Kakadu National Park is an enormous, biodiverse nature reserve in Australia’s Northern Territory. With terrain encompassing wetlands, rivers and sandstone escarpments, it’s home to some 2,000 plant species and wildlife from saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles to birds. Aboriginal rock paintings, dating to prehistoric times, can be viewed at sites such as Nourlangie, Nanguluwur and Ubirr.
Kakadu is home to Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years, one of the longest historical records for any group of people in the world. The art sites at Ubirr, 39 kilometres (24 miles) from the Kakadu township of Jabiru, can be reached via an easy one-kilometre (0.6-mile) circular walking track. The galleries reveal some of the world's finest examples of traditional X-ray art. At Ubirr, take the moderately steep 250-metre (820-foot) climb to Nadab Lookout, which provides amazing views across the floodplains, especially at sunset. The rock art at Nourlangie is equally as impressive. Follow the 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) Nourlangie Rock Art Walkpast an ancient Aboriginal shelter and outstanding art sites. The main site of Anbangbang Gallery reveals stories of Dreamtime ancestors including Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, who is believed to control the violent lightning storms that occur during the wet season.
Of Kakadu's many cascading waterfalls, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are the most breathtaking. This is 4WD territory only, and access to the Jim Jim Falls is via an unsealed road, which is generally open from June to November. From the car park, take the 900-metre (0.6-mile) walk through monsoon forest and boulders, to the deep plunge pools surrounded by magnificent 150-metre (492-foot) high cliffs. With its white sandy beach and cool water, this is a popular swimming spot. Twin Falls is a split cascade that gushes down the cliff face. The best way to see the falls is on a boat shuttle up the gorge or aboard a scenic flight. Ferry tickets are available from the Garnamarr Campground, while scenic flights depart from Jabiru Airport in Kakadu National Park, and will take you above both Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
At the heart of Kakadu are dramatic wetlands, abundant in rare flora and fauna. The Yellow Water billabonglies at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River, and is considered one of the best places to see Australia's wildlife in its natural habitat. Take a Yellow Water Cruise for the ultimate wilderness experience. Canopied boats will steer you through the tranquil waters, where you'll see saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles, whistling ducks and buffalo across the floodplain. Cruises depart daily from Cooinda and run for 90 or 120 minutes. Book well in advance for the sunrise or sunset cruise to be rewarded with a spectacular colour show across the wetlands.
• Jim Jim Falls
• Twin Falls
• Yellow Water
• Bowali Visitor Centre
• Mamukala Wetlands
5 Nights from £930pp
14 Nights from £5890pp
8 Nights from Call Us
Below is a small selection of the Kakadu National Park hotels we offer on our Australia holidays. If the hotel you want isn't listed, just give us a call.
Enquire
At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Request a Callback
Enquire
At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
Make An Enquiry
Request A Callback
Sign up today for exclusive savings
