Covering 20,000 square kilometres and nestled in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is a testament to the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage.

UNESCO World Heritage – listed park an ecological wonderland

This UNESCO World Heritage – listed park is an ecological wonderland featuring diverse landscapes, unique australian wildlife and a rich Indigenous history. Come with us as we embarked on a journey through Kakadu National Park, uncovering its many wonders and discovering why it’s a must-visit destination.

Getting to Kakadu

We arrived at Darwin Airport in the Northern Territory, after a 4hr 20min flight from Melbourne. Our plan was to spend the day exploring Darwin and head-off into Kakadu bright and early the next day.

Darwin is considered the gateway to the Top End. Darwin offers a quirky blend of urban life and unique culture. We took this opportunity to explore the many facets of Darwin, the melting pot of cultures, diverse population and tapestry of traditions and cuisines.

From Darwin Kakadu National Park if around 150km, expect it to take around 2 hours.

Kakadu 4×4 Car Rental

Car Rental – Get a 4×4 with Unlimited Kilometers (KMs)

For this trip we hired a 4×4 vehicle with unlimited mileage. Hiring a 4×4 in the NT often comes with restrictions, such as limited dirt roads and limited kilometres, just to mention a few. Luckily, we managed to find a reasonably priced 4wd at Rhino car hire, that offered unlimited mileage and the only restrictions they had were Jim Jim Falls Road and any water crossings. We ended up with a 2023 Ford Everest.

Seeing as we were heading out to explore during the dry season, water crossings weren’t going to be an issue and after some research, Jim Jim Falls road was closed. As we landed in Darwin, the car was ready for collection at the airport and off we set on our mini adventure.

Where to stay in Kakadu

Inside the national park, there are not many places to stay. The main places to stay are in Jabiru, which offers the Mercure Crocodile Hotel and the Aurora Kakadu Lodge. Both are fine for a few nights, the Lodge has decent pool and facilities.

The other place to stay is at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, which is located in the park also, and situated very close to the Yellow water Billabong Cruises. There are very few other options available, but check out the other options below

Other Kakadu Accommodation Options

Check out the other options here.

Diverse Landscapes and Unique Wildlife

This is a land of contrast, boasting a diverse range of landscapes that change as you travel from stunning escarpments and rugged sandstone plateaus to the lush wetlands and billabongs teeming with birdlife. It is truly a destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers and adventurers alike.

Kakadu is home to a wide array of wildlife, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Saltwater crocodiles rule the park’s waterways, with signs warning you at every turn to be aware that you are in their territory. Agile wallabies and elusive dingoes roam the open plains, whilst birds from any nature enthusiast’s delight, can be seen along any visit to the many billabongs in the park.

With over 280 species including the vibrant rainbow bee-eater and the iconic jabiru stork, Kakadu national Park offers wildlife experiences found nowhere else in the world.

Kakadu is also home to unique plants such as the Kakadu Plum.

Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

One truly unique experience that should be at the top of your list when visiting Kakadu national park is the iconic Yellow Water Billabong Cruise.

This renowned excursion takes you deep into the heart of Kakadu’s wetlands, offering an opportunity to witness its vibrant wildlife, pristine landscapes, and get up close and personal with the infamous saltwater crocodile.

See the recommended cruises below:

Rock Art Galleries

Kakadu’s rock art sites are some of the world’s most significant. With places like Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock housing intricate paintings that depict dreamtime stories, hunting scenes, and daily life of the Indigenous inhabitants.

We found the rock art galleries fascinating, inspiring and humbling as you realise that Australia’s first peoples have thrived and had connection to the land for over 50,000 years. Both sites have an easy rock art loop walk, with an additional lookout walk for those that want a little extra.

You could spend hours here perusing the rock art, pondering what life would have been like and reflecting on the stories told through the art.

We highly recommend getting a local to take you through the fascinating stories behind these beautiful pieces of preserved rock art and to provide you with the extra local perspective on this fascinating place. Our recommendation is below:

Kakadu National Park is but an example of the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s natural landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous people. From the awe-inspiring rock art to the diverse ecosystems, Kakadu invites visitors to connect with the ancient stories embedded in its rugged terrain.

We couldn’t believe the bounty of this extraordinary destination, our Kakadu experience definitely created a desire to return to this place, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between nature and culture.

We will definitely return, taking our time on the next trip to explore its waterfalls, traverse its wetlands, or simply to spend some time simply marvelling at its unique flora and fauna. Kakadu National Park leaves a lasting imprint on the soul, a thirst for more exploration and discovery of its extraordinary wonders. We cannot wait to return!

Check out these Kakadu experiences!