Visiting Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu
Posted on 20 March, 2017 in
Yellow Water Billabong is a wonderful wetland located next to Cooinda and forms part of the South Alligator River floodplain. It is arguably Kakadu's most famous waterway, home to a myriad of bird species as well as a healthy population of salt water crocodiles.
The billabong is fringed by lilies and pandanus plants and is one of the most picturesque locations in Kakadu
Most people who visit choose to explore the billabong by boat and book onto a Yellow Water Cruise. These fully guided cruises run at various times throughout the day and are either 1.5hrs or 2hrs long. The most popular (and probably most spectacular) cruises are the Dawn (6.45am) and Sunset (4.30pm) departures. You can find out more and check availability for these Yellow Water Cruises here.
Another great option to explore the billabong is to book onto a Yellow Water Fishing Tour. Here you can try your luck at catching the iconic NT Barramundi in one the the most spectacular locations anywhere in the world. If you catch a legally sized fish then you can take it home for tea. For more information about these Yellow Water Fishing Tours click here.
For those who don't want to book onto a boat tour you can still get a glimpse of the billabong from a small board walk. Please note this board walk is often closed in the wet-season as the billabong swells with all the rain. Yellow Water Cruises operate all year round.
In case it wasn't obvious there is absolutely no swimming in this billabong! Many salt water crocs inhabit this waterway
After a visit to Yellow Water Billabong many people choose to visit the nearby Warradjan Aboriginal Culture Centre which is full of information about Aboriginal culture in Kakadu. If you're looking for somewhere to rest your head after a big day exploring the park then Cooinda Lodge is right next to the billabong. Cooinda Lodge offers standard motel accommodation and camp sites, there's also a pool and basic store as well as a restaurant. Reservations fill up quickly in the dry season, so book ahead so you don't miss out. If you're looking for a more bush camping experience then the nearby campground called Mardugal is a bit less 'caravan parky'. Mardugal Campground has hot showers and flushing toilets as well.
If you'd like additional information about Yellow Water Billabong or would like to join a Kakadu tour which visits this beautiful place then please email or call Venture North on (08) 89275500.