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Kakadu National Park Tours
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With dramatic sandstone escarpments, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, and crocodile-filled billabongs, the wild landscapes of the Kakadu National Park are beyond photo-worthy. Spread over 4.2 million acres (1.7 million hectares), Australia’s largest national park offers a thrilling look at the native landscape, wildlife, and culture.
The Basics
Most tours to the Kakadu National Park set out from Darwin and it’s possible to take in the highlights on a long day trip. Cruise along the Mary River wetlands or the East Alligator River (Guluyambi) in search of crocodiles, soak up the scenery along the Yellow Water Billabong, or visit the ancient rock art sites at Nourlangie or Ubirr. Other top attractions include the Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, where you can cool off with a swim or soar overhead on a scenic flight.
With time to spare, multi-day tours help explore farther afield and experience camping out in the park. Many tours also combine a tour of Kakadu with other must-see spots in the Top End, such as Litchfield National Park, Arnhem Land, or the Katherine Gorge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors to Kakadu must purchase a park permit.
- There are three accommodation options within the park: Cooinda Campground and Caravan Park, Cooinda Lodge, and the Mercure Crocodile Hotel.
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and plenty of water, as well as your swimsuit, if you plan to swim at the water holes.
- The National Park Visitor Centre at Bowali offers maps and park information, as well as restrooms, a café-restaurant, gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
- Only swim in designated areas and heed all warning notices; crocodiles are common throughout the park.
- Some of the park’s boat cruises and lookout points are wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to visit with a guide.
How to Get There
Kakadu National Park is located at the north end of the Northern Territory, 90 miles (150 kilometers) east of Darwin, or a 1.5-hour drive. There is no public transportation to the park, so the only way to visit is with your own transport (a 4WD vehicle is recommended) or by joining a guided tour from Darwin or Katherine.
When to Get There
It’s possible to enjoy the Kakadu National Park year-round, and each season offers advantages. Peak season for visitors is June to August, when dry weather and cooler temperatures are more favorable for sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Visiting during the wet season, when the water holes are full and waterfalls are at their strongest (October to March), is possible but road access to some areas may be limited.
Wildlife in Kakadu National Park
The vast mangrove swamps, floodplains, and wetlands of Kakadu harbor a huge variety of wildlife, as well as more than 2,000 plant species. The park is best known for its large population of saltwater crocodiles, but you might also spot wallabies, wallaroos, river sharks, and flatback turtles. Birds, including jacanas, kookaburras, and black kites are common. Plants include gigantic waterlilies and Kakadu plums, as well as medicinal plants and bush tucker used by ancient Aboriginals.
Address: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Admission: Varies
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Kakadu National Park
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Multi-day Tours3-Day 4WD Small-Group Litchfield and Kakadu Camping Adventure
Explore Litchfield and Kakadu national parks with an expert guide on a 3-day 4WD camping tour from Darwin. Visit Florence and Wangi waterfalls, take a wildlife cruise in the Yellow Water Billabong, discover Twin Falls Gorge and Jim Jim Falls, and admire Kakadu’s indigenous rock art at Ubirr. Swim in some of Australia’s most beautiful waterfall plunge pools and camp under the stars in a comfortable swag (bedroll tent) for an authentic experience of the Australian Outback in a small group with numbers limited to 16 participants.
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- 3 days
From
US$610.50
Multi-day Tours5-Day 4WD Camping Adventure Including Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield National Parks
Experience the wondrous landscapes of the Top End on this 5-day camping tour from Darwin. With a knowledgeable guide, travel in a 4WD vehicle to three popular national parks: Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield. View Aboriginal rock art, take a crocodile cruise, visit Katherine Gorge and cool off in waterfalls including Twin Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom Falls and Buley Rockhole on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people. Enjoy campfire evenings, complete meals and sleeping at private campsites in a ‘swag’ (bedroll) or a permanent safari tent. Note: This seasonal tour operates from June through October.
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- 5 days
From
US$903.54
Multi-day Tours3-Day Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land Explorer Tour from Darwin
Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and diverse landscapes of Australia’s ‘Top End’ on this 3-day tour from Darwin. In World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, go croc spotting on a Yellow Water billabong cruise and admire ancient Aboriginal rock art. Delve deeper into indigenous history with a 4WD tour to Arnhem Land, where you can try your hand at bush survival techniques and glide down the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide.
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- 3 days
From
US$784.93
Overnight Tours2-Day Kakadu National Park Yellow Waters Cruise, Aboriginal Art Sites and Arnhem Land Tour from Darwin
Experience the natural and cultural treasures of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park on this diverse, 2-day tour from Darwin. Go croc-spotting and see wild birdlife on a cruise down the Yellow Waters billabong, and admire a desert gallery of ancient Aboriginal cave paintings at Nourlangie Rock. Delve deeper into indigenous culture with a 4WD tour to Arnhem Land and Mikinj Valley with an Aboriginal guide.
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- 2 days
From
US$603.52