Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. Currently about 210,000 people visit Kakadu each year. Visitor numbers are greatest during the dry season months of June to September (approximately 33,000 people visit each July) and lowest during the wet season months (approximately 7,000 people visit each January).

Getting to Kakadu National Park

The easiest way to get to Kakadu National Park is by coach tour or by hiring a car, and traveling via the Arnhem Highway from Darwin, or the Kakadu Highway from Katherine. These highways are sealed roads and are usually open throughout the year. Wet season flooding can sometimes cause temporary closures. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Darwin to the Bowali Visitor Centre, near Jabiru, in the Park.

Exploring the Park

It is best to stay a couple of days in the Park, instead of doing a day trip, so that you can explore all of the major sites. When planning your itinerary, consider the time of year you will be visiting, the type of vehicle you have and the road conditions. Staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre can help you plan your itinerary for a self-drive tour of the park. The Centre can be contacted on (08) 8938 1121.

Things to See and Do

The Bowali Visitor Centre located in Jabiru, has a wealth of information on the Park’s ecology and Aboriginal culture and has an excellent gallery and souvenir shop. Located in Jabiru, the Centre’s long lineal design was inspired by an Aboriginal rock shelter.
The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre located in Cooinda,
Ubirr is 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 metre 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.
Nourlangie Rock The walls of the Nourlangie Rock Art Site, have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years providing windows to a rich spiritual tradition. Paintings such as Namarrgon, lightening man, explore the relationship of the people to their country and beliefs.
Nanguluwur art site, near Nourlangie Rock, 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.
Yellow Water, a land-locked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna, is one of Kakadu National Park’s best known landmarks. Located near the small settlement of Cooinda, Yellow Water is home to crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife. The billabong, which floods to join other waterways during the tropical season, also attracts millions of migratory birds each year, including jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and many other native species. Daily boat tours can be booked via Cooinda – the dawn one is the best for bird watching.

Twin Falls is 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. Note that 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.
Koolpin Gorge- available only through 4WD tours with a permit, but well worth it.

Bardedjilidji Walk, Ubirr, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru (Via Oenpelli Road), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. 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 metres 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 kilometre walk. Please enquire with the Bowali Visitor Centre for accessibility as it is subject to weather conditions (flooding) and for the availability of guides. Free entry.
Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu Highway, Jabiru (200 kilometres south of Jabiru), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. Located on Waterfall Creek in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, is the magical 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. Free entry.

Gubara, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru (Via Nourlangie Rock Road), ? +61 (8) 8938 1120. A six kilometre return walk past sandstone cliffs to shady monsoon forest pools. Gubara is found nine kilometres 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. Free entry.

Walking is a great way to experience Kakadu. There are many walks throughout the park, including a wide variety of short and easy day walks as well as some longer, more challenging full day walks for those who are fit. Check seasonal access. A permit is required for anyone wishing to do an overnight bushwalk. Advance planning is essential, as is the ability to navigate using a topographic map and a compass. The routes are unmarked, and extend through remote and rugged country with variable climatic conditions.

A small, private cruise on the Corroboree or Yellow Water Billabongs is the best way to get a very close, safe and eco-friendly look at the biggest crocodiles in the world. Most tours include an activity like this. Shady Camp, near Corroboree, is home to one of the biggest crocodiles in the park at 6 meters in length.

Boating on Kakadu’s waterways can be dangerous due to strong currents, sand bars, submerged logs and crocodiles. For this reason use of non-motorised vessels (canoes) is prohibited.

Yurmikmik Walks This series of interconnected walking tracks in the southern part of the Park take walkers to waterfalls and swimming holes. Many walks are open all year round including the Boulder Creek Walk, Yurmikmik Lookout Walks and Motor Car Falls.
Jim Jim Falls 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/fitness issues – small chidren would struggle to balance and rock ramble. Take sufficient drinking water and swimming gear for a rewarding cool off.
Mirrai Lookout Walk This moderately difficult 3.6km return walk departs from the Mirrai carpark, 30kms south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. The walk goes to the Mount Cahill lookout and after a steep climb you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Kakadu escarpment. Allow 1.5 hours.
Barrk Sandstone Walk This challenging, 12-kilometre walk branches off the Nourlangie Rock lookout track, past the Main Gallery of Aboriginal rock art. It takes in the beautiful sandstone country of Nourlangie Rock and past the Nanguluwur Art Gallery. Walkers should allow six to eight hours.
Merl This site in northern Kakadu is perfect for campers who want to enjoy a famous sunrise or sunset at Ubirr. It’s also an ideal base for bushwalking along the East Alligator River. There are showers, toilets and a generator zone. Camping fees are collected on site.
Gunlom is one of Kakadu’s best known attractions thanks to a superb vista across the Park from the natural swimming pools at the top of the waterfall. There is a caravan park and campsite at the bottom of the Falls with a generator area, showers and barbecues.
Koolpin Gorge at the southern end of Kakadu National Park, is renowned for its spectacular scenery. Spend a day exploring the endless span of gorges, crystal rock pools and white sandy beaches. Camp alongside Koolpin Creek and, in the morning, take a refreshing dip in a plunge pool. Permits are necessary.
Jabiru Mahbilil Festival held in early September, is named for the region’s seasonal winds. It includes a mixture of European and Aboriginal culture through live music, dance performances, art workshops, clothing and food and craft appreciation. After sunset a fireworks display is mirrored on Lake Jabiru.
Gunbalanya Open Day Usually held on the second Saturday in August, this festival in the community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) is an opportunity to experience a weekend of sports, art and culture in a beautiful area of Arnhem Land. The program includes art sales at Injalak Art Centre, cultural performances and a spectacular firework display.

Important Information and Warnings

Crocodiles

Two types of crocodiles inhabit Kakadu – estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles:

Estuarine crocodiles
Estuarine crocodiles live in fresh, estuarine and saltwater environments, such as floodplains, billabongs, rivers and coastal waters. They are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu.

Freshwater crocodiles
Freshwater crocodiles generally inhabit the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers. They are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, particularly during the breeding season (September and October).

Your safety

• Look out for crocodile signs
• Obey ‘no swimming’ warnings
• Remove rubbish from your campsite: it can attract crocodiles
• Scale and clean fish at least 50m away from the water’s edge
• When camping in areas near water bodies, set up the tents at least 50 metres from the water’s edge
• Do not approach freshwater or estuarine crocodiles.

Swimming in plunge pools and gorges

Some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season.

Please read the crocodile warning signs and consider their information carefully.

Disease-carrying insects

Insects such as mosquitoes can carry and transmit very debilitating viruses – the Ross River virus is an example – so always cover up and if necessary use a repellent.

Large feral animals

Large animals such as buffaloes and pigs can be dangerous. If you see them, keep at a safe distance and do not to approach them.

Dehydration

Throughout the year, daytime temperatures in Kakadu are consistently warm to hot. September to December is extremely hot and humid.

Prevention
Make sure your are suitably dressed in loose-fitting clothing that is cool but provides protection against sunburn.

Your must have plenty of drinking water with you, wherever you go. In a climate such as Kakadu’s, most people need between 4 and 8 litres of water a day. A minimum of 2 litres per person should be carried for short walks.

Flash flooding

Frolicking in the rock pools above and below the waterfalls can be a highlight on a trip to Kakadu for many visitors. However, there is potential hazard here during the months of October to April. Flash flooding can happen suddenly and without warning in the gorges, creeks and streams in the stone country. It is possible for a flash flood to be generated by a heavy rainstorm that occurred many kilometres upstream and more than a day earlier.

Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the water levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water contained within a flash flood can be deceptively strong, causing strong currents when crossing waterways and dangerous swimming conditions.

When walking on trails or entering/swimming in rock pools above and below the waterfalls during these months, watch for rising water levels and flood debris. Be mindful of the possible dangers of sudden and unexpected flooding.

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