Kakadu National Park is memorising. Tropical wetlands and the best of Aboriginal rock art defines the world heritage status park.
Undoubtedly Kakadu National Park is remote, hot, humid with plenty of mosquitoes an issue yet the continuous human link reaches back 20,000 years plus. The copious wildlife, over 10,000 wild crocodiles alone makes the journey an original Australian outback adventure.
Dust off the Akubra hat, the well-worn tramping boots, find the mosquito repellent and get going. Kakadu is the largest national park, jointly managed by Parks Australia and the Bininj / Mungguy people. Outback exploration does not come much better than Kakadu.
The best time to visit Kakadu National Park is the dry season (May – September). Most roads are open and the weather is reliable. The coolest months are June – August.
TOP ELEVEN ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO IN KAKADU
1. KAKADU NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE – BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE IN JABIRU
Be informed, ask questions of the local rangers and check access conditions in the Bowali Visitor Centre. Take time and stroll through the Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru to learn about the flora and fauna, habitats and geology of Kakadu through interactive displays, videos and an extensive library.
Check out the attached Marwadi Gallery.
2. CAHILLS CROSSING, EAST ALLIGATOR RIVER
Drama as you enter Kakadu doesn’t get any better than a ford river crossing. There is no bridge, rather a concrete foundation with tidal water swirling over the surface. Recommended is a high wheel base 4×4 as well as Kakadu access check. Cahills Crossing is a very popular crocodile haunt.
Witness the spectacle of massive reptiles hanging out watching the tourists dare enter their realm. Read the daunting Cahills Crossing notice and shiver with the adventure of driving over East Alligator river ford. There are viewing platforms, rainforest walk nearby to observe the action.
3. BIRDS, A TWITCHER’S DELIGHT – OVER 290 BIRD SPECIES
Mamukala Wetlands is a premier birdwatching destination. There’s a bird hide, wheelchair accessible via a flat (unsealed loop walk).
Bird species: magpie geese and kites to jacanas, cormorants, willie wagtails, swamp hens, finches, sea eagles and kingfishers.
Aussie birds, Mitchell cockatoo, Kakadu National Park Aussie birds, blue winged kookaburra Kakadu National Park 4. AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL ABORIGINAL ART & CRAFTS SHOPPING
- Manbiyarra Border Store, nearby Cahills Ford Crossing is a pop up art store by Injalak Arts.
- Injalak Arts is open by invitation only. The Art Centre is located in Gunbalanya, an Aboriginal community of 1200 in West Arnhem Land at the top of the Northern Territory in Australia. There are over 200 active artists, many working on site.
- Marrawuddi Arts & Culture in located in Jabiru, the nearest town outside the Arnhem Land boundaries. The gallery and coffee shop that is owned and operated by the Mirrar community.
- Warradjan Cultural Centre, is located in Cooinda, a town close to Jabiru and Arnhem Land boundary.
ARNHEM LAND – ENTRY POINTS
Arnhem Land is Aboriginal owned and managed. Permits are required to enter Arheim. Most visitors join an organised tour due to the logistics of getting around as well as limited number of permits issued.
5. WATERFALLS, ARNHEM LAND
- Jim Jim Falls is the most photographed due to the sheer rock walls and spectacular views. Consider the steep 900 m trail with its boulders before taking mobility impaired or kids on this trail. The waterfall view of twin pools, ochre tinted rock cliffs is enticing.
- Ikoymarrwa (Moline) Falls is easily accessible from a nearby carpark. Enjoy the freshwater pools from April to June with wet season flows still active.
- Gunlom is a must-see and a highlight of everyone’s Kakadu bucket list. Follow Parks Australia for advice on pool access and safety advice. The location has BBQ and toilet facilities as well as is accessible by 4WD vehicle. There is an authorised bush camp site. The water is not drinkable. Booking is required beforehand. Gunlom is a short, but steep hike.
6. UBIRR ROCK ART & THE ICONIC SUNSET VIEWS
The 1km loop track passes several rock-art sites. A 1 km circular track takes you past the rock art sites before a steep 250 m climb to a rocky lookout with 360-degree views of Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain. Allow at least an hour for this walk, or more if you want to sit at the lookout and absorb the views.
Much of the art here features fish, turtles, goanna and other important food animals. At the main gallery, a painting of a thylacine (the Tasmanian tiger, which became extinct on the mainland more than two thousand years ago) is a rare treat, and gives an idea of the age of some of this art.” Ubirr walk | Kakadu National Park
Ubirr’s rock art is considered among the best in the world, with fine examples of x-ray painting as well as contact art from the time when Indigenous people first encountered Europeans. Stories about behaviour and law are told at the Mabuyu, Narmarrkan Sisters and Rainbow Serpent paintings.
Other viewing sites for Aboriginal art are Nourlangie and Nanguluwur.
7. WALKS IN ARNHEM LAND
- Kubara Pools Walk, a series of freshwater pools located near the well know Burrungky ((Nourlangie) rock art site. The Kubara Pools trail weaves a path through the monsoon forest with plenty of bird life to tempt you to stop and observe nature. The trail is 3 km (one way).
- Gungurul Lookout Walk is an easy 2 km (loop) trail through monsoon forest. The 2 km return walk begins from the Gungurul campsite and leads to a spectacular lookout, featuring scenes of South Alligator valley. The trail involves climbing to the lookout point and is best undertaken from April to November.
- There are a number of lookouts with hikes from 3 – 8 km. Remember to pack: sunscreen, hat, walking shoes, insect repellent and plenty of food and water!
8. BARRAMUNDI FISHING
In Kakadu fishing is not just a rod and a boat. You are casting rods in the vicinity of salt water crocodiles and native birds.
Your prized catch can be taken to the restaurant at Cooinda Lodge for your evening meal. Inquire beforehand preparation cost.
9. YELLOW WATERS SUNSET CRUISE
The sunset cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong is a popular activity. The cruise is between 1 ½ hours to 2 hours. There is a commentary. The billabong springs into life.
Wildlife viewing is assured as bird species start their dusk feeding and snakes, spiders and various creeping insects can be found in the trees along the banks. Water Buffalo and crocodiles are big ticket attractions.
10. HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
A helicopter flight is one of the most popular things to do in Kakadu National Park. Not only is it a great way to take in the whole park, it also lets you access areas that are otherwise closed. For example, when Jim Jim Falls is at its peak it is off limits to tourists. Often it is also closed in the wet season before it can be checked for crocodiles and opened to the public.
This means when Jim Jim Falls is at its’ peak tourists can’t even see it. That’s where a helicopter flight not only gives you an epic perspective but access to the best spots at the perfect time of the year.
11. KAKADU AS A ZEN MOMENT: THE OUTBACK
Relax, refresh and revive the spirits in the silence and timelessness of Kakadu. The sun drenched slabs of rock and sand around waterfalls are the perfect location to sink into Kakadu time with nothing but the birds and the breeze.
Perhaps the occasional backpacker might stroll by. Lots of space for the two of you in the remoteness of Kakadu.
Kakadu & Other NT National Parks Tours and Activities – BOOK NOW & SAVE up to 47%!
Wifi is patchy, you will be definitely switched off, literally.
At 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is huge! To make getting around easier, the park is divided into seven regions. Each region offers unique habitats to explore – from East Alligator (Erre), Jabiru, Jim Jim/Twin Falls, Mary River, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), South Alligator and Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba).
WHERE IS KAKADU NATIONAL PARK LOCATED?
Kakadu National Park is located in Australia’s tropical north. The largest visitor centre is Bowlie Visitor Centre, near the township of Jabiru which is 250km from Darwin. Kakadu is enormous, extending 200 km from north to south and over 100km east to west.
Coastal estuaries, floodplains, billabongs and lowlands to rock escapements and stone country in the south. Over a third of Australia’s birds call Kakadu home and the park is a reservoir of Australian fish species.
ALL Kakadu National Park Tours – BOOK NOW (free cancellation available)
KAKADU ACCESS
Roads and Access. Kakadu is vast, over 20,000 square kilometres, unsealed roads often restricted to 4WD. Self-guided visitors need to carry surplus fuel, tyres and spades to dig a vehicle out of an unexpected hole. It is advised if you are using a rental you are familiar with how to change the tyre and if the necessary gear is easily accessible.
KAKADU NATIONAL PARK WIFI AND MOBILE ACCESS
Mobile reception is non-existent, in many areas. Jabiru township and Cooinda have limited access to networks. Kakadu sites have emergency call devices in the carpark. Guides usually carry satellite phones.
KAKADU VISITOR SAFETY
- Carry water everywhere and fill up bottles whenever possible.
- Clothing and mosquitoes. Insect repellant is necessary. Long loose pants and a shirt made of natural material is recommended. Sturdy walking boots while seemingly hot are a protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
- Sunscreen and protection against the heat is necessary.
TIP: Mosquitoes are enormous, be prepared to carry industrial quantities of insect repellant, Aussie made as it is designed to master the biting insects of all shapes and sizes.
IS IT BETTER TO STAY AT COOINDA OR JABIRU WHEN VISITING KAKADU NATIONAL PARK?
Cooinda has more accommodation options and is located right next to yellow water billabong, home to yellow water cruises. It is also the base for the spirit of Kakadu 4wd adventure tours.
40 min (57.8 km)via Kakadu Hwy/A21/State Route 21
A Darwin day trip to Kakadu National Park allows between 2 – 3 hours in the park. The balance of time is spent travelling from Darwin which is 253 km (one way).
If you are interested in Aboriginal culture and rock art Kakadu is the better option. If you are interested in tropical waterfall pools, swimming and unique termite mounds then it’s Litchfield.
Litchfield is a much smaller park and easy to navigate in suburban vehicles. Wildlife enthusiasts will head to Kakadu to view the abundant crocodiles, birds and wild buffalo. Litchfield is much closer to Darwin making for an easy day trip without excessive time spent in a vehicle.
The recommended time to visit Kakadu National Park is a minimum of 2 nights, 3 days to allow for a billabong Yellow River Cruise, view Aboriginal rock art, explore waterfalls and walks and linger in local art galleries.
HOW FAR IS KAKADU NATIONAL PARK BOUNDARY (JABIRU)?
| DARWIN | 2 hr 39 min (253 km), via Arnhem Hwy/State Route 36 |
| NITMILUK KATHERINE GORGE | 3 hr 25 min (326 km), via Kakadu Hwy/A21/State Route 21 and National Highway 1 |
| LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK | 3 hr 2 min (299 km), via Arnhem Hwy/State Route 36 |
- Most visitors arrive in Darwin via tour buses.
- You will need a KAKADU NATIONAL PARK PASS. The Kakadu National Park Pass can be purchased online at from Parks Australia or from Tourism Top End in Darwin CBD, The Bowali Visitor Centre which is National Park Headquarters and is just a couple of kilometres down the Kakadu Highway (turnoff just before Jabiru).
- If you are coming from Katherine you can get them at Mary River Roadhouse which is the next fuel stop after Pine Creek, the southern entrance / exit for the Park. You will need a vehicle in the National Park if you are an independent traveller.
STAY IN A CROCODILE THEMED HOTEL OR LUXURY LODGE
The Mercure Crocodile Hotel in JABIRU (nearest settlement outside Kakadu boundary) is as unique as its ancient, stunning surroundings.
Cooinda Lodge, it was comfortable and being the hub of lots of tours run by the same owner was convenient for a solo traveller. Fully Indigenous-owned, Cooinda Lodge is part of the Kakadu Tourism group and is managed by Accor Hotels.
In addition to the Lodge accommodation, Cooinda offers extensive campground facilities Cooinda Campground & Caravan Park | Tourism NT | Explore Kakadu. The Warradjan Cultural Centre is managed by the traditional owners in conjunction with Accor Group. Campgrounds are also directly managed by Parks Australia Camping and caravans | Kakadu National Park, for camping options check out what suits your needs.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Crocodile Safety – Be Croc Wise
Crocodile safety: Be Crocwise | NT.GOV.AU
Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous to people and pets. You should always be aware of the risk of a saltwater crocodile attack in all Top End waterways. It is never 100% safe to enter the water. Your personal safety is your responsibility.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
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