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Protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia
Photo: Nigel Malone, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A trip to the north of Australia is never complete without visiting Kakadu National Park. Sometimes colloquially called "Australia's national park", the park is in the Northern Territory, 171 km east of Darwin and the national park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The park is one of the few listed spots both natural and cultural listed, one of only four in Australia and one of 39 anywhere in the world.
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Through layered sandstone outliers, woodlands and wetlands alongside the East Alligator River, this is one of Kakadu's most interesting short walks which starts at a small carpark 500 m from the upstream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. You can complete it by yourself (map with information sheet available) or join the guided walk departing the shelter on Mondays. Allow 2 hours for this easy to moderate 2.5-km walk. Please enquire with the Bowali Visitor Centre for accessibility as it is subject to weather conditions (flooding) and for the availability of guides.
On Waterfall Creek is a combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas. A steep climb to the top of the waterfall provides sweeping views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu National Park while you enjoy a relaxing soak in the crystal clear pools.
A 6-km return walk past sandstone cliffs to shady monsoon forest pools. Gubara is found 9 km in on the first road to the right after the Nourlangie carpark. It is a pleasant place to spend the heat of the day where the grade is moderate and you should allow four hours to complete. You'll be delighted by the multitudes of butterflies surrounding the pools and can enjoy a refreshing dip after the walk.
An art site near Nourlangie Rock, which is a small Aboriginal rock art gallery. Many rock art styles are represented from hand stencils, dynamic figures in large headdresses carrying spears and boomerangs, Namandi spirits and mythical figures.
One of Kakadu National Park’s two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy one kilometre circular walking track. During the dry season Park Rangers give free scheduled talks about the ancient rock art. A moderately steep 250-m climb takes you to a rocky outlook with views across the floodplains. Enjoying a spectacular tropical sunset from the top of Ubirr is not to be missed. During the tropical summer months access is restricted, check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for the latest information.
Anbangbang Rock
Perhaps the most easily accessible of all rock art, the walls of the site have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition. Paintings such as Namarrgon, lightning man, explore the relationship of the people to their country and beliefs.
just outside of Jabiru, has a wealth of information on the Park's ecology and Aboriginal culture and has an excellent gallery and souvenir shop. The centre's long lineal design was inspired by an Aboriginal rock shelter.
The centre's architecture represents the story of World Heritage-listed Kakadu as told by the traditional owners. The circular design of the centre symbolises a warradjan, the pig-nosed turtle
set in the Arnhem Land escarpment. Access to the falls is via the Twin Falls Gorge Boat Shuttle Service that will ferry you to the base of the falls. The walk to the boat shuttle, although easy, is very exposed and hot. Post-boat shuttle, the walk continues and in some parts may present a challenge to those with a fear of heights. Carry sufficient drinking water.
Whether the falls are raging with water or the merest trickle, this majestic waterfall is a sight to behold at the end of a challenging four-wheel drive track in the southern escarpment country of Kakadu National Park. Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, it is worth the 900 metre walk across rocks to appreciate this special area. Jim Jim Falls has graced many calendars, books and television programs and is a must see for all visitors to Kakadu National Park. Note that the walk in to the Falls is not suitable for those with mobility or health or fitness issues - small children would struggle to balance and rock ramble. Take sufficient drinking water and swimming gear for a rewarding cool off.
This waterfall is one of the only waterfalls in Kakadu that still continues to flows even where there's no rain.
Nature and culture cruise on Yellow Water wetlands. See crocodiles, birds and fauna.
Aurora Kakadu Lodge Caravan & Camping Park
Motel rooms, tent sites, powered and unpowered van sites, restaurant, café, store and guest pool. Reservations recommended.
Bush bungalows, cabins and air-conditioned rooms. On the outskirts of Jabiru, this resort is never short on what a tropical resort needs to have.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
A hotel with novelty architecture in the shape of a crocodile. (Sorry, no crocs in the pool.). The hotel includes a restaurant with the main type of cuisine served being "bush tucker", which includes crocodile, buffalo and kangaroo along with many other indigenous Australian foods. Other amenities include a gift shop, guest pool and bookings for commercial tours.
Sells food, fishing gear and souvenirs and takes bookings for commercial tours.
Sells petrol, LPG gas, diesel, food and souvenirs, and takes bookings for commercial tours.
Light refreshments, cold drinks and ice creams.
Visitor information, food, stores and fuel.
Access from Darwin to Jabiru is via the Arnhem Highway. This is a good road with a speed limit on 130 km/h that is usually open all year round.
Read in the guideBy car
Having your own vehicle is the easiest and most pleasurable option.
By tour
Tours inside the park are available with the popular destinations being a day trip to Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. The pick-up points for these tours are typically from Jabiru and Cooinda.
Scenic flights
Scenic flights in either small, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter are available. Air strips are at Jabiru and Cooinda.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Darwin · International · DRW
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