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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, Gundjeihmi and the Jawoyn, a visit to this park offers a vivid insight into an ancient land.

Exploring Kakadu National Park

Egrets, Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu National ParkCruise 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.

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who's been there
Audley specialist Haley

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kakadu National Park by contacting one of our Australia specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Kakadu National Park

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kakadu National Park, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Kakadu National Park

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Kakadu National Park

    Our expert guides to exploring Kakadu National Park

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kakadu National Park, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Kakadu National Park at its best.

    • What to do in Australia: our highlights guide
      Sydney Harbour Bridge

      What to do in Australia: our highlights guide

      What to do in Australia: our highlights guide

      A country the size of Australia provides a vast and varied array of experiences. Country specialist, Amy, narrows down some of the key highlights for first-time visitors to the country, as well as a couple of lesser-explored options for your Australia vacation.

      7 min read

      Read this guide
    • Family vacations in Australia
      Clown Anenome Fish, Great Barrier Reef

      Family vacations in Australia

      Family vacations in Australia

      Country specialist Jeanne explains why vacations in Australia are ideal for families. She shares her pick of where to go, from Sydney to national parks such as Kakadu, as well as suggestions for exploring Queensland’s rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

      10 min read

      Read this guide

    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.

    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.

    • Yellow Water Nature Cruise
      Waterlillies, Yellow Waters

      Yellow Water Nature Cruise

      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.

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    • Kakadu Helicopter Safaris
      Your transport awaits, The Kimberley

      Kakadu Helicopter Safaris

      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 freshwater pools fed by waterfalls since time immemorial.

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    • Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safari — 4 Days
      Ubir rock at sunset

      Kakadu & Arnhem Land Safari — 4 Days

      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 ocher 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.

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