakadu) – Day 3

42 kilometres (approx. one hour, one way, depending on road conditions)

Stunning cascading Jim Jim Waterfall, Kakadu.

Hit the ground running by visiting one of Kakadu’s most challenging and hard-to-reach destinations, Jim Jim Falls. In the dry season (May-Oct), spur each other on as you tackle the 900-metre walk through monsoon forest and over large boulders to two natural swimming pools enveloped by a stunning stone amphitheatre.

Pack lunch and plenty of water so you can make a day of it. If you’re visiting during the wet season (Nov-April), nothing beats taking a helicopter ride over the falls. It makes for a special experience as you watch a torrent of water thundering over the rock walls.

Highlight of the day: Seeing this prehistoric oasis, whether you’re flying high or trekking in on foot.

Cooinda Lodge to Maguk (Kakadu) – Day 4

62 kilometres (approx. one hour, one way)

After such a big day visiting Jim Jim, you’ll want to have a relatively easy-going excursion and one of the best is the walk to pretty Maguk Waterfall. Accessible during the dry season, the two-kilometre (return) walk in is fairly flat, although there is a small creek crossing and a sandy stretch just prior to the falls.

Once there, float about in the dark waters as colourful dragonflies rest on your shoulders. Be mindful that you will need a 4WD to get to the Maguk car park.

Yellow Water billabong at dawn, Northern Territories, Australia.

Highlight of the day: A sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong with Indigenous tour company Yellow Water Cruises. This is the best way to see plenty of Kakadu’s most famous residents – crocodiles. Pick up is from Cooinda Lodge.

Large saltwater crocodile, Yellow water billabong, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.

Cooinda Lodge to Nourlangie Rock Art site (Kakadu) – Day 5

46 kilometres

All couples will love the opportunity to see ancient rock art at Nourlangie (Burrungkuy) strolling along the 1.5km loop walk at your own pace. This famous site is dotted with rock paintings depicting life in the area over the past 20,000 years.

Nourlangie Lookout- Sunset paints the buttresses of rock red at Nourlangie, where you can admire the ancient art of the Bininj and Mungguy people.

Afterwards, enjoy a sunset picnic at the top of Nawurlandja Lookout, a 10 minute drive from Nourlangie, before driving back to Cooinda Lodge for the evening.

Highlight of the day: Watching the sunset and the moon rise at the top of Nawurlandja Lookout

Cooinda Lodge to Nitmiluk National Park – Day 6

230 kilometres

Little known outside of the Northern Territory, Nitmiluk National Park has plenty of walking trails, waterfalls and rock art sites. Also called Katherine Gorge, the park is home to 13 beautiful gorges you can explore via canoe, speedboat or on a cultural cruise. If you’re not campers, you can find a motel in nearby Katherine.

Nitmiluk National Park boasts a total of 13 gorges across its vast expanse. (Image: Tourism NT)

Highlight of the day: Swimming at Leliyn (Edith Falls), where time can easily slide by as you soak in the plunge pool in the shade of pandanus palms.

Nitmiluk National Park to Darwin, via Berry Springs Nature Park – Day 7

345 kilometres

It’s a decent day of driving today, so head off early so you have time to call into Berry Springs Nature Park before arriving back in the city. The park is less than an hour from Darwin CBD but will offer respite from the car and heat thanks to its lovely swimming pools. There are a few entry points to the pools, so if one spot looks busy just walk to the next. The water is incredibly clear, so take a waterproof camera and pool noodle, and farewell the NT in true Top-End style.

Soak in Berry Springs Nature Park. (Tourism NT)

Highlight of the day: Rounding out your NT visit with a seafood dinner on Stokes Hill Wharf.

If you have 14 days… instead of returning to Darwin on the seventh day, continue to Katherine, approximately 30 kilometres south-east.

Katherine to Mainoru Store – Day 8

250 kilometres

Driving into Arnhem Land during the dry season (Nov-April) is a serious adventure so today is all about clocking some miles on your way to one of Australia’s final frontiers. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with savannah woodlands and wetlands teeming with wildlife, including more than 260 species of birds, as well as plenty of fish and crocodiles. Note that any visitors to Arnhem Land need to apply for a permit from the Northern Land Council prior to travelling.

Soak in Katherine Hot Springs.

Highlight of the day: Taking a dip in Katherine Hot Springs before you head out of town.

Mainoru Store to Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land – Day 10

480 kilometres

Top up on fuel (and fill extra jerry cans) before continuing along Central Arnhem Road on your way to Nhulunbuy, a town on the Gove Peninsula. The road is largely dirt, so be prepared for corrugations and washouts as you venture deep into one of Australia’s Aboriginal heartlands. East Arnhem Land is for couples chasing authentic Indigenous experiences, with the opportunity to learn about traditional fishing practices, conservation, and the Dreamtime.

Cape Arnhem, East Arnhem Land (Photo: Elise Hassey)

Highlight of the day: Bedding down at Banubanu Beach Retreat, on the northern tip of Bremer Island, 10 kilometres from Nhulunbuy.

East Arnhem Land – Days 11 & 12

East Arnhem Land is hugely popular with fishers, so if your partner or both of you want to try your luck at catching Spanish mackerel and coral trout, sign up for one of the charter tours based in Nhulunbuy. You’ll also want to find time to visit Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, said to be one of the best Indigenous art spaces in Australia. Located at Yirrkala, visitors will discover Yolngu bark paintings, weavings and jewellery, as well as modern Aboriginal artefacts.

On some day tours, traditional spear fishing and crab hunting are on the itinerary. (Image: Lirrwi Tourism)

Highlight of the day: Visiting Bawaka, in East Arnhem Land. One of the most naturally beautiful places in the Top End, Bawaka is a haven of pearl-white beaches – just don’t go swimming.

Nhulunbuy to Katherine – Day 13

730 kilometres

The open road around world-renown Katherine. (Image: Tourism NT)

It’s a whopping driving day today as you begin your journey back to Darwin. Rise early and make the most of the morning before the heat rises. Again, you’ll want to refuel at Mainoru Store and be sure to stock up on your water and car snacks, as well.

Katherine to Darwin – Day 14

320 kilometres

You’ll be well and truly zonked by the time you reach Darwin, so give yourself an afternoon off by beachcombing along some of the city’s sandy stretches. At dusk, head to Nightcliff foreshore, where you can pick up a no-fuss dinner from one of the food trucks and watch the sunset.

Highlight of the day: A romantic evening at Darwin’s al fresco Deckchair Cinema. With film screenings seven nights a week (April-Nov), you’re bound to find something you can agree on.

For more information on things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com