Northern Territory, tropical north · Australia
A vast tropical wilderness of wetlands, escarpments, waterfalls and some of the world's oldest rock art, in the heart of Bininj/Mungguy country and home to saltwater crocodiles.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory, is the largest national park in Australia, covering about 20,000 square kilometres, an area nearly the size of Wales. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and its cultural values, one of the few places in the world to hold a dual listing. It is jointly managed by its Aboriginal traditional owners, the Bininj/Mungguy, and Parks Australia.
The landscape ranges from tidal flats and floodplains to billabongs, lowland forest and the stone country of the Arnhem Land escarpment. It is home to more than 280 bird species, huge numbers of saltwater crocodiles, and rock art galleries at Ubirr, Nourlangie and other sites that record thousands of years of human occupation, and some of them are among the oldest in the world. Aboriginal people have lived here for at least 65,000 years.
The Top End has two seasons: the dry, from May to October, and the wet, from November to April. Most visitors come in the dry, when the roads are open, the weather is warm and sunny and the waterfalls are accessible, though the falls run best early in the season. The wet brings flooding, closed roads, dramatic storms and green landscapes for those who are prepared. Darwin, the regional capital, is the gateway.
Why visit
Kakadu is one of the most remarkable places in Australia, both for its wildlife and its cultural heritage.
Galleries at Ubirr and Nourlangie, with paintings that span tens of thousands of years.
Boat cruises on Yellow Water spot crocodiles, jabirus, sea eagles and thousands of waterbirds.
Jim Jim and Twin Falls tumble off the escarpment in the early dry season.
Aboriginal-led tours and cultural centres share stories and knowledge.
An immense wilderness, still uncrowded.
Main attractions
The main sights are spread across a huge park, so plan a route and a few nights of accommodation.
A rock outcrop in the north of the park with galleries of paintings of fish, animals and figures, and a climb to a lookout over the floodplains, one of the best sunset views in Australia.
Tip Go in the late afternoon, and stay for sunset.
A sandstone outlier with shelters decorated with rock art, including some paintings of spirit beings, and a lookout at Nawurlandja.
Tip Read the interpretive signs, which tell of the creation stories.
A wetland on the South Alligator River floodplain, explored by boat at sunrise or late afternoon, with crocodiles, jabirus, whistling ducks and water lilies.
Tip Book the sunrise cruise.
Waterfalls that plunge over the escarpment, reached by a 4WD track and a walk, and open only in the dry season when the track is passable. Swimming may be prohibited if crocodiles are present.
Tip Check road and swimming conditions with park rangers.
A centre in the shape of a pig-nosed turtle, with displays about the Bininj/Mungguy culture, art and stories.
Tip Visit early in your trip for context.
A smaller park about 1.5 hours south of Darwin, with waterfalls and swimming holes at Wangi Falls and Florence Falls, and giant termite mounds. A good option for a day trip.
Tip Swim only in designated areas.
Things to do
Kakadu is about culture, wildlife and time outdoors.
Walk a short trail past painted shelters, and climb for the view.
Tip Go with a ranger talk if available.
A boat trip at dawn among crocodiles and birds.
Tip Book in advance.
Local guides share knowledge of bush foods, fishing and rock art.
Tip Choose operators owned by Traditional Owners.
Some waterholes are monitored and safe for swimming, such as Maguk and Gunlom, when open.
Tip Check ranger warnings.
Kakadu is one of Australia's best birding areas.
Tip Go early.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Market has food, crafts and sunsets in the dry season.
Tip It runs on Thursday and Sunday evenings.
Local food
Food in Kakadu is simple, with barramundi and barbecue, and Darwin has a lively multicultural scene.
The northern fish, served grilled, battered or in a curry.
Where to try it Restaurants and pubs across the Top End.
Local meats served at outback pubs and barbecues.
Where to try it Roadhouses and Darwin restaurants.
Darwin's food reflects its links with Southeast Asia, with excellent laksa and satay.
Where to try it The Mindil Beach Sunset Market.
Native fruit, honey and herbs, such as Kakadu plum, one of the richest sources of vitamin C in the world.
Where to try it Cultural tours and cafés.
Mangoes, from October, and other fruit.
Where to try it Markets.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the park is limited and should be booked ahead, particularly in the dry season.
Transport
Kakadu is about 250 km east of Darwin.
Distances within the park are long, and roads can flood.
When to go
The dry season is best, with warm days and low humidity. The wet season from November to April brings storms, flooding and closed roads.
Green, with waterfalls at their best and cooler weather.
Hot, dry and dusty, with wildlife concentrating at water.
Hot, humid and stormy.
Extreme humidity, flooding and closed roads, but dramatic and green.
Worth planning around: The wet season, unless you are prepared for closures and heat.
Itinerary
From Darwin into the park, with rock art, a cruise and waterfalls.
Into the wilderness.
Rock art.
Wetlands and rock.
Waterfalls.
Travel tips
Safety and respect matter in Kakadu.
FAQ
Three days at least, and four or five for a relaxed visit.
Only at designated safe swimming areas. Saltwater crocodiles are common in the park.
May to October, the dry season.
Not for the main sights, but some tracks, such as Jim Jim Falls, require one.
Yes, if you follow the warning signs, especially about crocodiles, and stay hydrated.
It is possible on a long day tour, but three days is much better.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Kakadu, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Northern Territory, central Australia, Australia
A UNESCO-listed desert landscape of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, owned by the Anangu people, with base walks, sunsets, cultural experiences and Kings Canyon within a day's drive.
Don't miss Uluru at sunrise, as the rock turns from purple to orange to red.
Explore Destination — Uluru and the Red CentreFar North Queensland, Australia
Two UNESCO World Heritage wonders in one: reef trips from Cairns and Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, plus the scenic railway to Kuranda.
Don't miss Floating over a coral garden on the outer reef, with turtles and shoals of fish drifting past.
Explore Destination — Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the DaintreeWestern Australia, south-west, Australia
Perth's Kings Park, Fremantle and Cottesloe Beach, the quokkas of Rottnest Island and the wineries, caves, surf and forests of Margaret River, in Australia's remote west.
Don't miss Sunset over the Indian Ocean from Cottesloe Beach, or a glass of cabernet in the Margaret River vines.
Explore Destination — Perth and Margaret RiverRead next
Heritage
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