Subject to cycles of wet and dry seasons, bathed in hues of the deepest reds, greens and blues, these are quintessential Aussie landscapes. Each offers something different. The smallest of the three, Litchfield National Park is where waterfalls tumble into swimmable waterholes. All three provide a backdrop to one of the oldest cultures on earth, where stories are told through the millennia-old rock art adorning red-walled escarpments and rivers cut through the cliffs, filling rockholes with water and wildlife, including crocodiles.
Most travelers fly into Darwin. From there they take advantage of the excellent roads that connect the parks; distances can be considerable, though not by Aussie standards.
In both Kakadu and Nitmiluk, taking a tour led by a First Nations guide is an essential part of the experience, allowing you to dive deeply into the history of these ancient landscapes. Which one of these you choose to travel in will have a strong impact on how you experience these special places. It usually runs from around April or May through to October.
Sometimes the rains hang on into April, but by May or June the skies are generally clear and temperatures relatively mild; the coolest months are June to August. The rains are a relief when they come, cooling things down considerably. Apart from offering the most pleasant conditions for traveling, the Dry also makes it easier to get around. Roads, including most unpaved side roads, remain open and passable, and all businesses catering to tourists are open. Besides the rains that can disrupt travel plans, hiking trails and many roads become inundated with water, and many businesses close.
In normal years, the first rains usually arrive in November, and continue through until March. It rarely rains all day, every day throughout this period. Rains are at their most intense in February and March. On the plus side, the Wet fills rivers, waterfalls flow strongly and the whole landscape transforms into the most wonderful shades of green.
