Top tips for a weekend drive to Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is an Australian tourist icon for many good reasons and waterfalls, waterholes and crocodiles are just the starters.Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Just an easy two-hour drive east from Darwin, and accessible all year round, it’s an outback adventure, but with two-wheel-drive access.
The Kakadu National Park covers an area of over 20,000 square kilometres stretching from the shores of the Arafura Sea in the north to arid desert plains in the south. Filled with some of Australia’s highest populations of wildlife, this World Heritage-listed park is a remarkable portal to observe untouched ancient Aboriginal lands.
More than a quarter of a million people visit the park each year and the sheer expanse of land and itineraries [for those ready to stay for a few days] means it’s always possible to find a spot free of crowds. In this monsoon area, naturally the dry season - April to October - is the busiest.
For a breathtaking view, take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the plunge pool atop Gunlom Falls, along Waterfall Creek. Perched above a waterfall, and near a solar-powered campsite, it’s the perfect spot for relaxing after a day exploring.
If you’d prefer to camp in style, the Jabiru Safari Lodge offers African style safari tents and provides all-in-one packages which include bird and wildlife safaris, traditional wooden canoeing and guided tours across expansive wetlands.
With an Aboriginal history covering over 50,000 years, the land in Kakadu is rich with culture and ancient artwork. Following the East Alligator River trail provides an opportunity to see some of the world’s most well preserved Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and enjoy traditional exhibits from the area at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
If finding crocodiles is more your thing, find a seat on the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise and see saltwater crocodiles resting among flourishing wildlife. Capping off a day of spotting slithering salties is a stay at the four-star crocodile shaped, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel.
There aren’t many places to eat outside of the hotels, but, for a dining experience in the middle of nowhere, pick up some authentic Thai food from The Border Store at dusk and walk up to the Nardab lookout. Here you’ll see one of the park's most stunning vistas.
A little further afield - and for the more adventurous - is the park’s main attraction, the Jim Jim Falls. The falls are surrounded by towering rock formations and dotted with trails for keen hikers who can stay overnight at the Garnamarr camping ground. But this area is generally only accessible during the dry season and is only for more competent 4WD drivers.
However, the landscape within Kakadu National Park rewards the intrepid traveller as much as it does the casual observer or family with kids. To ensure a no-surprises visit, investigate the best time of year to go as, during the wet season (November to March), when the flood plains swell with water and wildlife, parts of the park may be closed.
Related: Five Wildlife Park sleepover experiences to tick off the bucketlist
Related: Top five weekend waterfall walks
Related: Top five Outback Roadhouses to stop by on your next trip
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