Kakadu Travel Guide
Australia's largest National Park, measuring almost 20,000 square kilometers, Kakadu is unquestionably one of the country's national treasures. This World Heritage Park offers visitors an opportunity to see indigenous culture while experiencing the magnificent landscape and abundance of wildlife.
'Kakadu' is derived from 'Gadudju', the most common Aboriginal language used in the northern part of the area at the beginning of the 20th century. Aborigines have lived in the area now defined by the National Park for more than 50,000 years, and their existence is marked by shelters, art sites, stone tools, grindstones and ochre for ceremonial painting.
This part of Australia knows only two seasons – the 'wet' between November and March, and the 'dry' between April and October. During the wet season, Kakadu is at its most spectacular with floodplains covered in birdlife and roaring waterfalls. While some places are inaccessible even by 4WD, it is the perfect time to take scenic flights over the park.
Attractions:
- Aboriginal art sites
The significant Aboriginal art sites of Ubirr, Nourlangie, Nanguluwur, and Anbangbang. These rock art galleries feature hand stencils, hunters carrying spears, X-ray styled animals and birds, and the creation beings Lightning Man and Rainbow Serpent. Ranger-led art tours available.
- Cruises
Cruises on the wetlands at Yellow Water, accessible from the settlement of Cooinda, which offers a range of accommodation.
- Freshwater ponds
Majestic scenery and clear freshwater pools at Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls, accessible only by 4WD and only during the dry season. Other freshwater pools and rainforest walks are found at Barramundi Gorge and Waterfall Creek (Gumlom).
- Kakadu National Park Information Centre
Provides extensive literature, maps, audiovisual displays and video screenings.
- Bushwalks
Take a bushwalk to billabongs, waterfalls, fishing spots and art sites.
- Birdlife and wildlife
The park is home to more than 275 species of birds, an estimated 10,000 species of insects, 25 species of frogs and 75 species of reptiles including crocodiles. Sunrise, sunset and night nature tours are conducted by park rangers.
- Jabiru
The township of Jabiru, site of the famous Gagudju 'Crocodile' Hotel and the Ranger Uranium Mine. One hour tours of the mine are conducted three times a day.
- Scenic flights
Scenic flights over the escarpment, which was created about 2 billion years ago and towers over the park's wetlands for more than 500km.
- Fishing
Go fishing for Barramundi which are plenitful in this area.
For things to see and do in Kakadu, just visit our things to see and do in Kakadu guide to search for Kakadu listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.