Things to Do in Kakadu National Park, Australia – Cultural Ecotourism Itinerary
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Are you curious about how to visit Australia’s Kakadu National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site responsibly? The best things to do in Kakadu revolve around enjoying the rich cultural heritage and incredible nature with sustainable ecotourism and Indigenous-led experiences.
This guide covers 22 great things to do in Kakadu while providing everything you need to know to plan your visit, including the best time to visit, park information, eco-lodges to book, cultural and sustainable tips, and fantastic ecology facts!

Kakadu is a dream escape for cultural ecotourism aficionados. As a regenerative tourism destination, responsible tourism that restores nature and culture is ingrained in all your activities. This makes sustainable tourism accessible to every type of traveler while exploring Kakadu’s incredible ancient lands. Whether you want to take it easy while learning at the Warradjan Cultural Center or turn it up a notch with an off-road adventure through the outback to breathtaking waterfalls, there is something to do in Kakadu for everyone.

As a national and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kakadu offers dozens of things to see and do that immerse you in its intertwined natural and cultural landscape. Many of these incredible things showcase what makes Kakadu such a remarkable place.
As you visit and explore, remember that Kakadu is a sacred place and a biodiversity hotspot, so visit respectfully. This guide will help you discover the best nature-based and cultural activities for a trip unlike any other.

Quick Look
- Established as a national park in 1979 and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve in 1981
- Kakadu is co-managed by Bininj and Mungguy traditional owners and the Australian government.
- People have inhabited the land for 65,000 years.
- The closure of a uranium mine shifted the economy from resource extraction to Indigenous-led tourism.
- Kakadu is a regenerative tourism destination perfect for cultural and sustainable ecotourism.
Kakadu Park History and Ecology
Kakadu National Park is a culturally and environmentally sensitive region in the Northern Territory of Australia. With more national parks than any other country, Australia has 650 national parks, covering 20,000 km of land.
It was first named an Aboriginal Reserve in 1964 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1972. Finally, in 1979, it became an official national park, and in 1981, UNESCO designated the region as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Kakadu is derived from the Gagudju Indigenous language historically spoken in the park. However, as one of our Indigenous guides mentioned, Kakadu is not a place name but a misinterpretation of an abstract concept.
Though he seemed okay with the name. Considering the many clans and languages (over 200 at one point) spoken in the region, which all refer to parts of the park differently, makes it a complex place to name. Kakadu seems to fit nicely.
Kakadu’s Rich Biodiversity
Kakadu is a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to rare monsoon forests, ancient sandstone mountains, savanna forests, wetlands, 2,000 different plant species, ⅓ of Australia’s total bird life, and ⅕ of its mammals.
One of the park’s most iconic species is the magpie goose. These boisterous waterfowl are found only in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The goose is a keystone species, playing a critical role as a grazer in wetlands and as a food source for Indigenous People and crocodiles.
While their population is stable, they are restricted to a small habitat range. They are threatened by habitat loss due to rising sea levels, which could flood their nesting grounds.
Read about how the Indigenous community is involved in understanding rising sea levels to protect magpie geese and other vital species. Watch for some of Australia’s most iconic species, including Kookaburra, wallabies, frilled-neck lizards, black cockatoos, and saltwater crocodiles, as you explore.





Invasive Feral Buffalo and Pigs
While I don’t want to dive too deep into this topic, as it is an incredibly complex and nuanced issue involving local and Indigenous stakeholders, I want to touch on it. In the 1800s, water buffalo were introduced to the region by colonizing settlers as a source of meat.
The population has gotten out of control and currently wreaks havoc on the local environment, threatening species such as magpie geese, damaging cultural sites, spreading invasive plants, and destroying wetland habitats.
Thousands are in the wild, and some are on ranching stations. Local ranchers raise and collect the species from the wild before live transporting them to SE Asia primarily for meat.
The buffalo are alive when they are shipped, a very traumatic and unethical experience in which many of them die. Campaigns to end this practice in Australia encourage ranchers toward a local butchering process.

Most people, including many First Peoples, agree that feral and invasive species damage the environment and must be controlled. However, it is crucial to consider that many have come to rely on the species as an essential food source or a revenue stream over the years, and that a transition plan is critical if the species were to be eradicated.
Including Indigneous bush rangers in management, such as culling, monitoring, and conservation work, is one key element.
As you explore Kakadu, remember that pigs and buffalo are not native to the region and bring many complex issues. While I saw them, I did not photograph or glamorize them so as not set a precedent for other tourists to expect them.
Culture and People
The land’s First People or Traditional Owners have inhabited the region for at least 65,000 years, making it one of the planet’s most culturally significant regions.
The Bininj, Mungguy, and Gagudju are the First People of Kakadu National Park. Outside of Kakadu, many additional clans exist in a region known as Arnhem Land.
The Indigenous people have inhabited the region and acted as stewards of the land for millennia. They documented their prehistoric life history and Dreamtime stories painted on rock cliffs hidden in the nooks and crannies of ancient sandstone cliffs.

But Kakadu’s traditional owners are not just people of ancient stories; they remain as caretakers with a rich culture today. After generations of abhorrent treatment by Australian colonizers, many died or were forced to relocate to mission-run communities that contradicted their ancestral and clan-focused way of life.
During a period that began in the 1970s, the homeland movement began with many returning to small rural communities, driven by family and clan dynamics and a more traditional way of life.
Many Indigenous people live in Kakadu and are involved in tourism, while others reside outside the park and live more traditional lifestyles off the land. Others seek employment in ranching or conservation as paid bush rangers, park rangers, or controlling invasive feral buffalo.
Kakadu, a Regenerative Tourism Destination
Regenerative tourism to the rescue. I am cautious about over-advertising tourism’s benefits, but Kakadu is genuinely remarkable for regenerative and community-led tourism. The tourism model restores Indigenous culture, enhances biodiversity, and delivers more equitable benefits to the communities in the region.
Tourism is instrumental in empowering Kakadu’s traditional owners as they regain self-governing rights over their land and resources. Today, nearly all tour excursions, accommodations, and restaurants are owned by traditional owners. The National Park and UNESCO site are co-managed by the Australian Government, the Bininj, and traditional owners, and are working toward cultural and ecological restoration.
Kakadu Tourism is the largest tourism stakeholder in the park and is Indigenous-owned. We stayed inIndineogus-jawed accommodation, enjoyed cultural and river cruises with Indigneous guides, and dined, supporting cultural revitalization efforts.
Non-Indigenous guides operating in this park must complete a six-month course on the region’s cultural and ecological aspects.
Most of the activities in the National Park are led or supported by traditional openers people to foster cultural exchange, boost biodiversity, and support those creating traditional handicrafts. We went birding with an Indigneous Park ranger.
Tourism operates in a way that is culturally sensitive to clan groups (i.g. not sharing photos of deceased people and allowing women’s only craft spaces).
Indigenous people lead the stewardship of the land through ancient knowledge, controlled burns, and the management of invasive species.

That means engaging in culturally respectful tourism that benefits the natural environment is super easy – which is how it should be if you ask me! But, of course, we must be active participants as we explore the park, so remember to:
- Respect all cultural and sacred sites – do not cross fences, trespass, touch, deface, or mark any rock paintings.
- Learn about the lands’ traditional owners and engage in meaningful cultural exchange by booking tours with Indigenous guides and visiting art and cultural centers.
- Respect the natural environment. Do not litter, go off-trail, touch or feed wildlife, or collect or harvest natural resources.
- Learn about nature with ecology tours, guided nature walks, reading signposts, and educating yourself on local conservation issues and concerns.
- Even if traveling on a budget, budget to support Indigenous art, culture, tours, and excursions.
- Stop the spread – Clean your boots and clothing before entering Kakadu, and as you hike around the park, to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Keep things seed-free and dirt-free. Avoid glamorizing the existence of invasive feral animals.
- The ecosystem is very flammable. Do not smoke in the park.
- Learn the cultural nuances – posting photos of Indigenous people can sometimes be taboo. Drinking alcohol can also be a sensitive issue in some communities. Some people prohibit alcohol.
- Conserve Water – the region can have water shortages, especially during the dry season.
The 6 Seasons of Kakadu
Before we get into all the incredible ways you can enjoy cultural ecotourism in Kakadu National Park, we need to cover the 6 seasons of Kakadu. The landscape of Kakadu and nearby Arnhem Land changes dramatically with the seasons.
Cracked and drying muddy banks along shrunken billabongs eventually give way to thunderclouds and monsoons, bringing new life and expansive flooded wetlands.

While there is a somewhat ideal window to visit Kakadu, there are things to do year-round.
Understanding the 6 seasons of Kakadu is essential to planning weather-appropriate activities that may be available only at certain times of the year. Dirt roads may flood during monsoon season, making places like Jim Jim Falls inaccessible by land – but incredible to view from the air. At the same time, the dry season is better for off-roading adventures.
The seasons of Kakadu don’t have specific start and end dates like our Western calendar. Instead, it is based on temperature, weather patterns, and animal behavior. However, they are generally consistent enough to plan around.
Kudjewk – Monsoon Season
- Kakadu’s tropical summer
- Thunderstorms, flooding, and heavy rains dominate the weather
- Vast expanses of wetlands emerge
- Massive levels of growth for vegetation, with everything turning lush and green
- Magpie geese return to the wetlands to nest.
- Average temps 25-34°C
- Most back-country roads are closed
- Usually, from December to March
Bangkerreng – Windy Season
- The season opens with strong winds
- Heavy rains subside, and blue skies emerge
- Floodwaters recede
- Kakadu is alive – plants are fruiting, and baby animals learn the ropes
- Average temps 23-34°C
- April
Yekke – Cool and Humid Season
- A relatively calm season with cooling temperatures and infrequent storms
- Wetlands and billabongs are still full of water and blooming lilies
- Indigenous land stewards often begin their controlled patch burns to bring new life
- Average temps 21-33°C
- Usually May – mid-June


Wurrkeng – Cold Season
- Cool temperatures at night with low humidity
- Floodplains, billabongs, and creeks quickly dry
- Most waterbirds gather at the shrinking billabongs – great for birding
- Average temps 17-32°C
- Mid-June to mid-August
Kurrung – Hot and Dry Season
- Most water sources are dried up, save for a few year-round billabongs and wetlands.
- Reptiles, such as goannas, sea turtles, and long-necked turtles, lay eggs
- Dry and brown landscapes
- Some seasonal birds begin to return, leading up to the monsoon seasons
- Average temps 23-37°C
- Mid-August to mid-October
Kunumeleng – Pre-Monsoon Season
- Humidity and temperatures rise, leading to more storms.
- Afternoon rain is common, bringing some new life to the region
- Animals and people begin to move – Barramundi head to estuaries for breeding, birds spread out with expanding billabongs, and the Indigenous people would migrate to shelter from storms
- It can last for a few weeks to several months
- Average temps 24-37°C
- Mid-October to December

The Best Time to Visit Kakadu
Each of these 6 seasons has pros and cons for visiting, but to make things easier, we can divide them into 2 broad categories – dry and wet.
Dry Season – April/May to October
The dry season is the peak season, and when most people visit. Most attractions, accommodations, and roads are open, making it a great time to see the best of Kakadu. That also means you may encounter crowds, and hotels and experiences may be booked quickly.
However, within this window, you will have lots of variety.


If you visit in the shoulder season of April or May, you will still find lush green landscapes and water, making jet boat experiences memorable. However, depending on the ongoing flooding, some roads may still be closed.
If you visit during the shoulder season in October (as we did), you will encounter fewer crowds but hotter weather. The landscapes are much drier, and billabongs are much smaller (but still with many birds). October is between Kurrung (Hot and dry season) and Kunumeleng (Pre-monsoon season).
While it was hot, we enjoyed minimal crowds at most locations. While we avoided the intense heat of midday, we still managed to get some hikes in, visit Billabongs, go birding and flightseeing, visit cultural centers, see rock paintings, go jet boating, and go river cruising.

All roads were accessible. This is a great time to visit waterfall sites, go birding, go off-roading, take cultural tours, and do almost everything else in Kakadu.
I want to return to visit during the wetter May shoulder season to see the landscape in all its lush green glory!
Tropical Wet Summer – November to March/April
The wet season is, well, wet. With all that rain and flooding, most backcountry roads are closed, meaning waterfall access to places like Jim Jim Falls is off-limits. However, flightseeing tours to see the roaring falls from a bird’ s-eye view are supposedly incredible at this time. Animals are active during this time of plenty, making activities like Yellow Water cruises an exciting adventure.

The main road through the park, easy-to-access sites like the Ubirr paintings, Yellow Water Cruises, and most hotels inside the national park remain open now. However, specific luxury accommodations outside the park, like Bamurru Plains, close during the extreme wet season.
Pack all your rain gear and clothing that is breathable, quick-drying, and sun-protective.
Cultural Things to Do in Kakadu
Get Your Park Pass at the Visitor Center
Picking up your Kakadu National Park Pass should be your first thing in Kakadu. This mandatory permit is required when traveling through and visiting sites in Kakadu National Park. The pass varies in price depending on age and season (it’s cheaper during the tropical summer). For us, it was $40 per adult during the dry season.
Depending on your itinerary, you may need a special permit. For example, if you planon camping, exploring the backcountry, filming, or photographing for commercial purposes (drones never allowed), you must contact the visitor center for a permit.


I love how transparent Parks Australia is about where the fees collected from permits go. Nearly 40% go directly into paying the land’s traditional owners’ lease payments for operating a national park on their land. The rest goes towards funding infrastructure, maintenance, conservation work, bush rangers, educational programs, operations, and cultural heritage.
The easiest option is to buy most Kakadu permits online, but you can also pick them up in person at the Bowali Visitor Center. Make sure you have the pass on you at all times.
Try Bush Tucker Food, Drinks, and Spirits.
The Bininj and Mungguy have spent tens of thousands of years honing their survival skills in one of the harshest environments. They excel at hunting and gathering to prepare meals that are now called bush tucker. Bush Tucker cuisine uses traditional ingredients consumed by the Indigenous people of Kakadu. The food options include crocodile steak, barramundi, magpie goose, root tubers, native fruits, and green ants.

As a vegetarian, you can enjoy bush fruit, vegetables, and bread made with waterlily flour. Ganesh and I are both vegetarians, but I believe the future of sustainable nutrition lies in insects and Indigenous-led land management, so we sampled Indigenous items made solely with native green ants. We did not eat any other animal products.
My dietary preferences aside, Indigenous-sourced bush tucker is probably the most sustainable and ethical cuisine you’ll find on this planet. If you are going to try barramundi, croc, or goose. I encourage you to do so at an Indigenous-owned establishment or while supporting Indigenous-owned businesses for a cultural and ethical experience.


There are several places, events, and ways to sample bush tucker food.
Kakadu DIRD (Moon) Feast
To celebrate each of the six seasons of Kakadu and the rising moon, Indigenous-owned Cooinda Lodge partners with Bininj chef Ben Tyler of Kakadu Kitchen for an exclusive dining experience. Enjoy several courses of bush tucker cuisine (not always veg-friendly) and bush-infused mocktails (most events are alcohol-free). The dinner will have traditional stories, music, and cultural highlights.
These events are popular and book up quickly. If you’re in Kakadu for the DIRD feast, grab tickets. This is probably the best way to sample sustainable, ethically sourcedIndigenous foods.
Cooinda Lodge & Crocodile Hotel
If you can’t make the Dird Feast, the Cooinda Lodge has a restaurant serving bush tucker foods such as wallaby shank and barramundi. The menu always prioritizes locally sourced or foraged foods when possible.
They have plenty of vegetarian alternatives, which unfortunately don’t feature many bush-tucker ingredients, but there is enough variety to eat something different each night.

Manjmukmuk Restaurant at the Crocodile Hotel also serves bush tucker cuisine featuring cuts of crocodile and invasive feral buffalo. Vegetarian options are also available, but they are more Western in style.
The Taste of Kakadu
The Taste of Kakdu, or Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu in the local Kundjeyhmi language, is a week-long culinary and cultural festival in the heart of Kakadu. The event usually occurs in May and features dozens of daily foodie events.
Some culinary highlights include a Yellow Water cruise with canapes and non-alcoholic bush-inspired drinks, cooking demonstrations, guided walks to forage for bush tucker food, and a cocktail night featuring native-ingredient spirits.

Support Local Foodie Businesses
There are several ways to support Indigenous foodie businesses as you explore Kakadu. Kakadu Kitchenis a non-alcoholic drink company founded by Bininj Ben Tyler. You’ll find his drinks at various hotels, restaurants, and food events around Kakadu. He is also a featured chef for many special events around town.
Try the signature An-marabula (peach) bellini and the non-alcoholic spirit infused with green ants.
Looking for something with a kick? Indigenous-owned distillery Seven Seasons uses bush tucker ingredients to create gins with green ants and bush apples. They also distill a vodka with bush yams and brew a lager infused with waterlily seedpods. Seven Seasons bush apple gin was our go-to for sundowners while exploring Kakadu.



For perishable, sustainable souvenirs to take home, check out Indigenous-owned Kakadu Organicsfor their line of teas, jams, and bath and body products.
Finally, Maningrida Wild Foods is part of the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation. While most of their foods are harvested and collected by members of their clans, seasonings, such as plum powder, are often available.
Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center
The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Center is a must-visit in Kakadu. It is ideally one of the first things you do in Kakadu, as it provides critical context into the life history of the many Indigenous people and clans.
Photos were not allowed in the center, and you’ll learn one of the reasons for this as you visit. Images of deceased people are taboo for most clans, and the center does not want certain images appearing online.

Along with cultural taboos, you’ll learn more about the complicated skin groups that dictate how clan members interact and who they can marry. The center also features a film, exhibits, art, ancient history, colonial encounters, and modern life. The gift shop is a great place to buy authentic gifts.
I recommend visiting during the hottest part of the day. The cultural center is air-conditioned and offers an educational and insightful way to learn about the region while staying cool. Admission is free, making the center an accessible and budget-friendly option for everyone visiting Kakadu.
See the Historic Rock Paintings
The prehistoric rock art sites are among the most notable things to do in Kakadu. I’m happy to say that they are 100% worth the hype. The rock art painted in yellow and red ochre, mixed with blood, is among the best-preserved and most impressive petroglyphs I’ve encountered in all my travels.
One of the best aspects of the paintings is that the direct ancestors of the people who painted them are alive and able to share many of the stories and meanings behind the images and scenes.

The images were the First Nations’ way of communicating through generations, passing along vital information, such as where to shelter during the monsoons, how to hunt and prepare fish, what species were edible, and documenting their Dreamtime stories.
As you explore these sacred sites, you’ll have an opportunity to view images of the changing landscapes as billabongs were created and brought freshwater species to the region, their first contact with colonizers, and stories passing down moral code, such as how not to get eaten by a croc.
The art primarily covers three distinct periods:
- The pre-estuarine period (50,000 – 6,000 BCE) was marked by low sea levels and arid conditions. The images are simple and depict handprints, now-extinct megafauna, and the rainbow serpent.
- The estuarine period (6,000 – 500 BCE) saw extreme flooding and rising sea levels that created mangrove swamps. Art shows fish, crocodiles, and wallabies in an X-ray style that reveals their bone structure and how to prepare and kill them.
- The freshwater period (500 BCE – 500 years ago) reveals the creation of freshwater billabongs. People are depicted with goose spears, cultural regalia, and more complex stories and narratives.
Ideally, you will visit at least one of these sites with a guide to help you understand the images and their meaning. There are several options for guided experiences at Ubirr during the day, Ubirr in the evening, and Nanguluwurr.


The most famous and visitor-friendly site is the site of the Ubirr Rock Paintings. Ubirr has about 2km of accessible trails, with an alternative 150m elevation hike to a viewpoint. The main images here show animals and cultural insights. There are plenty of signposts and information.
The other two locations are located next to each other at Anbangbang and Nanguluwurr Rock Painting Sites. The images at these locations are more modern, revealing images of colonial ships and human-centric paintings.
Buy Indigenous Art and Jewelry
I recently attended a purposeful travel summit in Banff, Canada. On the first day, I wore the colorful Pandanas Leaf earrings that I purchased from the Marrawuddi Arts and Cultural Center.
These Indigenous-made earrings are my favorite jewelry staple, and they were great icebreakers at the conference, with multiple people commenting on them. An insightful conversation followed about the importance and value of Indigenous-led tourism.

The Marrawuddi Center is located in downtown Jabiru. It is owned and governed by the Mirarr Traditional Owners and features unique and traditional art from over 500 artists across Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
In addition to my earrings, Ganesh and I also went home with a traditional painting created on natural bark from a paper-bark tree.
Whether you are looking for paintings, screen-printed clothing and bags, woven pieces, photography, sculptures, or jewelry, the center has something for you. We bought smaller pieces we could easily carry home, but there are certainly larger statement pieces that would be great conversation starters for your home.

My favorite part about the Marrawuddi Arts Center is that the art is unique to the region. Often, when I think of Indigenous art from Australia, I think of the dot art that is more authentic from southern clans near Uluru. These pre-conceived expectations can cause artists to change their style to appeal to tourists’ expectations.
Arnhem Land and Kakadu artists have styles featuring locally sourced cross-hatches and materials. It was nice to learn about art from different regions and purchase a unique statement piece for our home that reminds us of Kakadu and the incredible artists from the region.
You can also stop by for a cup of coffee at their cafe while you enjoy shopping for ethical and Indigenous-made art.
Join an Indigenous-led Hand-crafted Workshop
If you prefer to make your own art with the guidance of an Indigenous mentor, there are plenty of interactive and educational art and cultural workshops throughout Kakadu.
If you are inclined to try painting, join Jacqueline, a Ngombur and Mukurkala woman, at a painting workshop. As you learn to paint in a traditional art style, Jacqueline, a bush ranger in the national park, shares stories of life growing up in Kakadu.
The Bowali Visitor Center offers painting workshops with Jacqueline most Saturdays, in the morning and afternoon, which you should book in advance.

The six seasons of Kakadu often dictate what natural resources are available and the daily activities of the land’s traditional owners. Naturally, the seasons dictate many of the activities related to creating art.
Join Patsy, a Daluk woman, as she teaches you how to strip fresh pandanus branches. Prepare them for weaving and jewelry-making by learning to dye them with natural colors made from flowers, seeds, and roots. This is an activity traditionally done during the Kunngobarn.
To honor the Kunmadj season, Patsy shares her traditional knowledge of weaving using conventional materials. The Pandanas branches are used to weave baskets, bags, jewelry, fans, and mats. At the end of the event, you can take your creation home.
The dying and weaving activities are outdoor and accessible events at the Bowali Visitor Center. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, both activities are for all genders. Dying is at 10 a.m., and weaving is at 1 p.m.

For women, the women-only weaving workshop is on Thursdays at 1:30 at the Merl Campground. A group of women hosts this activity to align with the clan’s social norms and create a positive space for women.
Finally, if you are in Kakadu for the weekend, check with the Cooinda Lodge or the Warradjan Cultural Center for a weaving event hosted by traditional owners on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Try Other Cultural Workshops & Experiences
If art isn’t your thing, I get it. Thankfully, Parks Australia and Kakadu’s traditional owners host many other cultural activities. If you find yourself struggling with the pronunciation of the place names around Kakadu, then sign up for a language workshop.
One of my favorite things about traveling is learning local phrases, such as greetings, thank-yous, and other pleasantries. Join Bininj speakers to hear and understandtheir language and stories.
Enjoy a Cultural Boat Cruise
The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a must-do for an immersive, guided cultural experience through Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We loved our time on the water with Hilton, a Guluyambi Indigenous Guide.
The cruises operate along the E. Alligator River with the opportunity to set foot on Arnhem Land. To visit this land independently, you would need a special permit and permission from the traditional owners. With the Guluyambi River Cruise, your guides invite you to visit their traditional lands.

As you slowly cruise with a small group of fewer than 25 people, your guide will point out species such as crocodiles, barramundi, eagles, egrets, paper-bark trees, and other incredible species. This cruise is unique because your guide discusses these species from an Indigenous perspective, focusing on their importance in their traditional and modern way of life.
As you spot crocodiles, you’ll learn about the Dreamtime stories and mythology involving crocodiles. You’ll learn about paper-bark trees and their importance in grilling barramundi and wrapping infants.
In the middle of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and visit Arnehm land for a traditional spear-throwing demonstration and to see the native ecosystem along the river.

The cost is $84 per person, and you’ll have plenty of time on the water and with your guide, making it an unforgettable experience. The tours depart near Cahills Crossing and operate daily during the dry season (May – November), with multiple departures. Tours should be booked in advance.
Visit Arnhem Land
If you are on an independent off-road 4WD adventure through the N. Territory, you can visit Arnhem Land on your own. Arnhem Land is home ot the Yolngu People. Of course, you must first get a permit via the Northern Land Council.
These permits can be obtained in Darwin or Jabiru. Once in Arnhem Land, you can curate a unique cultural itinerary, such as visiting rock art sites at Injalak with a guide or exploring rural areas and camping independently.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature-Based Things to Do in Kakad
Attend Kakadu Bird Week
If you know me, you probably expected birding to be first on this list. In fact, you know this twitcher is going to mention birding twice! We were fortunate enough to visit during Kakadu’s annual bird week; let me tell you, it was a treat! Kakadu is home to ⅓ of Australia’s bird biodiversity, with hundreds of species thriving there, making it an excellent place for birding.
During Kakadu Bird Week – usually the end of September – early October- your Park Pass gives you access to dozens of bird-themed events.

Ganesh and I signed up for a guided birding experience at The Bubba Wetlands. A local ecologist and an Indigenous bush ranger took our small group on a walk through the forest and along a billabong to spot, listen to, and learn about the forest birds and waterfowl.
We learned about the conservation efforts of birds, particularly against climate change, and the birds’ importance to Indigenous culture. We saw two dozen or so different birds, including the elusive Jabiru!

Other weekly events include lectures, guided birding tours, and cultural events like painting workshops – but bird-themed!
Go Birding
If you’re not in town for Kakadu Bird Week, I want to ensure you know that Kakadu is an incredible place for birding year-round! Do not forget your binoculars, monocular, and zoom lens! We did several guided tours, including the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise and the Bird Week guided walk.
While these were great for local insider knowledge, the best place for independent bird watching is the Mamukaka Wetlands. This accessible Billabong is a birding haven. We spent more than an hour here during the dry season just watching the whistling ducks, magpie geese, egrets, jacanas, and more interacting.

There are plenty of informational signposts at this spot to help you identify birds and understand their behavior during the 6 seasons.
Other great spots for birding include water cruises and other billabongs, such as the appropriately named Bird Billabong, Mary River Billabong, and the Bubba Walk.
Book a Scenic Wildlife Boat Cruise
Yellow Water Cruises is another slow river cruise offering something slightly different. While the Yellow Water Cruises have a cultural element, they focus more on the natural experience. Yellow Water is entirely within the Kakadu and UNESCO Parks. With more than 60 bird species in the area and crocs in the water, the wildlife opportunities on the Yellow Water Cruises are incredible.
They operate year-round, during both the wet and dry seasons, and run several cruises daily. They are known for their sunrise and sunset cruises, where the changes in wildlife activity are profound. We talked to several people who had done morning and evening tours and saw completely different animals.

The Yellow Water Cruises are part of the Cooinda Lodge compound and depart from their local Billabong. 1.5-hour cruises cost $105, with 2-hour cruises costing $129. Book in Advance, as spots can fill quickly.
Experience a Bush Safari With an Indigenous Guide
With the traditional owners running many art and cultural workshops, there are also opportunities for the nature nerd to get outside and explore Kakadu National Park with a traditional owner.
Animal Tracks is an 8-hour open-door safari tour through Kakadu for the adventurous traveler. You’ll spend almost the entire day with an Indigenous guide as you look for wildlife, bush tucker food, plants used for medicinal purposes, and more. The Indigenous guide may harvest or hunt traditional foods on their land with you as their helper.
The great thing about this tour is that you go to places most tourists cannot access. Only with your local guide can you visit Gindiala Wetland, Australia’s largest bird gathering during the dry season.

The tour completes with a sunset campfire in another exclusive location, where your guide will prepare a meal using some of the foods you harvested (not veg-friendly, and you may be harvesting turtles and other animals – but it is sustainable and ethical with your Indigenous guide!). You can even help them prepare the meal by learning traditional techniques.
If I were to write a definition of sustainable, ethical ecotourism, this tour would hit ALL of the notes. The tour is $220 for a full day with a personal guide.
Embrace Indigenous Stewardship
Part of learning about local ecology is understanding how Indigenous people have cared for our planet for thousands of years. In Kakadu, many of the land’s Traditional Owners are employed as bush rangers. Part of their job is engaging in their annual controlled burns.
Much of Kakadu’s biodiversity relies on low-intensity fires. These fires stimulate new growth, activating seed pods and keeping the ground clear of debris that can build up and spark intense, extreme fires.
As you explore and drive around Kakadu, especially at the tail end of the wet season, look for these low-intensity fires. Talk to your local guides about how these stimulate healthy biodiversity and why they are essential to conservation work.


You will also notice the feral buffalo and pigs as you explore Kakadu. These species were introduced to the region and have catastrophic impacts on the natural environment. They destroy nesting grounds for bird species, dig holes, and damage vegetation.
To manage them, many Traditional Owners hunt them in an act called mustering. Their role in controlling the invasive species is critical, as few know the land as they do, and they have come to rely on this species for meat. Learn about the impacts of invasive species and the Traditional Owners’ role in managing them.

Additionally, many of the Indigenous clans are helping scientists and Western land managers map rising sea levels, the spread of invasive aquatic plants, and climate change impacts on magpie geese. Learn about the role of technology and Indigenous land management in Kakadu.
Enjoy A Scenic Flight
This might sound counterintuitive to enjoying nature. However, flying over Australia’s Top End shows an elaborate ecosystem network that shapes one of the world’s most culturally and environmentally precious landscapes.
The wetlands give way to ancient mountains worn by time but ever-preserving prehistoric rock art. Saltwater crocodiles line muddy river banks, and magpie geese fly in chaotic flocks overhead. The hooves of invasive and feral water buffalo mark the jarring white strips of sand, a reminder of their devastating impact on native biodiversity. A dark blight looms on the horizon—a uranium mine scars the native savanna woodlands in the heart of Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO site.
During the wet season, when road access to many waterfalls is closed, a flight-seeing tour can help you see the falls at their peak glory.


A bird’s-eye view allows you to fully appreciate the incredible natural beauty of Kakadu and see how all the microclimates fit together. We flew with Gunbalanya Airas part of a pre-booked excursion with our accommodation. Our pilot and co-pilot lived in the rural community of Gunbalanya.
While they were not traditional owners, they had training in the cultural and historical context of the landscape. As we flew overhead, we learned about Dreamtime stories about the environment. Our flight-seeing tour was an incredible experience that allowed me to put the many things I learned on the ground into perspective.

Indigenous-owned Kakadu Air also offers flight-seeing tours. If I were to return, I would book with Kakadu Airfor more flight options and to support an Indigenous-owned tour company.
Swim in a Croc-Free Billabong
As amazing as all the billabongs throughout Kakadu are, they are unsafe for swimming. I repeat, they are not safe for swimming. You might be cued in by now with the countless croc signs surrounding every body of water. Hidden in every body of water or mud pit, there are potentially fat Crocs lying in wait.
Naturally, we were in disbelief when we heard there was a billabong safe for swimming. Amid that disbelief, we consulted numerous sources to ensure that Maguk Swimming Hole was safe for swimming.
The park ranger at the visitor center assured us, our local tour guide, and the front desk at our hotel. All that being said, it is still important to be aware that, while this is the only managed swimming hole in the area to rid Crocs every season, there are still signs warning of swimming at your own risk.

Now that I have thoroughly scared you, Maguk is probably the most amazing natural billabong or swimming hole I have ever seen. The water is so refreshing during the hot seasons. The Maguk waterfall tumbles into a vivid green watering hole. Brave souls will scramble up the rocky outer areas for exciting cliff jumping. We spent about 2 hours at this location, and it was hard to leave.

After driving down a packed dirt road (our AWD was perfect), you will park (don’t forget your park pass). From the parking lot, you must hike about 2 km (there and back) over rocky terrain and sometimes in extreme heat. So, pack water, sun protection, a snack, a towel, your swimmers, and good shoes. A pair of Keens, Tevas, or something similar would be ideal, or regular trail shoes you can leave at the water’s edge.
Sunset Hike at Nawurlandja Lookout
One of our favorite experiences from Kakdu was an evening hike to Nawurlandja Lookout. This is a very short hike up a sloping sandstone hill. But the views are incredible.
Once at the top, you can settle in and enjoy the westward-facing scene as the sun sets. Straight ahead is an expanse of gum forest, as far as the eye can see. Slightly to your left, there is an impressive sandstone mountain, the very same that houses the ancient rock paintings of Nawurlandja.

We brought a small picnic, and as the sun sank, vivid purples and fuchsias exploded over the sky. Somewhere in the distance, a storm was building. Dramatic clouds billowed out, expanding over the sky while flocks of cockatoos played in the distant trees. When the moon began to rise over Nawurlandja, it appeared larger than life against the darkening, moody sky.


Once, we witnessed the most fantastic sunset of our lives—seriously, this was in my top two best evenings, with only the sunset from Cafe del Mar in Ibiza coming close—so we began our descent. Packaging headlamps and good shoes were necessary, as it was pitch dark when we reached the car. The drive home can also be challenging, as you drive down an unpaved road, and animals such as wallabies may suddenly cross the road.
Do a Nature Walk
Kakadu is a great place for a nature walk. Most Billabong areas have boardwalks or developed trails, making it easy to enjoy a nice walk through nature, enjoy wildlife, and end at a watering hole. Most of Kakadu’s wildlife congregate in these billabongs and watering holes, especially during the dry season when water is a precious resource. Other walks take you through the forest or around sandstone cliffs.
These walks can involve extreme temperatures and challenging terrain, so ensure you are prepared with appropriate clothing, water, and sun protection. I also suggest you bring your camera and binoculars.

The Mamukaka Wetlandsis a 3km loop walk that circles my favorite wetland area. About 500m will get you to a wildlife viewing platform. From there, you can continue along a trail to extend the walk and increase your chances of seeing more wildlife.
The Anbangbang Walk is probably the best bang for your buck. You’ll start with a relaxing walk through a forested region, pass sandstone cliffs with rock paintings, and eventually come to a billabong teaming with life. This is a 3.5km track. You can join a Bininj bush ranger on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a guided ecology walk.
Bubba Walk starts with a nice stroll through the forest, where you can observe birds and forest vegetation. The walk emerges to a vibrant billabong. The walk wraps around the Billabong and through some open savannah before returning to the car park. I think we walked about 4-5 km.


Barrk Sandstone Walkis one of the longer walks, but it is still easy to access without too much off-roading. The trail is 10 km long, so you must pack plenty of food, water, good shoes, and sun protection.
Expect scrambling and scratchy vegetation- so bust out your full safari gear. You’ll see plenty of rock art, stunning sandstone formations, and incredible views.
Kubara Walk is a 7km there and back hike that takes you to stunning rock pools (no swimming allowed – CROCS!). This hike is great even in the wet season, making the pockets of monsoon forests and the pools much more interesting. Prepare yourself for a longer bush walk.

Gunlom Falls is a short and sweet, well-maintained waterfall walk. In less than 2km and 100 m elevation, you can have great views of the waterfall and the surrounding ecosystem. Another great short waterfall hike is to Maguk Billabong.
Explore All the Native Ecosystems
Kakadu is home to several incredible ecosystems, some of which are quite rare. Indigenous people have been living and shaping the land for centuries, so the dynamics here are unlike those elsewhere.
Savanna woodlands are the most common ecosystem, and they comprise mostof the forest you see as you explore Kakadu. You’ll see plenty of swamp bloodwood in these forests, a type of eucalyptus.
The woodlands have plenty of space between the trees, and you might notice termite mounds thriving off the ample amount of leaf litter on the ground.
This ecosystem includes wallabies, songbirds, frilled-neck lizards, and bush apples. You can see this ecosystem on a safari or while driving in the park.

Floodplains are full of paperbark trees and spear grasses. During the wet season, these areas flood completely, and you can enjoy activities such as an airboat ride. During the dry season, these ecosystems still exist and shrink considerably.
Many waterfowl, dragonflies, crocs, and magpie geese nest and thrive in these habitats. We saw floodplains on an airboat experience with Barmurru Plains.

Mangrove forestsline the shores of rivers and coastal areas. These are brackish ecosystems with muddy banks. You’ll spot many egrets stalking the banks, looking for mudfish and other critters hiding in the mud.
Kingfishers are often perched on the outskirts of these forests, waiting to hunt insects and small fish. These forests are critical for carbon sequestration and preventing excessive flooding. We saw this on a river cruise in the Mary River National Park just west of Kakadu.
Monsoon forests or seasonal rainforests are incredibly rare ecosystems, and you are fortunate to walk through one. In Kakadu, the monsoon forests exist in small pockets among the drier gum forests and wetlands.
Because forests are fragmented and declining due to forest fires, climate change, and desertification, they rely on fruit bats and birds to disperse seeds between fragments. You’ll often spot goannas, birds, and lush vegetation like sand palms. You’ll see this on the walk to Maguk Falls.

Other ecosystems you’ll see are open forests, tidal mudflats, and coastal habitats.
Head Off-Road to See Waterfalls
If you are visiting with your 4×4, you can explore more remote areas, like Jim Jim Falls, during the dry season. We only had an AWD SUV hybrid, and while it got us to most accessible experiences and even some off-the-beaten-path ones, driving too long off-road was uncomfortable.
Outer areas, such as Jim Jim Falls, are only for 4×4 overland vehicles due to road hazards, river crossings, and other dangerous obstacles.

If you have a snorkel on your car, then head out to visit Twin Falls Gorge, which requires crossing Jim Jim Creek.
If you are prepared and knowledgeable about outdoor survival and cars, you can gear up for a true backcountry adventure. However, most backcountry is only open during the dry season.
Join a Croc Tour/Talk
If you’re croc-obsessed, make sure you take advantage of croc-sighting tours! While there are many gimmicky shows outside Kakadu where bait crocs lure them to jump, I would suggest sticking to seeing them in their natural environment.
There is little research on the impacts of these experiences, but if I learned anything from my master’s, it is that tours like this can alter animal behavior, and it is always best to see them in their natural setting.

Thankfully, there are many opportunities to see crocs with guides and experts. I recommend booking one of the river cruises with an Indigenous guide.
During the Guluyambi River Cruise, Hilton was an expert at spotting crocs the rest of us would have never seen! The Yellow Water cruise is another opportunity to spot them. Bamurru Plains also offers jetboat tours to see them in the wild.
Cahills Crossing is another great place to see crocs and watch 4×4 explore Arnhem Land. Cahill Crossing is known for a large concentration of crocs. During high tide, you might see up to 40 crocs feeding at this point from a safe vantage point and boardwalk.

Cahill’s Crossing is also the meeting point for a croc talk, where a bush ranger will discuss the fascinating things that make crocs so cool and why they are apex predators that have survived since the Triassic period.
Enjoy an Airboat Tour
You might stop at Mary River National Park on your way into Kakadu. This is an excellent location for airboat tours to see the wetlands. This is also offered at luxury lodges like Bamurru Plains.
While jetboats can be loud and disruptive, we asked our guide for some quiet time on the water so the wildlife could settle. As we enjoyed tea and biscuits, dozens of bird species, dragonflies, crocs, and fish appeared. I would suggest you do the same for a more mindful experience.
Where to Stay in Kakadu – Book Eco Accommodation
There are not many accommodation options in Kakadu. Still, several options maintain rigorous standards, minimizing their environmental impact and benefitting the broader socio-cultural ecosystem.
We stayed in two places in Kakadu—one was a pricy luxury bush eco-lodge, and the other was a more humble Indigenous-owned glamping experience. They were both great experiences, but for different reasons.
Cooinda Lodge
Cooinda Lodge is located in Kakadu, in a central yet secluded location. This Indigenous-owned lodge is rustic but has everything you need on-site and then some. The compound offers several room types for you to choose from.

- The main lodge has spacious family and single rooms. These rooms have their own bathroom and a covered patio and feel more like traditional hotel rooms, but with Kakadu flair.
- The Glamping pods (where we stayed) were large, comfortable tents that fit a queen bed, nightstands, a dresser, a seating area, and a mini fridge. We had to use a communal bathroom, but it was close by, clean, and modern. This facility also had a laundry station and a place to wash dishes for those on a longer campervan or camping road trip.
- The tents are glamorous glamping pods with an outdoor private bathtub, a nice seating area with a large bench, and a workstation.
- All units have AC.

The grounds are large and forested, so we fell asleep to the noises of the bush – cockatoos, bats, and wallabies. There was a large swimming pool, two restaurants, a small shop, outdoor BBQs, and a local billabong. We spent the hot afternoons relaxing in the pool.
Honestly, this place was just a dream. It was simple, yet it had everything we needed. We loved the rustic luxury of the large swimming pool and modern glamping pods. Every evening, we would order some of their vegetarian food, a bottle of white wine to cool off, and eat out on their restaurant terrace after the intense heat of the day died down.

Another perk is that the cultural center and yellow water cruises are all within walking distance, so you can access many activities without going far. You’ll feel good booking several nights here as your money supports Kakdu’s traditional owners and a lodge with a strong environmental commitment to the national park.
Cooinda Lodge is an excellent option for an immersive experience inside the park without breaking the bank. Book several nights so you have plenty of time to enjoy all the amazing things to do in Kakadu.
Bamurru Plains
Before we entered Kakadu National Park, we stayed at a rural Australian-owned luxury bush lodge north of Mary River National Park.
Bamurru Plains is modeled after African safari lodges. Think of a small, intimate, all-inclusive compound surrounded by nature. Bamurru Plains is incredible if the high price tag fits your budget and you want a unique one-of-a-kind experience.
To get there, we turned onto a long, dusty, unsealed road and drove for several kilometers. Bamurru Plains is located on private grounds, so we eventually parked and a staff member picked us up in a topless, doorless 4×4 off-road vehicle. Once we arrived, we toured the impressive property.
There are only about 10 bungalows at this property, meaning you’ll only be around 20 or so guests. There is a main common lodge with an incredible pool, an open bar you can help yourself to at any time, games, a lounge area, and a dining room. All meals are included and shared with the other guests.
You must inform them of a vegetarian diet beforehand, but the veg options were great!. The bungalows have open, breathable netting, so you can fall asleep watching and listening to the wildlife.

The property makes an incredible environmental and social contribution. With impressive water and energy reduction commitments, local natural materials, eco-bed linens, and regular donations to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, it hits all the notes of truly positive-impact hotel properties. All its staff and guides were extensively trained regarding the natural environment and Indigenous clans.




Daily, morning, and evening guided activities include jetboat rides, guided nature walks, safaris, sunset outback excursions, and more. You can also add a day into Kakadu that includes a flight and a knowledgeable guide who received 6 months of cultural and environmental training to take people into Kakadu.
We did this, and it was nice to have a local insider guide for the flight, visiting some rock art sites and more. Of course, this should be balanced by visiting Kakadu for experiences and hiring Indigenous guides, which we did by booking several nights at Cooinda Lodge afterward.

The one downside of this place is that it shares the property with the cattle ranch. However, it sparked a conversation about Australia’s controversial meat industry. The other slightly negative aspect was that it felt like it should have been an adult-only lodge, considering the price we paid and the quality of luxury.
Several kids stayed the same time we did and complained about activities, meals served, and rough-housing in the pool. Otherwise, everything was fantastic! I do not recommend this location for families; Cooinda Lodge is better suited.
Bamurru Plains is your go-to for sustainable, locally-owned, all-inclusive luxury with guided excursions. We booked the 3-night package with the Kakadu tour added, but if you want more time to relax, opt for the longer stay.
Crocodile Hotel
We did not stay in the Crocodile Hotel; we just stopped in for snacks, but it is a popular choice in the park. This fun, croc-shaped, and themed hotel is Indigenous-owned, making it a good choice for social impact. It is a larger facility, more similar to what you expect from a regular hotel.
There is a poolside restaurant on-site, and its downtown Jabiru location makes it a good launching point for tours or for stopping by the local supermarket.

It is an older hotel, slightly more dated and less eco-friendly than some other locations. Still, it is a good value choice for anyone looking for an accessible, hassle-free accommodation. Book your more affordable and unique stay at Crocodile Hotel today!
Camping
Of course, if you are interested in a more rustic choice, you can always camp. Kakadu is full of campsites, making it an excellent choice for tent campers (prepared for extreme heat), campervans, and those who have pre-booked camp bungalows.
Some campsites require a 4×4 off-road-capable vehicle with a snorkel; others, like the one near Bubba Walk, are accessible with an AWD.
You should have the proper permit and backcountry skills to choose this option. However, this is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking for an adventure and a way to be close to nature.
More Tips for Visiting Kakadu National Park
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Kakadu is by car. An AWD is a must, and a 4×4 is a nice bonus for anyone visiting more rural areas. The main road through Kakadu is paved and easy to drive, but most – if not all– the main sights are at least a few kilometers down an unsealed and unpaved road.
The road is very bumpy, and having a decent vehicle like an AWD SUV can make or break your experience.

Most of the sites are places you can visit on your own. If you plan to attend any of the ranger talks or guided walks, you will still need a car, as most of these things do not include pick-ups and drop-offs. The alternative would be to hire a company for a multi-day tour.
How to Reach Kakadu
The best way to reach Kakadu is by flying into Darwin. You can spend 1-2 days exploring Darwin before renting an AWD or 4×4 SUV and driving to Kakadu. There are several nice stops along the way, including:
- Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery for Indigenous Art
- The Humpty Doo Hotel, a historic outback pub for a cheeky brew
- Window on the Wetlands a visitor center, education point, and viewing area for regional wetlands
- Leaning Tree Lagoon is a nice bird-watching stop, depending on the season.
- The Purple Mango Cafe and Brewery – an excellent spot for lunch with wood-fired pizza and all things mango, including daiquiris and beer!
- Bark Hut Inn for a lunch alternative at a traditional station house.

Once in Kakdu, you’ll follow the main road, taking the side roads for various adventures. As you leave the park, swing through Pine Creek for food and loop through Litchfield National Park to see the magnetic termite mounds or those incredible swimming holes.
What to Wear/Pack
What you pack may depend on the season you are visiting and the weather. These basic items will get you through the rainy or dry season, but you’ll definitely want some rain gear and waterproof shoes for the rainy season.

- Day bag—I only use Osprey bags. They last me 10+ years, making them a sustainable long-term investment. Most of my Osprey is so old that I’m not sure they are even online anymore, but I have a day bag similar to this with hip support.
- Pack an Osprey water bladder – In extreme heat, Ganesh and I carry 5L for half-day hikes between the two of us. Great way to reduce your plastic bottle waste and stay hydrated.
- Wool socks – Farm to Feet is my favorite sustainable and ethical U.S. brand. These keep you warm, dry, and stink-free!
- Hiking boots – I have a German brand that you can’t find many places outside Germany. Finding a good hiking boot is best done in person at your local recreational store like REI.
- Hiking pants – I am all about those zip-offs. Long pants might sound counterintuitive for hot weather, but they can keep the bugs at bay.
- Hiking shirt – The REI basic is my favorite because it is SPF 50 and is light and breathable. I suggest getting white to repel heat.
- Snacks—I always pack my snacks in reusable bags or beeswax wraps. For hikes in hot weather, I suggest water-heavy snacks like grapes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and fruit.
- Sunscreen – Choose an eco-safe compostable or zinc-based sunscreen for a great environmental choice.
- Sunhat – Grab a broad-rimmed hat for optimal protection against Kakadu’s intense heat.
- Trekking poles – you might not need these, but I always have them on hand if I get in a sticky situation, get tired, or want to increase my calorie burn with an arm workout. My REI Co-Op poles have lasted me 9 years and are still going!
- A battery charger ensures your phone has a battery for photos and emergency calls. We use Anker.
- Sunglasses
- Phone and/or camera
- Binoculars – you’ll want these to see all the wildlife
- For the rainy season, pack waterproof shoes, a rain jacket, and rain pants.
Discuss and Share
I hope you discovered some fantastic cultural and nature-based things to do in Kakadu National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guide is a comprehensive look at ways to engage in meaningful Indigenous-led ecotourism.
Whether you are looking for deep cultural exchange or thrilling ethical wildlife encounters in the outdoors, Kakadu has something for you. After you learn about the rich culture and biodiversity, bookmark this post to save these ideas for things to do in Kakadu.
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Accommodation: Booking.com to find accommodation with a Genius Discount and clear third-party sustainable certifications like Green Key. Look for local hotels.
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Travel: Omio for booking buses and trains in English across Europe. After reducing the number of flights I take annually, I use Google Flights’ carbon comparison tool.
Car Rental: Rentalcars for the best rates in English globally. It is easy to find hybrids and EVs, and there are resources for finding chargers.
Packing Essentials: REI or your local Co-op has great essentials like reusable water bottles and cutlery sets. Patagonia for regenerative clothing. Farm to Feet for socks made with regenerative practices! Pistil Designs for cold-weather essentials. Osprey for bags that last 10+ years, like the day bag for hiking or my favorite carry-on.
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I have not been to Kakadu (only to Darwin) but hubby went camping there in the 80s. He says it was summer (so hot) and every billabong was fair game for a swim. He was also surprised about the number of reptiles (frill-neck lizards, goannas, etc).
Most billabongs, especially in the wetlands have crocodiles and they are very dangerous. Maguk is the most safe and accessible as it is cleared at the start of every dry season. There may be a few more swimming holes in less accessible areas of the park or near where he was camping cut off from tidal access, but we only felt comfortable in Maguk consider the croc signs at most other Billabongs. I was also happy to see so many reptiles – lots of Goannas and frillnecks as well! I bet the region has changed so much since the 80s and when it was handed back to the traditional owners to manage and developed more as a national park.
I loooove the look of the safe billabong for swimming! It must have been really annoying to see the others and knowing crocs will get you when you swim, but wowza that looks woth the wait.
Everything about this trip looks brilliant, especially the bush tucker food and the flight! I would love to see Kakadu in all six seasons. What an incredible area!
I know, we were definitely want to return to experience all 6 seasons of Kakadu to see how the land changes. Plus, with each season there is something different to do and experience. Maguk Billabong was certainly an amazing swimming experience.
I’m really interested in visiting Kakadu! This is a really thorough post and covers a lot of important information. The insight into its management was very interesting, and it’s good to know that the local Indigenous groups are co-managers of the park. I’d definitely stay at Cooinda Lodge, it looks cute and cozy :)
I was floored to learn about the meaningful tourism experiences led by the Indigenous people of Kakadu – it fostered wonderful ecotourism and provided for wonderful things to do in Kakadu. We loved Cooinda Lodge – it is interesting we almost liked it more than our over-the-top luxury experience haha.
What a wonderful post about Kakadu, Australia! It looks like a stunning place to explore nature and culture. I’m impressed by the diversity and beauty of the landscapes, the flora and fauna, and the Aboriginal heritage. I appreciate that you gave some details and recommendations on each activity, such as the best time to go, the duration, the cost, and the difficulty level. You did a great job of covering everything I need to know.