The Best Kakadu Tour – Part 2

Following on from our last blog post this list completes our favourite touring locations in Kakadu National Park. We hope the list allows you to create your perfect Kakadu tour. Now to our top 5…

No. 5: Scenic flight over Kakadu in the wet season

One of the best ways to tour Kakadu in the wet season is by light plane. We recommend the 1hr flight which travels over flooded river systems and billabongs, along the Arnhem Land escarpment and over two of Kakadu’s most famous waterfalls Jim Jim and Twin Falls. Breathtaking! Or if you have a larger budget then a chopper is even more exciting. Definitely a must if you’re up here during the rainy season.

No. 4: Exploring Ubirr early morning (not sunset!)

Ubirr is one of Kakadu’s most popular rock art sites and featured famously in the movie Crocodile Dundee. Ubirr is home to various ancient rock art ‘galleries’ and even a very special painting of a Tasmanian tiger, indicating the species was once found in the region many, many years ago. A walk to the top of Ubirr offers great views across the Nadab floodplain into the stone country of Arnhem Land. It’s a popular spot, especially at sunset but we believe early morning is a nicer time to enjoy it. Please note this site does not open until 8.30am.

No. 3: Swimming at the top of Gunlom

Gunlom is located in the southern region of the Park and offers great swimming as well as bird watching and bush walking. Gunlom is a picturesque spot and comprises of a large waterhole with a lovely waterfall coming from over the Arnhem Land escarpment. But it is a hike up to the top of the falls which is our recommendation. At the top you’ll find meandering rock pools on the edge of the escarpment which overlook the surrounding bushland, the most spectacular infinity pool we have ever seen!

No. 2: Cooling off away from all the tourists in Moline Rockhole

Moline Rockhole is definitely one of Kakadu’s lesser known sites and one you won’t always find on a map. It is also a special permit area which only a few select operators are permitted to access; guaranteeing minimal tourists. The small waterfall and waterhole below the falls is a beautiful place to cool down and relax without the crowds. We recommend putting on a snorkel and exploring the underwater world that inhabits this crystal clear rock pool.

No. 1: Camping under the stars & exploring Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)

Jarrangbarnmi is located in the southern region of the Kakadu and a permit is required to visit the area = not too many tourists! The site is also called Koolpin Gorge as it follows Koolpin Creek for many kilometres offering great hiking, photography and swimming opportunities. We recommend camping here for at least a couple of nights so you have plenty of time to explore. It’s a picturesque location full of rock pools, gorges with spectacular views and you can even hike deeper into the gorge and find rock art sites few people have ever seen. We love that visitor numbers are strictly regulated here as the area contains several sacred sites which are important to the local Jawoyn Aboriginal people.

I hope you have found the above list useful, we look forward to seeing you out in Kakadu soon! If you have any questions about our tours to Kakadu you can call us on (08) 8927 5500 or email[email protected]