Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park at a Glance
Located in Australia's Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is a massive, biodiverse nature reserve with terrain ranging from wetlands, rivers to sandstone escarpments, and home to 2,000 plant species and wildlife like flatback turtles and saltwater crocodiles. Aboriginal rock paintings, which date as far back as prehistoric times, could be seen at places like Ubirr, Nourlangie, and Nanguluwur.
The park is famous for its rich Aboriginal cultural sites. For example, there are over 5,000 recorded art sites depicting Aboriginal culture throughout thousands of years. The archaeological evidence proves Aboriginal occupation for 20,000 and even up to 40,000 years.
To learn what you can do while here, continue reading.
8 Exciting Things to Do in Kakadu National Park
1. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset at Nourlangie Rock Viewpoint
Pack a snack and something to drink like water and go up to the Nourlangie Rock Viewpoint. It's one of the park's best places for stunning vistas across the landscape and for catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Also, on your way up, you'll pass ancient rock art sites.
2. Aboriginal Art at Ubirr
As one of the park's major rock art galleries, drop by Aboriginal Art at Ubirr and you'll admire ancient paintings, which makes the artwork itself one of the Earth's longest historical records maintained by a group of people.
3. Swim at the Gunlom Plunge Pool
Made well-known because of the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, the infinity-edge pool that sits atop falls offers great views in Australia. Plus, up here, you'll be provided with shaded picnic spots and campgrounds equipped with solar-powered showers.
4. Moline Falls
Located off the beaten path, Moline Falls offers another lovely swimming place in the national park. Although the water is unusually clear at the bottom of the falls, the water is icy cold.
5. Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls
No trip to this park would be fully justified without visiting these extraordinary waterfalls. While the Twins pour over a 220-meter drop over the whole year, Jim Jim just flows after the wet season. Although these falls are not easy to reach, the views are truly rewarding.
6. Hiking Trails
Kakadu National Park offers over 30 established walking trails. You can choose from short, easy strolls to more challenging multi-day hikes. Bring a lot of water and sunscreen as you wander past the rock art galleries, pass several pools and waterfalls.
7. Yellow Waters Cruise
The sunset cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong is one of the park's most popular activities. Why? Because you'll very likely catch crocodiles floating about, approximately 280 species of horses, snakes, buffalo, wallabies, birds, and more.
8. Helicopter Tour
During peak season and wet season, several of the park's areas are shut off. For example, Jim Jim Falls are closed to visitors when it's at its peak prior to being checked for crocodiles. So, the only way to observe it during peak season is via a helicopter tour. The tour gives you a bird's eye perspective and access to one of the park's best spots. Plus, you can cover far more ground than walking!
