Things to Do When Visiting Kakadu National Park in Australia

Kakadu National Park

Introduction

Kakadu National Park is a must-visit destination if you’re traveling through Australia, and it’s one of the largest national parks in the country. It’s located in the Northern Territory and covers more than 20% of that state. Kakadu has numerous Aboriginal sites and artifacts, including rock art galleries that date back thousands of years. You’ll find plenty of wildlife here too, including crocodiles and kangaroos—and don’t forget about the stunning natural beauty!

Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong

  • Yellow Water Billabong, a large billabong in Kakadu National Park, offers some of the best wildlife viewings you’ll find in Australia.
  • Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong by boat to see crocodiles, alligator lizards, and wallabies among other animals.
  • A variety of birds can be seen here including the white-breasted sea eagle, painted honeyeater, and magpie-lark.

Spot Wildlife at Mamukala Wetlands

  • Kakadu National Park
  • Mamukala Wetlands

This is a great spot to see wildlife. The wetlands are home to many different species, including birds, crocodiles, and the elusive saltwater crocodile. You can also find freshwater crocodiles here if you’re lucky! There’s a viewing platform that overlooks the water so you don’t have to get too close if you don’t want to (but be aware of safety when deciding whether or not it’s safe). This area also has some great walking trails that go through dense forests with lush greenery and tall trees. It’s a perfect place for birdwatching! To get there by car: Turn onto the Arnhem Highway at Jabiru town center then follow signs for the Kakadu National Park entrance gate (about 20km). Once inside Kakadu National Park follow Nyinkka Road until its end where there will be signs pointing north towards Mamukala Wetlands (about 1km).

Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre

The Warradjan Cultural Centre is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the Indigenous people of Kakadu National Park. It’s located on a hill overlooking the Tiwi Islands, and it offers great views of both the ocean and Kakadu’s rocky coastline.

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The center has free admission, but there is a small charge when you go into their store to buy souvenirs or food. You can also watch an informative video that explains Aboriginal culture and history at 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM every day except Monday (when they are closed).

Explore Ubirr Rock Art Site

If you want to take in some of the park’s most important history, visit the Ubirr Rock Art Site. This site was once home to a group of Aboriginal people who created rock art over many thousands of years. The paintings were used as a way to record their history and communicate with other groups. You can see these paintings today at this historic site, which is considered by many visitors and locals alike to be the best place for viewing Kakadu’s rock art.

This isn’t the only place where Aboriginal people left behind evidence of their presence in Kakadu—there are hundreds of sites scattered throughout the park where Aboriginal artists have painted or carved onto rocks. These carvings include images from everyday life such as animals (both real and mythical), people hunting or gathering food, encounters with strangers from other tribes, etc.—as well as spiritual representations like totems that represent various elements associated with ancestral spirits (such as a fire).

Go for a Swim at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

When you’re visiting Kakadu National Park, Maguk is a great place to go for a swim. The water there is usually clean and safe, but it’s best if you stick to areas where lifeguards are on duty.

Maguk is also a good place to go canoeing or kayaking (as long as you’re an experienced paddler), as well as fishing and camping.

Take a Helicopter Tour over Kakadu

If you’re looking to get the best view of Kakadu National Park, helicopter flights in Kakadu are a way to go. The views are amazing and they last long after your flight has finished.

Helicopter tours start at Cooinda Airports (30 minutes south of Jabiru). Helicopters depart from here frequently and can take visitors on a scenic flight around the park or over to Litchfield National Park. The flights vary in length but generally take between 30 minutes and one hour depending on where you want to go and how long you want to stay there.

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The best time of year for helicopter tours is between October and April when it’s cooler so bring some warm clothes with you!

Experience Yurmikmik Walks & Gunlom Plunge Pool

In Kakadu National Park, the Yurmikmik Walk is a great way to experience the park’s wildlife. The walk takes about two hours and is rated as moderate. It starts at Saltwater Creek and takes you along the riverbed of this wetlands area, which means there are plenty of opportunities to spot crocodiles, birds, and other animals.

The Gunlom Plunge Pool is a popular swimming spot in Kakadu National Park that is best visited after it rains or during the monsoon season (May-August). Situated next to Jim Jim Falls, it features waterfalls cascading into a deep pool that’s perfect for taking a refreshing plunge into on hot days!

Walk the Jim Jim Falls Plateau Track

The walk from Jim Jim Falls to Ubirr Rock is a good way to see the landscape and wildlife of Kakadu National Park. The track winds through the park, passing by rock art galleries and Aboriginal sites as well as through rainforest.

This walk will take you about 3 hours to return, with an elevation gain of around 200 meters. It’s easy to do this walk on your own but it’s better if you have a guide because they can point out some interesting things along the way.

If you’re lucky, you may spot some freshwater crocodiles or turtles basking in the sun during your journey!

Kakadu National Park has a lot to see and do.

Kakadu National Park is a national park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Kakadu has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it has many things to see and do.

Kakadu is home to over 600 animal species, including crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, and dingoes. Visitors can stay at one of the many campsites or resorts within the park itself or drive through it on their way to other destinations in Australia such as Darwin or Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Conclusion

Kakadu National Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an adventure. Whether you want to see some wildlife, go on a scenic helicopter ride or just relax by the pool, there’s something here for everyone.

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