The mere mention of Kakadu instantly invokes that picture of untouched nature, lush waterfalls and ancient culture. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is home to the oldest living culture on earth and its diverse landscapes and breathtaking lookouts are nothing short of spectacular.
We've put together some must-visit spots within Kakadu that you must see:
Yellow Water Billabong
Yellow Water is a landlocked billabong brimming with native flora and fauna and is one of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park's best-known landmarks. Take a relaxing journey through the waterway on board a Yellow Water Cruise or during a walk along the boardwalks on the water's edge and spot the teeming wildlife that inhabit the area.
Stroll the boardwalk to study the Paperbark forests, pandanus and fresh-water mangroves that line the shore. The surface of the billabong is dotted with beautiful pink and white waterlilies. When the waters recede, take the walk across the floodplains to a viewing platform on Home Billabong - a great place to take in an unforgettable Top End sunset.
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Ubirr & Nourlangie Rock
Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock are Kakadu National Park's two most famous Aboriginal rock art galleries, dating back thousands of years. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy 1 kilometre circular walking track that takes you through some of our iconic Australian bush. At the Main Gallery you will see representations of the many animals the Aboriginal people hunted. Important Dreamtime ancestors such as the Namarrgarn Sisters and a magnificent Rainbow Serpent are also represented in their respective galleries.
Time your visit to Ubirr for a spectacular and unforgettable tropical sunset from atop, reached by a moderately steep 250 metre track, and stunning views across the floodplains. The walk to Ubirr takes about an hour and is 1 kilometre via a circular walking track from the car park. The climb to the lookout takes a further 30 minutes. Or climb to the Kunwarddewardde Lookout, and be rewarded with stunning views of both Kakadu’s escarpment and Nourlangie Rock.
Twin Falls
Board the boat shuttle to Twin Falls, then tackle a rewarding walking track over boulders and sand to get to the boardwalk. During the dry season the waterfall slows to a trickle but in the green season they can turn into a majestic sight to see as they gush with water. Enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters while staring up at the mighty towering stone escarpments around you.
Jim Jim Falls
Whether they are raging with water or reduced to a mere trickle, the majestic Jim Jim Falls are a sight to behold at the end of a challenging four-wheel drive track in the southern escarpment country of Kakadu National Park. Jim Jim Falls is an imposing 200 metre high waterfall cascading down the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment to the crystal clear plunge pool below. See it from the air during the tropical season when water roars over the drop and the road is impassable.
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Maguk
One of Kakadu's lesser-known attractions, Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls. Spot the spangled drongos and rainbow pitas in the rainforest, swim with the black bream in the plunge pool and marvel at the majestic endemic Anbinik trees along the rocky slopes. If you're after somewhere a bit more secluded then Maguk is the place to go!
Gunlom Plunge Pool & Top Pools
Gunlom Plunge Pool, located on Waterfall Creek, is a magical combination of a seasonal waterfall and serene plunge pool, with picnic areas shaded by tall gums. ‘Australian Traveller’ voted the Gunlom Top Pools within Australia's Top 100 best views.
From the top of Gunlom you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of three habitats of the southern hills and ridges of the park - stone country, woodland and riparian (riverine) areas. At the top take a relaxing and well-deserved dip in the crystal-clear pools. If something more sedate is more your style, take the flat easy walk to Murrill Billabong for some great birdwatching, or follow the short walking track to the main pool below the seasonal waterfall.
More resources
The Bowali Visitor Centre, in Jabiru just off the Kakadu Highway, is a great first stop for planning your Kakadu adventure. Helpful staff are on hand to answer questions and help plan your walks and activities. A park pass is required to enter Kakadu National Park which can also be purchased online prior to arriving. Another recommended website to familiarise yourself with is https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit for the latest information on park opening times, park pass plus the latest news and alerts. And for swimming safety while in the NT refer to https://becrocwise.nt.gov.au/ for guidelines and further information.
Put Kakadu on your bucket list as it truly is a highlight with so many wonders to discover.
