The Explorers Way From Adelaide to Darwin in a 4x4

We are from Adelaide on our way to Darwin over the legendary Explorers Way. We have left South Australia(Part 1 of the trip) and The Red Centre around Alice Springs(Part 2 of the trip) behind us and are now arriving in the tropical north. This area is also called The Top End and is known for its crocodiles!

Mataranka Thermal Pool

This bright blue hot spring surrounded by palm trees is the first stop in the tropical north. It is the perfect place to wash off the red sand we are now covered with. Here we encounter the first signs of crocodiles. The hot spring is cordoned off with nets for protection from the crocs. However, it is still exciting for us foreigners to go swimming in water where there could be crocodiles a little further on.

Katherine Gorge

In Nitmiluk National Park we find Katherin Gorge, a collective name for a series of 13 gorges with spectacular sandstone cliffs. A great way to view these is by (dinner) cruise. A more active way is by kayak or by hiking to Butterfly Gorge, for example, and taking a refreshing dip in the water once there. There are also crocodiles in these gorges. But as the Aussies say, "no worries mate, they are just freshies". Fresh water crocodiles are not dangerous, unlike salties, salt water crocodiles. Fortunately, we don't encounter any crocodiles, which saves a panic attack. In Edith Falls, which also falls under Nitmiluk National Park, we hike to Sweet Water Pool. This natural pool is a peaceful oasis where the sky is reflected in the water in a beautiful natural spectacle. The flat rocks provide a nice spot to lay down our bath towels and recover from the long journey so far.

Kakadu National Park

We have arrived in the largest national park in Australia. Again, a 4x4 provides additional opportunities to explore the remote waterfalls and waterholes that Kakadu is famous for: Jim Jim and Twin Falls and Gunlom Plunge Pool await us. Some campsites are also accessible only by 4x4, making them nice and quiet. The amazing rock art in this area is a highlight. The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, I can also recommend. Besides gliding right past crocodiles on the water, the Aboriginal guides teach us about their culture, mythology and traditional survival techniques.

Darwin

On the way to Darwin, we drive through a forest fire for a stretch. This is a normal phenomenon for Australians and, moreover, nature needs it to reproduce. On me, however, it makes a big impression to drive through the thick smok and see flames. Darwin, is the end point of the trip. We visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here we learn what it is like to live in the extreme climate Darwin has, including cyclones. We are now near Asia, which is reflected in the food. We visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Here from the beach, with delicious food in our hands, we enjoy an amazing sunset one last time. A fitting end to this special road trip through the heart of Australia.