Pick up your TERRITORY THRIFTY RENTAL CAR SUZUKI VITARA 4WD vehicle either at the Darwin Airport Depot or Darwin City Depot and commence drive to Kakadu National Park . Traveling from Darwin for 25 kilometers you may want to stop at Fogg Dam where you can see a myriad of birdlife year round. (Take the road on the left and travel for approximately 9 kms). After a brief stop, go back on the main road and continue your trip on Arnhem highway. After a short drive you may want to stop at the Windows of the Wetlands Visitors Centre for an introduction to Kakadu National Park .

Continue along the Arnhem Highway to Jabiru where you may want to have lunch. The drive from Darwin to Jabiru is approximately 285 kilometers. Or alternatively, you may choose to turn off to Ubirr Rock where you can see Aboriginal Rock Art, this drive is approximately 55 kilometers. After visiting Ubirr Rock continue back through Jabiru to Cooinda to arrive at your overnight accommodation AURORA KAKADU . The drive from Ubirr Rock to Cooinda is approximately 105 kilometers. The drive from Darwin to Cooinda is approximately 315 kilometers.

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK - Towering over the park's wetlands is the huge 500km long Arnhem Land escarpment which was created about 2 billion years ago. This ancient landscape will leave you with a feeling of majesty and awe. It's natural geological features, including rock formations, powerful waterways, towering cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and quiet, peaceful streams and lagoons, as well as it's diverse wildlife, and unique plant life, together with some of the country's best Aboriginal art galleries, adds up to a truly magnificent area. The value of Kakadu's treasures is also reflected in the park's World Heritage listing, awarded for both cultural and natural significance.

JABIRU is the centre of Kakadu's residential hub. The town, originally built for workers from the Ranger Uranium Mine, also houses many of the park employees. The Ranger Uranium Mine is 4km further on and tours of the mine are conducted regularly. The Bowali Visitor Centre and Park Headquarters - is located on the edge of Jabiru on the Kakadu Highway . This Centre provides everything you need to know about the park.

UBIRR ROCK is situated 40km from Jabiru and is where the main road crosses the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land (which is accessible only with a permit). Ubirr, reached by sealed road on this side of the river, is one of the main accessible art sites in the park. A 1km easy walking circuit trail leads from the car park. There are various art styles here, including the stick-like Mimi figures, some estimated to be up to 20,000 years old, but the more recent, dramatic, x-ray style is the most striking. Whilst at Ubirr, climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for splendid views out over the Kakadu countryside. You will also get a panoramic vista over the nearby billabongs of the Arnhem wetlands and the huge Arnhem Land escarpment, which lies across the East Alligator River .

Today enjoy a full day exploring Kakadu National Park.
Following are some places of interest:
YELLOW WATERS - located virtually in the centre of the park, Yellow Waters is a magnificent billabong on the South Alligator River . Boat cruises on this beautiful stretch of water are popular. The cruises depart from Gagudju Cooinda Lodge. Please make bookings with reception. Also located here is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This excellent centre gives a good insight into local Aboriginal culture with artifacts and locally produced works of art available for sale.
NOURLANGIE ROCK - 33 kms south of Jabiru are the Nourlangie Rock and Anbangbang rock shelter, art sites of great significance to the traditional owners. The main galleries here include some excellent artwork with signboards explaining the figures and the stories behind them. The main circuit trail of 1.5km is a relatively easy stroll of about one hour.

Today depart Kakadu along the Kakadu Highway via Pine Creek to Katherine. At Pine Creek join the Stuart Highway maybe taking a stop at Edith Falls for a swim before continuing to Katherine and your overnight accommodation at the MERCURE INN KATHERINE . The drive today is approximately 340kms.
PINE CREEK was the scene of extensive mining in the 1880's and is now experiencing a rene wal of interest with the reopening of mining activities. There are numerous historic buildings still standing, including the Old Playford Club Hotel, the Repeater Station, the Bakery and the Railway Siding Complex.
KATHERINE is the heart of the real Outback. Attractions in the area include places of historic interest, birds and wildlife in their natural surroundings, caves, gorges, Aboriginal lore and art, and for the adventurers, magnificent waterfalls, canyons and billabongs that are still unspoiled.
NITMILUK (KATHERINE GORGE) NATIONAL PARK - The highlight here is undoubtedly Katherine Gorge, located in the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. The main entrance to the National Park is 32 kilometers from Katherine. Over millions of years, torrential summer rains in Arnhem Land during the wet season have caused the waters of the Katherine River to cut thirteen spectacular serpentine gorges. Cut into ancient rock, the canyon walls climb steeply above cool blue water, and there is abundant bird, fish and animal life, including the fresh water crocodile