Australia’s best landscapes series: Nature’s Way in the Top End

Nature's Way is a four-day journey across Australia's Top End, which encompasses the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and the ancient gorges of Nitmiluk National Park.

Leaving Darwin on the Arnhem Highway and following sealed highways for most of the route, it crosses vast floodplains that are home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Base yourself in Jabiru or Cooinda and spend some slow time enjoying wildlife cruises, ancient Aboriginal rock art, scenic flights, spectacular waterfalls, bushwalking and fishing for that elusive Barramundi.

The road north-east leads to Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), an Aboriginal community in western Arnhem Land. Here, Indigenous artists gather at the Injalak Art and Craft Centre and offer a large collection of authentic art works for sale.

From Kakadu at the southern end near Pine Creek, the Nature’s Way route includes the town of Katherine, home to the stunning Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, where the tropics meet the outback. Take time out to canoe down the ancient gorge system or walk any of the trails that traverse the national park, including the world-class Jatbula Trail. Make sure to explore Pine Creek, a town rich in pioneering history where gold was discovered in 1871.

Discover Kakadu and Katherine

Where to stay: Bamurru Plains

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