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Rugged stony plateaux, red escarpments riven by waterfalls, long twisting rivers and wetlands festooned with flowers and birds: add in a wealth of Aboriginal rock art sites and fauna that is more curious the closer you look and it is easy to see why this is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage areas.
Jointly owned by three traditional Aboriginal groups, the Gagadju, Gundjehmi and the Jawoyn, a visit to this park offers a vivid insight into an ancient land.
Exploring Kakadu National Park
Cruise the Yellow Water, East Alligator or Mary River wetlands to see Kakadu in all its glory: crowded with lotus lilies, crocodiles resting idly on the banks, the chatter of the kookaburras puncturing the peace and swarms of parrots scattering the sky.
The finest rock art sites can be found at Nourlangie, while at Ubirr Rock the rock paintings combine with heart-stopping panoramic views.
A sandstone ridge worn by the two strands of Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls: both are exquisitely tranquil during the dry season, seething maelstroms in the wet.
Day visits to the park are possible but an overnight stay accompanied by a guide certainly makes for a more rewarding experience.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kakadu National Park by calling one of our Australia specialists on 1 800 992 198
Suggested Kakadu National Park itinerary
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Kakadu National Park, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Aboriginal Australia: Darwin to Adelaide
This itinerary combines a wonderful mix of wildlife, Aboriginal culture, landscapes and river cruises in the Northern Territory wetlands with the spiritual monoliths of the Red Centre. Self driving the Kakadu National Park is exciting soft adventure but we recommend a visit to Arnhemland in the company of a qualified guide and aboriginal leader. Your itinerary also includes small group touring away from the commercial crowds at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, time to explore the fascinating inland city of Alice Springs and an introduction to Western Australia's indigenous history.
Map of Kakadu National Park
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Kakadu National Park
- Arnhem Land 79 kilometers away
- Bamurru Plains 93 kilometers away
- Cobourg Peninsula 163 kilometers away
- Nitmiluk National Park 164 kilometers away
- Darwin 187 kilometers away
- Katherine 187 kilometers away
- Litchfield National Park 191 kilometers away
- Bullo River Station 420 kilometers away
Photos of Kakadu National Park
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![Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory]()
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory -
![Egrets, Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu National Park]()
Egrets, Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu National Park -
![Kakadu National Park, Australia]()
Kakadu National Park, Australia -
![Ubirr, Kakadu National Park]()
Ubirr, Kakadu National Park -
![View from Ubirr, Kakadu National Park]()
View from Ubirr, Kakadu National Park -
![Motorcar Falls, Kakadu National Park]()
Motorcar Falls, Kakadu National Park -
![Oriental Darter, Kakadu National Park, Australia]()
Oriental Darter, Kakadu National Park, Australia -
![Aboriginal boy, Garma festival]()
Aboriginal boy, Garma festival
Accommodation choices for Kakadu National Park
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kakadu National Park. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Truly one of a kind, this crocodile-shaped hotel has a great location for discovering Kakadu National Park and Yellow River.
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu
Cooinda Lodge Kakadu spreads beneath a canopy of trees adjacent to the Yellow Water Billabong and is a great base from which to explore the Kakadu National Park.
Ideas for experiencing Kakadu National Park
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Kakadu National Park, and which use the best local guides.
Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safari - 4 Days
Visit Kakadu's ancient rock art galleries and enjoy bushwalking in unspoiled country, swim in clear waters at the base of towering red ochre escarpment cliffs, cruise on a tranquil billabong full of saltwater crocodiles, and perhaps visit Arnhem Land to view Aboriginal rock art galleries, with an Aboriginal Guide on hand to provide explanation and interpretation.
Kakadu Helicopter Safaris
A Kakadu Helicopter Safari is one of the world’s most amazing experiences. Imagine skimming over vast wetlands, landing on isolated beaches miles from anywhere, or swimming in clear fresh water pools fed by waterfalls since time immemorial.
Yellow Water Nature Cruise
The large landlocked billabong Yellow Water gained its name from the algal bloom found floating on its surface and has become renowned for the abundant wildlife and birdlife that flock to these floodplains.