The Best Kakadu Tour – Part 1

Wanting to explore the NT’s most famous National Park? Need a little help deciding exactly which sites to visit? Well we’ve put together a list of our favourite spots and activities, in order from number 10 to number 1, some are the big ticket items while others are more obscure and off the beaten track. We hope this list will help you choose and get the most out your next Kakadu National Park safari.

No. 10: Fishing tour on Yellow Water Billabong

Yellow Water is Kakadu’s most famous billabong and for good reason. This tranquil waterway is fringed by water lilies and pandanus and home to a myriad of bird species, fish and of course salt-water crocodiles. Most tourists choose a cruise on the billabong but we think a small-group fishing charter is a better way to experience it and you might just be lucky enough to catch dinner!

No. 9: Bird watching (late in the year) at Mamukala Wetland

Mamukala Wetlands is about a 15 minute drive from Jabiru. Here you’ll find a large bird hide overlooking a very pretty wetland home to an array of bird life. This wetland really comes alive late in the year (September/October) when thousands of Magpie Geese congregate in the area to feed. It’s a spectacular site seeing thousands of geese taking flight at once and the noise of their ‘honking’ can be deafening!

No. 8: Crocodile spotting and people watching at Cahill's Crossing

The East Alligator River separates Kakadu and Arnhem Land and there is just one way across by vehicle; Cahill’s Crossing. Named after the famous buffalo shooter ‘Paddy Cahill’ this crossing can be a dangerous hazard and not just due to the crocs. The river here is tidal so water levels fluctuate greatly depending on the size and stage of the tide. Each year a number of people judge the crossing wrong and are swept off the edge by the pressure of the tide. Then forced to sit on the roof of their vehicle until rescued or worse make an attempt to swim to the bank…

In 1987 local Jabiru storeman was decapitated by a 5m crocodile at the crossing after entering the water while fishing.

No. 7: Early morning walk into Naguluwur art site

Nanguluwur is one of Kakadu’s lesser known rock art sites located near Nourlangie Rock. Here you can escape the crowds and see some very impressive rock art, some thousands of years old. Nanguluwur is a relatively small gallery but many styles of painting are represented here. There are some very old dynamic figures including spirits and mythical beings, various animals and even a painting of a sailing ship from the more recent contact art period. It’s about a 1.5km hike in so the trick is to set off early in the morning while it’s cool and shady.

No. 6: Snorkelling at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

Maguk is a must on any visit to Kakadu. The walk into Maguk follows Barramundi Creek which opens up into a large waterhole beneath a waterfall. It’s a great place to cool off and swim but also a great place to put on the goggles and go for a snorkel. The crystal-clear water is home to a variety of animals including various fish species including of course the famous Barramundi. Please note fishing is not allowed here.

Next week we will release our Top 5 so stay tuned!

 If you have any questions about our tours to Kakadu you can call us on (08) 8927 5500 or email [email protected]