Darwin to Jabiru drive: Arnhem Highway to Kakadu distance & attractions

The Darwin to Jabiru drive along the Arnhem Highway is 254km in distance, with a 2h40m driving time. Kakadu road trip attractions along the way include Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises and birdwatching at the Mamukala Wetlands.

The drive from Darwin to Jabiru along the Arnhem Highway is one you’re likely to undertake if you’re exploring Kakadu National Park.

Darwin brings schooner cruises, airboat tours and cage-swimming with massive crocodiles. To search for the best Darwin accommodation deals, head here. To check out the full range of tours and experiences available, go here.

Jabiru is the main settlement within the national park, with Jabiru accommodation options including the fabulously weird crocodile-shaped hotel.

The Arnhem Highway branches off the Stuart Highway, 35km south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The length of the Arnhem Highway is 227km, although it goes on past Jabiru to Cahills Crossing at the East Alligator River.

Darwin to Jabiru distance and driving times

The distance from Darwin to Jabiru is 254km. That makes for a Darwin to Jabiru driving time of around two hours and 40 minutes. You should budget longer, however, as there are plenty of Kakadu road trip attractions to pack in along the way.

The best places to stay in Darwin

You can check out deals on a wide range of Darwin accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.

• For luxury on a special occasion: The superior suites with direct lagoon pool access at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
• For the buzziest location at the Waterfront: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
• The one with the best guest ratings: Hudson Parap.
• For affordable city centre apartments with a pool: City Gardens Apartments.
• For the magic combo of quality, price and location: Travelodge Resort Darwin.

The Darwin to Jabiru drive passes through Berrimah, Palmerston and Coolalinga before joining the Arnhem Highway at Humpty Doo. You can stop at the Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery here if you’re so inclined.

Arnhem Highway attractions: Pudakul and jumping crocodile cruises

Further along the Arnhem Highway is the base for Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours. Then comes the Adelaide River, home to several jumping crocodile cruise operators. These tours dangle meat over the side of the boat, encouraging the massive saltwater crocodiles that live in the Adelaide River to jump up for a feed.

Somewhat less circus-esque crocodile-spotting cruises are available at the Corroboree Billabong, a little further east.

Darwin to Jabiru drive: Mary River National Park and Mamukala Wetlands

Before entering Kakadu National Park, you’ll skirt the edge of Mary River National Park. And once in Kakadu, you’ll quickly come to the South Alligator River. Here you can stretch your legs on the Gungarre Walk, or go birdwatching at the Mamukala Wetlands.

Before arriving at your Jabiru accommodation, it’s a good idea to nip onto the Kakadu Highway for an hour or two at the Bowali Visitor Centre. Here, you can learn a lot about the local Aboriginal culture and the Kakadu ecosystem. You’ll discover the Aboriginal six seasons and get a better idea of why Kakadu is World Heritage-listed.

Those spending a bit more time in the Northern Territory might want to include the Darwin to Jabiru drive as part of a longer Top End driving route, which also includes Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine and Litchfield National Park.

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