Overview
Connect with the oldest living culture on earth. The rugged and remote beauty of Kakadu has stories to share that will take your breath away and touch your heart.
In Australia’s biggest national park, you’ll find ancient landscapes with thundering waterfalls, lush rainforests, wandering wetlands, exotic wildlife and ancient rock art. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listing renowned for both its cultural and natural values.
See breathtaking horizons from the top of a Kakadu escarpment. Cruise on the stunning Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat, including millions of migratory birds who in part call the park’s wetlands home. Not only is Kakadu spectacular, but you can feel yourself come alive among the lush rainforests, rocky gorges, serene swimming pools and the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. With more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites in the park, the Bininj/Mungguy people have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years. Here they’ll teach you about their ancient culture and the regions’ dramatic seasons. Only three hours’ drive from Darwin, Kakadu National Park has been waiting for you.
Climate
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Summer
Dec—Feb36°C Avg. High32°C Avg. Low -
Winter
Jun—Aug33°C Avg. High30°C Avg. Low
Places to go
Cooinda
The township of Cooinda is located in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, on the banks of the Yellow Water Billabong, recognised as one of the most spectacular wetlands in the world. Cooinda is home to the Warradjan Cultural Centre where visitors can gain an insight into the culture of the local Aboriginal people.
Cooinda is the main access point for the Yellow Water Cruise which travels along Jim Jim Creek and the South Alligator River. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for bird and wildlife spotting. The Yellow Water Cruise is a favourite among bird watchers with sightings of kingfishers, honeyeaters, darters, jacanas, sea eagles, jabirus, and many other interesting species. When the water levels have receded in the Dry Season you can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk at Home Billabong. You may even be able to spot a saltwater crocodile from the viewing platform. Gagudju Lodge Cooinda offers lodge accommodation, cabins, campsites, a grocery outlet, fuel, a souvenir shop, restaurant, and large swimming pool.
Tips
- Cooinda is a popular base for exploring Kakadu National Park, so it’s essential to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Before setting out for Cooinda, check the road conditions, especially if you’re driving a rental vehicle or camper. Some roads in Kakadu National Park may be impassable during wet season, so plan accordingly.
Jim Jim Falls
Whether they’re raging with water or reduced to a mere trickle, the majestic Jim Jim Falls are a sight to behold. Jim Jim Falls is an imposing 200m high waterfall. See it from the air during the tropical season when water roars over the drop and the road is impassable. Take the challenging drive in the dry season when the falls are reduced to a trickle to get up close. Marvel at the contrast between the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment and the white sandy beaches. It’s worth the 900m walk across the rocks to take a dip in the crystal clear water of the plunge pool.
Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre. Then travel a further 60km along the four-wheel drive tracks. Allow two hours one-way. Please note speed limits and drive safely, as the last 10km of track includes areas of soft sand.
Tips
- Check the accessibility of the falls before heading out. Access to Jim Jim Falls is subject to seasonal road closures and may be impassable during the wet season (November to April).
- Pay attention to safety signs and warnings, especially those related to crocodile danger. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the waterways in Kakadu National Park, including the Jim Jim Creek, so observe all safety precautions.
Burrungkuy Rock Art Site
The walls of the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site, in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years. The paintings are a window to a rich spiritual tradition and can be reached by the circular 1.5km Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art walk.
In the dry season, hear a park ranger speak this about ancient gallery and the relationship of the local people to their country and beliefs. In the main (Anbangbang) gallery you’ll see the Creation Ancestor Namondjok, and the Creation Ancestor Namarrkon, the Lightning Man. Climb to the Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and be rewarded with sweeping views of both Kakadu’s escarpment and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock).
Tips
- Access to Burrungkuy Rock Art Site is typically by car or tour bus. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for driving on unsealed roads if you’re self-driving, and check for any road closures or conditions before setting out.
- Check the accessibility and opening times of Burrungkuy Rock Art Site. The site is usually open all year round, but it’s essential to confirm opening hours, especially during the wet season (November to April).
Jabiru
Nestled near the spectacular Arnhem Land Escarpment in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Jabiru was established as a mining town in the 1970s. It is the only Australian town set inside a national park, and is now the main service area for Kakadu, offering a range of accommodation and facilities. The Bowali Visitor Centre has plenty of information about Kakadu and you can collect your park pass at the Centre.
The town supports about 1,100 residents with the Mirrar people the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Jabiru area. The people of Jabiru take pride in their unique town and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with fishing, camping, bush walking and bird watching as favourite pastimes. It has an Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts and a challenging nine-hole golf course.
Tips
- The best time to visit Jabiru and Kakadu National Park is during the dry season (May to October) when the weather is more comfortable, and the park’s attractions are accessible.
- Ensure you pack essential items for your trip, including sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and lightweight clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.
Maguk
One of Kakadu’s lesser-known attractions, Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls. Spot the spangled drongos and rainbow pitas in the rainforest, swim with the black bream in the plunge pool and marvel at the majestic endemic Anbinik trees along the rocky slopes. Located an hour’s drive south from Cooinda, Maguk is accessed from a 14km four-wheel drive track off the Kakadu Highway, followed by a 1km walk through monsoon forests, crossing Barramundi Creek.
Tips
- Maguk is accessible during the dry season (May to October), when the water levels are lower, and the gorge is safer to for swimming and exploring. Access may be restricted during the wet season due to flooding.
- Consider hiking to the upper pools of Maguk for a more secluded and peaceful experience. The hike involves scrambling over rocks and may take around 30-45 minutes, but the reward is a series of stunning waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush vegetation.
Twin Falls Gorge
Twin Falls is set in the magnificent World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. During the dry season the waterfall slows to a trickle. See it from June to November, high clearance 4WD with snorkel is required, allow 2 hours to explore.
Tips
- Enjoy a scenic hike along the Twin Falls Plateau Track to reach the viewing platform overlooking the breathtaking Twin Falls. From there, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters below the falls.
- To access the Twin Falls Gorge, you may need to take a boat shuttle service during the dry season. Check the operating hours and availability of the boat shuttle beforehand and plan your visit accordingly.
Ubirr
Ubirr is one of Kakadu National Park’s two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy 1km circular walking track. Climb the moderately steep 250m track to a rocky outlook with views across the floodplains. Time your visit for a spectacular and unforgettable tropical sunset from the top. There are three main sites of rock art to experience at Ubirr.
The walk to Ubirr takes about an hour and is 1km via a circular walking track from the car park. The climb to the lookout takes a further 30 minutes. During the tropical summer months access is restricted – check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for the latest information.
Tips
- While climbing on the rock formations at Ubirr was once permitted, it’s now prohibited out of respect for the site’s cultural significance and to protect the fragile rock art.
- Entry to Kakadu National Park, including Ubirr, requires a valid park pass. Make sure to purchase your pass before entering the park, either online or at designated entry points.
Yellow Water
Yellow Water is a landlocked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna and is one of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park’s best-known landmarks. See the park’s wildlife on board a Yellow Water Cruise or during a walk along the boardwalks on the water’s edge.
Known as Ngurrungurrudjba, the billabong is located near the small settlement of Cooinda. It’s home to crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife. Get out onto Yellow Water as part of a boat cruise for a closer look at a rich variety of wildlife. The vast range of resident birdlife includes jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and many other native species.
Tips
- Consider booking a morning or sunset cruise for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning light for photography. These times of the day offer cooler temperatures and a higher likelihood of spotting wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and buffalo.
- Entry to Kakadu National Park, including Yellow Water, requires a valid park pass. Make sure to purchase your pass before entering the park, either online or at designated entry points.
Tips & Suggestions
- Some areas in Kakadu may require permits for entry or camping. Make sure to obtain any necessary permits before your trip.
- The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Kakadu when the weather is more predictable, and most attractions are accessible. However, keep in mind that it’s also the busiest time. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.
