About Kakadu National Park
World Heritage Listed for both its cultural and natural values, Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. It encompasses a massive area of approximately 20,000 square kilometres or half the size of Switzerland! Kakadu's rugged and varied landscapes offer adventures truly unique to the Northern Territory. Kakadu is so ecologically and biologically diverse it boasts home to over a third of Australia’s bird species, so make sure you pack binoculars and a camera!
The Park is also home to one of the highest concentrated areas of rock art in the world. Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr Rock are the two most well known rock art sites with art dating back a possible 50,000 years. Nearby lookouts also provide some great panoramic views across the floodplains and escarpment country.
No visit to Kakadu is complete without experiencing some of the regions renowned gorges and swimming holes. Set amid the red ochre rocks of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, Kakadu’s waterfalls are the ideal place to spend an afternoon cooling off.
You can spend many days or even weeks exploring this vast wilderness so we highly recommend not trying to do it all in a day. As on a day tour to Kakadu you'll really only get to see a couple of sites and spend most of the day driving.
Below is a list of some of the most popular places in Kakadu to visit as well as a few not so well known places we love!
Kakadu National Park Attractions
Gunlom Falls
As featured in the above photo Gunlom is a picturesque waterfall and swimming hole. A hike to the top of the falls offers spectacular views across Kakadu. For more information about Gunlom Falls click here.
Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi)
Venture North is one of the few operators to hold a permit to access this very special place. Escape the crowds and enjoy bush walking and swimming through gorges and pristine waterfalls. For more information about Koolpin Gorge click here.
Moline Rockhole (Ikoymarrwa)
Moline is a special permit area that only a handful of operators are allowed to visit. Located in the southern part of Kakadu, Moline Rockhole is a beautiful little waterfall and swimming hole.
Jim Jim Falls
A 1 kilometre walk through lush rain forest to a crystal clear deep pool surrounded by majestic cliffs. (4 wheel drive access only). For more information about Jim Jim Falls click here.
Twin Falls
Access the gorge via shuttle boat to discover the sandy white beach and clear pool surrounded by dense forest. (4 wheel drive access only). For more information about Jim Jim Falls click here.
Yellow Water Billabong
Famed wetlands of the South Alligator River, cross the floodplain on a raised boardwalk to see the abundant birdlife or take a boat cruise any time of the year. Here also you will find the Warradjan Aboriginal Culture Centre. For more information about Yellow Water Billabong click here.
Nourlangie
Nourlagie Rock is one of Kakadu's oldest Aboriginal rock art and occupation sites. A short climb takes you to Nawalandja lookout which provides spectacular views across Anbangbang billabong, Nourlangie and the Arnhem Land escarpment.
Anbangbang Billabong
This lovely little lily-fringed billabong is located near Nourlangie and is a popular spot with birdwatchers and nature lovers. A walk around the billabong is a common way to experience this site. For more information about Anbangbang Billabong click here.
Barramundi Gorge (Maguk)
A truly beautiful location - A scenic 1km walk along the edge of Barramundi Creek takes you to the base of the falls where you can enjoy a swim with the large array of aquatic life. Snorkelling is also highly recommended at Barramundi Gorge as the water is crystal clear.
Ubirr
Excellent Aboriginal rock art galleries; climb the rock and view the surrounding wetland and stone country. For more information about Ubirr click here.
Cahills Crossing
Right next door to Ubirr is the East Alligator River which forms the border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. To get into Arnhem Land you need to cross the river here at Cahills Crossing; an infamous crossing for many reasons and a barramundi fishing hot-spot.
Mamukala Wetlands
Located just off the Arnhem Highway the Mamukala Wetlands is a birdwatchers paradise. Here you'll find a short walk as well as a birdhide overlooking this permanet waterhole.
Warradjan Cultural Centre
This excellent cultural centre is located in the middle of Kakadu, near Cooinda and is full of interesting displays and inofrmation about Aboriginal culture in the Park. For more information about Warradjan Cultural Centre click here.
Want to see Kakadu National Park first-hand? The 5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour is our most popular tour of Kakadu.
Head over to our tours page to book a Kakadu National Park tour today.