Kakadu National Park has a lot of beautiful attractions you should visit. It has stunning landscapes, ancient Aboriginal rock art and mesmerizing waterfalls. The park has abundant wildlife, delectable Australian cuisine and yummy seafood. This park also has some of the best swimming holes, monsoon forests and lush green vegetation. If you are a nature lover or a traveler looking for adventure, then you should visit this wonderful place. And you will not regret it.
Are you planning to explore Kakadu National Park?. I am here to help you. I have been living in the Northern Territory, Australia, near the park area, for many years. And I have been to this place so many times. In this detailed travel guide to Kakadu National Park, I have shared my personal experience about Kakadu National Park that will help you to it to the fullest. So, are you excited? Let’s dive in!.
Travel Guide to Kakadu National Park:
Kakadu National Park is one of the most breathtaking and astounding destinations you should visit. It is the second largest national park in Australia.This park covers over 20,000 square kilometers. It is located in the Alligator River region of the Northern Territory. The park is about three hours southeast of Darwin. Must visit it. And you will remember this unforgettable experience for years.
The park was once home to the Aboriginal Victorians. The Bininj/Mungguy people were living here. They inhabited this area for around 60000 years. You can still see the glimpses of their culture and traditions in the park. When you are here, you can have a sneak peek of the development of human civilization from the ice age to the present.
Kakadu National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. This park is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage’s sites. Aboriginal rock art is one of the must visit attractions of the park. Some of these rock art sites are thousands of years old. You should also visit sites like Ubirr and Nourlangie. And these places offer amazing information about the spiritual and social life of the Aboriginal people. Trust me that these places will take you centuries back to the very beginning of the human race.
Kakadu national park is a protected area. The park’s cultural heritage is protected under the EPBC act. So when you are here, I recommend you respect the sacred sites and attractions. And enjoy this wonderful place in its entirety.
Best Time to Visit Kakadu National Park:
You can visit Kakadu National Park in two different seasons. Both of these seasons are very different from each other. So first, you should choose when you are coming here. And then plan your activities accordingly.
If you want to visit the park in the hustle bustle mood, then I recommend you to come here in the dry season (May to October). It is the most popular time to visit Kakadu. The weather is cooler and more comfortable. The temperatures range between 21°C and 32°C. And the park is full of tourists. It is the most suitable time to visit the maximum park’s attractions, including the famous waterfalls and walking trails. Dry season is also the best season for those who adore bushwalking, camping and wildlife watching.
And if you prefer to have remarkable lush and green views, then I recommend you to visit in the wet season (November to April). In it, the park experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity. So you cannot access many areas due to flooding. Some roads also get closed. But the beauty of the park is at its peak. Kakadu National Park transforms into a beautiful lush, green landscape in the wet season. The astonishing waterfalls are in their full bloom. New buds are coming out. And the whole park is surrounded by alluring vistas.
Pro Tips For Visiting Kakadu National Park:
I have been to Kakadu National Park many times. And based on my personal experience, I will be giving you some of the best tips. These tips will be helping you a lot when you are here.
Pack For the Weather:
The weather of the Park can be extreme. So I recommend you to pack as per it. If you are visiting here in the dry season, then bring plenty of water, energy drinks, sunscreen and a hat. It is because the temperature is very hot in the dry season.
And if you are coming in the wet season, then I recommend you bring lightweight and waterproof clothing. So that they will save you from rain and humidity.
Respect the Wildlife:
Kakadu National Park has a wide variety of wildlife, including crocodiles. So I recommend you to always follow the basic safety guidelines. Never ever try to approach the animals, touch them or feed them. You should be very careful when you are near water due to crocodiles. You should be extra cautious not to swim in the areas where crocodiles are present.
Follow Cultural Guidelines:
When you are visiting cultural sites, then I recommend you show respect for the Aboriginal culture. You should follow all the guidelines provided by the park. And you should avoid touching or damaging this mesmerizing rock art.
Permits and Fees:
Some areas of the park may need you to have a permit or to pay a fee. You will need a permit for bushwalking, camping and filming. You will also need a permit if you want to use a drone in the park. You will need a license if you are planning to hold an event in Kakadu National Park. I recommend you to ask for a permit or a license in the very beginning.
First Aid:
You can face any uncertain situations while visiting the park or hiking. So I recommend you to bring a first aid kit with you. You should also learn some basic first aid procedures. The things I proposed you to keep in your first aid box include:
Bandages (For wounds)
Antiseptic wipes (For cleaning wounds)
Pain killers (Ibuprofen or paracetamol)
Antihistamines (For allergic reactions)
Antibiotic ointments (For minor cuts)
Scissors (For cutting bandages)
Bug spray (For protection against mosquitoes and other insects)
Oral rehydration salts (For treating dehydration)
Blister pads (For blisters causing from hiking)
Check Road Conditions:
The conditions of some roads in the Kakadu National Park area are challenging. They get worse during the wet season. So before you start your journey here, I recommend you to check the latest road conditions. Moreover, you should make sure that your vehicle is in its perfect condition. And I will suggest you bring a 4WD vehicle with you. It will make your trip way easier.
Plan Ahead For Accommodation:
It is very hard to find good accommodation in Kakadu during the peak season. The good options fill up more quickly. So I recommend you to book in advance for your accommodation. It will make you tension free. And you will be sure that you have a nice place to stay.
Emergency Contacts:
I suggest you keep emergency contact numbers in your phone. These numbers will be a big help for you in any unexpected situation. Some of these must to have numbers are:
General Emergency: 000 (Police, Fire and Ambulance.)
Park Headquarters: +61 (0) 8 8938 1100
South Alligator Ranger Station: +61 (0) 8 8979 0194
East Alligator Ranger Station: +61 (0) 8 8979 2291
Jim Jim Ranger Station: +61 (0) 8 8979 2038
Mary River Ranger Station: +61 (0) 8 8975 4578
Jabiru Police: +61 (0) 8 8979 2122
Jabiru Health Clinic: +61 (0) 8 8979 2018
How to Get to Kakadu National Park:
Kakadu is 171 kilometers southeast of Darwin. When you are in Darwin, you can reach here in about 3 hours. You can get in the park by car, public transport and guided tours.
By Car:
The best option I recommend you to get into Kakadu National Park is the car. I suggest you take the route of Arnhem Highway. This highway connects Darwin to the northern entrance of this park.
The benefit of having a car is that you can stop anywhere to see the beautiful small towns on the way. One of these towns is Jabiru, which serves as a gateway to the park. You can also access many of Kakadu’s must visit attractions with ease, including Ubirr and Nourlangie, if you have your own car.
I recommend you make sure you fill your car tank in Darwin. It is because there are very few fuel stations in the way. Be careful while driving on the roads, especially in the wet season.
By Tour:
And if you don’t want to drive, then you can take help from guided tours. I recommend this option to you if you don’t know how to drive or you don’t have a car. These guided tours depart from Darwin. Their duration ranges from a single day trip to multiple day adventures. And it is a very convenient and flexible option to see the main attractions of Kakadu.
Best Places to Eat in Kakadu National Park:
Kakadu National Park offers extensive and diverse culinary experience. I recommend you to try the iconic dish of the Northern Territory, Barramundi here. I had the best experience of eating it in the Manjmukmuk. And the taste they deliver is absolutely delectable.
For tasting the best Buffalo steaks to slow-cooked stews, I suggest you visit the Cooinda Lodge and Aurora Kakadu resort restaurant. If you want to have a meal with the Crocodile meat or a Kangaroo steaks, then you should run towards the Manjmukmuk or Cooinda Lodge Restaurant. I had the experience of craving them in both these places. But the taste Manjmukmuk provides is unmatchable.
For the best traditional Australian bread Damper, you should visit Aurora Kakadu Resort or Jabiru Golf Club Restaurant. The bread has simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt. It is baked over a campfire and its taste is absolutely delicious. Emu is another must try dish in Kakadu National Park. This dish has meat, low in fat, high in protein, and its flavor is a bit gamey. You will find it in its finest taste in the Cooinda Lodge Restaurant.
If you love seafood, then I recommend you never to miss the opportunity of trying the mud crab in Kakadu. Trust me you will love their tender and sweet meat. You can have the best grilled and steamed mud crab at Aurora Kakadu Resort Restaurant. Visit them and you will love the taste they provide.
Kakadu National Park has some of the best resorts and restaurants you can eat in. Some of these include:
Manjmukmuk is my most favorite eating site in the Kakadu National Park. Believe me the taste they offer is literally unmatchable. I recommend you to try their grilled Barramundi, Buffalo, Crocodile and Kangaroo’s steaks. And you will never regret eating in this amazing restaurant.
Cooinda Lodge Restaurant:
This is my second favorite place to eat in the park. I suggest you must try their Damper, Emu and Plum dishes. And you will remember the taste for years.
Aurora Kakadu:
This resort is my third favorite when it comes to craving delicious food in Kakadu. I urge you to try their Baffalo’s steaks, Damper and Mud Crab. And you will love the taste they offer.
Jabiru Bakery:
If you adore sweets, then you should head towards the Jabiru bakery. This bakery is in the town of Jabiru. It offers some of the best freshly made pies, sandwiches and snacks. Try them. And you will remember the taste for years.
Top Attractions and Must-See Spots in the Park:
I have been to Kakadu National Park many times. And trust me, this site has some of the most incredible attractions, from ancient rock art sites to stunning landscapes and waterfalls.
Your Kakadu trip is not going to be complete without visiting the Ubirr Rock Art Site. This is the most famous and must visit rock art site in the park. You should visit the gallery of Aboriginal rock paintings here. Some of these paintings are over 20,000 years old. I recommend you must climb to the top of Ubirr, especially at sunset. And you will have one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the whole park.
Another must visit rock site is Nourlangie Rock. You should visit Anbangbang Gallery here. This place offers great information about the spirits, ancestors and daily life of Aboriginal people. You should also have a visit to the Goulburn River. This beautiful river offers great scenic views and opportunities for fishing, boating and birdwatching. You can also catch some Barramundi here. And fry or grill it yourself. Trust me, this experience is unforgettable.
If you want to see the wonderful wildlife in the park, then I recommend taking a cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong. Taking a cruise to this beautiful site will let you explore a different perspective of the park. While you are on the cruise in Yellow Water River, you will spot fantastic wildlife like fishes, crocodiles and birds. The place itself is also a hub of wildlife which includes saltwater crocodiles, bird species, mammals and other animals. You should visit in the morning or sunset times. And the beauty of the wetland will leave you in awe.
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes:
Kakadu National Park is not less than a heaven for you if you love swimming holes and waterfalls. You can experience some of the best waterfalls here. I recommend you should have a trip to the Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. These iconic waterfalls are in the southern part of the park. And the spectacular views and the refreshing swimming holes they offer are astounding.
I recommend you to visit the Maguk Gorge too. I love its crystal-clear plunge pool surrounded by the green lush vegetation. Visit it. And you will never regret it. Manjil Dandaka is another stunning waterfall you should visit. The waterfall is surrounded by green rainforest. And you can have nice swimming here too.
If you want to enjoy picnicking, then I recommend you to run towards the Gunlom Falls. This is my most favorite spot for picnicking due to its calm environment, cascading waterfall and a natural pool. If you want to have some hike and enjoy a refreshing swim, then you should head towards the Motorcar Falls. For a quieter swimming spot, I recommend you to visit the Gubara Pools. Some other great waterfalls and swimming holes include:
I recommend you to explore all of these amazing sites. And you will remember the experiences forever.
Aboriginal Culture and Rock Art Sites:
Kakadu National Park is not only famous because of its stunning landscapes. It is also well known due to its deep cultural significance. The park was home to the Aboriginal people for centuries. And you will find some of their best rock art sites here.
Two of these best and most famous rock art sites are Ubirr and Nourlangie. Both of them tell the wonderful tales of the Aboriginal people, from their dreamtime stories to daily activities like hunting and fishing. Visit them. And they are worth every penny. The Lightning Man is another most famous rock art figure in the park. This figure is linked with the wet weather. And it is believed that it controls storms and the lighting in that season. I recommend you to visit it. And you will admire its beauty.
I suggest you visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre too. This center provides valuable cultural information about Kakadu. They do it by attractive exhibitions, displays and interactive sessions. And if you want to learn more about the Aboriginal culture, then you should take a guided cultural tour. These tours are arranged by local Aboriginal guides. And they provide a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the region.
Bushwalking and Hiking Trails:
In Kakadu National Park, you can enjoy some of the best bushwalking and hiking opportunities. In it, you can either go for a short walk or a longer walking adventure.
If you prefer short walks, then I recommend you to go for the Nawurlandja Lookout Walk. This walk and hike will let you enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another best option I suggest is the Manngarre Rainforest Walk. The trail runs through the lush rainforest along the banks of the East Alligator River. And offers some of the most spectacular views.
And if you are an experienced hiker and prefer longer and challenging walks, then I recommend you to go for the Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) walk. You can also go for the Jim Jim Falls Walk. These trails are challenging. But the experience is worth every single penny. Must try them. And you will remember them for the rest of your life.
Q: Why is Kakadu National Park so famous?.
Ans: Kakadu National Park is famous for its beautiful landscapes and deep cultural significance.
Q: Where in Australia is Kakadu located?.
Ans: This park is located in the Alligator River region of the Northern Territory, Australia, about 171 kilometers southeast of Darwin.
Q: What is interesting about Kakadu?.
Ans: Kakadu National Park has some of the oldest and most beautiful arts sites of the Aboriginal people. These sites let you have a glance at the earliest days of human civilization.
Q: Why is it called Kakadu?.
Ans: This park is named Kakadu to recognise the Gagudju language. This was an Aboriginal language of the people who were once living in that park area. The name is the mispronunciation of “Gagudju” by early European settlers.
