Kakadu National Park, located in the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory, isn’t for everyone.
But if you have adventure in your heart, love nature and enjoy learning about ancient cultures, it’s one of the best places in the world!
It’s one of those unique Australian destinations that is genuinely described as a very spiritual travel experience. With nearly 8,000 square miles of diverse wildness, this park holds a scared place with the Bininj/Mungguy people. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore this diverse natural wonderland and Aboriginal culture on your visit to Kakadu.
Here are a few things you might like to add to your bucket list and some tips for travel along the way!
Swimming Holes & Waterfalls!
Image by: NeilsPhotography
Kakadu is a tropical area with two distinct seasons, Wet & Hot (October – April) and Dry & Cool (May – September). But even in the middle of the dry season swimming holes can be found. While you may be tempted to take a dip in any old pool, it’s best to stick to the popular and monitored swimming holes. Kakadu, after all is known for its crocodiles! Always observe the warning signs.
Gunlom – A Pool with a View
Hidden at the top of a waterfall that can only be found after a steep hike, is an amazing little swimming hole with a view that can’t be beat!
Wangi Falls!
One of the most popular tourism attractions in the Top End, monitored by rangers, Wangi Falls is a great swimming hole with a charming waterfall and beautiful surrounds. This guided tour takes you to Wangi Falls and other popular attractions in Kakadu within the Litchfield National Park.
Jim Jim Falls
A highlight for most travelers to the region, Jim Jim Falls (and Twin Falls) is not to be missed! It’s a bumpy ride and a pretty rocky walk to get to the falls, but most people find the sight to be worth the effort! This is especially true right at the beginning of the dry season when the roads are open and the falls are still flowing heavily. They can pull back to a trickle pretty quickly after the rains stop.
Jim Jim Falls in the Wet Season – Epic!
Spectacular views like these are what rewards you when you take on a scenic flight with #KakaduAir. Soar over @Australia’s largest national park, follow the snaking rivers and look down on the ancient stone escarpments and waterfalls. A scenic flight is a truly unforgettable way to experience #Kakadu, wouldn’t you agree, @tassiegrammer? Cheers for tagging #NTaustralia. #TourismTopEnd #SeeAustralia #SeeKakadu A photo posted by Northern Territory – Australia (@ausoutbacknt) on
Jim Jim Falls in the Dry Season – Still pretty great!
Ubirr!
Image by: Michael Whitehead
Ubirr is one of Kakadu’s unforgettable rocks. Located in the east region of the park, this ancient outcropping of rocks is known for its rock art and panoramic views. Inside several natural shelters you’ll find a collection of Aboriginal rock paintings, dated as far back as thousands of years! Check out this Australian Outback itinerary which includes a guided tour of the area.
Ubirr sunsets are amazing!
Experience this spectacular and unforgettable top end sunset from #Ubirr. One of the three main rock art sites to visit within #Kakadu. Photo: @qantasholidays via #NTaustralia A photo posted by Northern Territory – Australia (@ausoutbacknt) on
Ubirr Rock Art – also amazing!
Image by: Robert Nyman
Yellow Water Wetlands!
Part of South Alligator River floodplain, the Yellow Water provides the ultimate wildlife experience. Cruise the Yellow Water in a canopied boat to see crocodiles, jabirus, sea eagles, whistling kites and more! This Outback wilderness itinerary includes a spectacular cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong.
Yellow Water Sunset
Image by: Muireann Ní Cheallacháin
Yellow Water Calm
Image by: Alberto Otero García
Forrest Kingfisher
Bird Watching – White Bellied Sea Eagle
Epic Ariel Shots!
Image by: Alberto Otero García
The remote beauty and diversity of Kakadu demands heli rides! If you’re going to take a scenic flight once in your life, Kakadu is a great place to do it. Just look at these amazing shots!
Twin Falls
#kakadu #darwin #australia #obsessedwithwaterfalls #latergram A photo posted by heathermcm1 (@heathermcm1) on
Sandstone Cliffs
Wetlands
Alligator River
It was crazy flying over Kakadu, Australia’s largest terrestrial park. We saw massive sandstone cliffs, the East Alligator River & vast wetlands from above. It seemed to stretch on forever, and I loved seeing the park from a completely new perspective. What national parks have you flown over?! ✨ A photo posted by Jordan • Travel Blogger (@wheres_jordan) on
Termite mounds!
Image by: Paul Mannix
Maybe seeing termite mounds doesn’t sounds like a great time to you. Well, you haven’t seen these termite mounds. You’ll surely be impressed and amazed at the architectural feats created by these tiny little bugs.
You’ll be dwarfed in comparison to the massive termite mounds of #Kakadu. Photo: @dgctravel via #NTaustralia A photo posted by Northern Territory – Australia (@ausoutbacknt) on
The Stars!
Consider an overnight stay in Kakadu to witness the amazing site of the night sky over Kakadu’s rough edges. Hotels and ‘glamping’ are both available! Try this epic Australia Adventure with 2 nights in Kakadu.
Crocodiles!
Image By: Robert Nyman
Kakadu is not for the faint of heart. ‘Salties’ (Saltwater Crocs) as well as their more docile cousins, freshwater crocodiles, are found in the waters of Kakadu in extraordinary numbers. Saltwater Crocodiles are the world’s largest living reptiles. On average the crocs in Kakadu are about 16 feet, but they can grow to 20 feet and weight over a ton! You can see the salties jump on this Jumping Croc & Nature Adventure tour out of Darwin. Stay safe in Kakadu while you enjoy the awe inspiriting site of salties in the wild!
Bathing Crocodile
Image by: Paul Mannix
Saltie Spotting
Croc spotting in Kakadu with @wildlandsnt #kakadu #kakadunationalpark #crocodile #explore #discover #travel #seeaustralia #northernterritory #thetopend A photo posted by nat22 (@natta_221) on
Are you ready to start planning your trip to Australia? Talk to one of our Destination Specialists today. We’ll make sure you have an ‘no worries, mate’ vacation!
Phone us Toll Free on 1-888-359-2877 (CT USA, M-F 8.30am – 5pm).
Bonus!
Can’t get enough jumping crocs? Push play to see salties jump out of the water in slow-motion!
Tags: Adventure Tours, adventure travel, best places to visit, Crocodiles, Darwin, destinations, Hikes, Kakadu, Places to Visit in Australia, The Outback, travel destinations, vacation spots, Wildlife
