History and WWII

Don’t leave the Top End without visiting Kakadu. As well as seeing our waterfalls and wildlife we will share our culture with you, a culture that goes back 65,000 years. Marvel at our rock art galleries at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Nanguluwur. Hear our stories about how we worked with nature in the seven seasons in our calendar. Taste the barramundi and bush foods.

Kakadu National Park Pass

Kakadu has a seasonal park fee structure. All visitors require a Park Pass. Your pass includes Park entry, ranger activities and access to Visitors Centres. Buy your Park Pass online before you go at parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu. Before travelling to Kakadu check reports for access to attractions at parksaustralia.gov.au/ Kakadu/access.

Connection to country

Nineteen Aboriginal clans reside in Kakadu National Park. Aboriginal people are Bininj in the north of the park and Mungguy in the south. Some of them live in Kakadu’s towns and others live in more remote parts of the park, but all of them have a deep spiritual connection to our country. 

With some of the oldest and most prolific rock art collections in the world, Kakadu National Park is home to about 5,000 rock art sites with some of the oldest paintings found in three main areas of the park – Ubirr, Nourlangie and Nanguluwur. The art sites bear witness to their strong and ongoing connection with the land, having lasted for many thousands of years and were central to Kakadu receiving World Heritage listed status for culture as well as nature.

Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
4.5km off the Kakadu Highway on route to Cooinda. Open daily.

To gain an understanding of the connection Kakadu’s Aboriginal owners have with this special part of the Top End, spend some time at the Warradjan Cultural Centre and learn the stories that gave them their laws. Members of local Aboriginal clans developed this facility to share their culture with visitors. The building has been styled in the shape of a pig nosed turtle, Warradjan, and is based on the theme, ‘our land is our life’.

Bowali Visitor Centre

A visit to Kakadu should include a stop at Bowali near Jabiru, a small town within the national park, approximately 250 kilometres east of Darwin. Here you can buy your park pass, walk through interpretive displays, and get the latest news on road conditions and ranger-guided activities.

Adventure the way you want it

Check the Kakadu Access Report before travelling www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/access/.

Kakadu is BIG, almost 20,000 square kilometres, Australia’s largest National Park and almost half the size of Switzerland. Allow yourself a couple of days to see and experience it. 

Your visit to Kakadu can be as adventurous as you want it to be. Tour operators have the expertise and equipment to get you around safely. If you want the freedom of driving yourselves understand that these aren’t city streets and while the main highways are of a good standard some roads are definitely 4WD only and some are closed in the Top End Summer season.

The Nature’s Way tourism drive is a great way to explore the park. The drive runs along the Arnhem Highway to Jabiru, follows the Kakadu Highway to Pine Creek, and continues south to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park.

Kakadu’s Crocodile Hotel, a crocodile-shaped complex, is one of a kind.

Ubirr
40km from Jabiru. Open daily.

Subject to closure during Top End Summer flooding. Ubirr is one of Kakadu’s two most famous rock art galleries. The galleries can be viewed by following an easy one-kilometre circular walking track. During the dry season, interpretive rangers give free scheduled talks about the ancient rock art. A moderately steep 250 metre climb takes you to a rocky outlook with views across the floodplains. Enjoying a spectacular tropical sunset from Nadab Lookout is not to be missed. 

Note: The Traditional Owners of Ubirr request visitors to the park that no alcohol be consumed at this site.

Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site
Open daily.

The walls of the Burrungkuy art site have served as a shelter and canvas for thousands of years. Paintings such as Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, explore the relationship of the people to their country and beliefs. Enquire at the Bowali Visitor Centre about the park’s seasonal guided ranger tours.

Jim Jim Falls
Open daily during the dry season 6.30am – 8.30pm subject to weather conditions. 4WD only.

Whether the falls are raging with water or the merest trickle, this majestic waterfall is a sight to behold. Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it is worth the rugged twokilometre return walk across rocks to appreciate this special area during the dry season.

Twin Falls
Open daily during the dry season subject to weather conditions. 4WD only.

Twin Falls is a 6km return hike to the top of the falls awaits the fit and well-prepared hiker. Sit down on the white sandy shore and be rewarded with panoramic views of the towering cliffs and sparkling waters.

Maguk
Open daily during the dry season. 4WD only.

A one kilometre bushwalk along Barramundi Creek leads through shady monsoon forest to the base of Maguk with its beautiful plunge pool and small waterfall – a truly scenic and tranquil place.

Yurmikmik Walks
In the south of Kakadu, 26km from the Gunlom turn off. Open daily during the dry season.

A series of interconnected walking tracks including Boulder Creek (2km return), Motor Car Falls (7.5km return), Yurmikmik Lookout (5km return) and Kurrundie Creek (11km return - permit required - through Bowali).

Gunlom Plunge Pool
Gunlom is currently closed. Check the Kakadu Access Report before travelling: parksaustralia.gov.au/Kakadu/access

Gunlom, located in the southern end of Kakadu, is the magical combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas. A climb to the top of the waterfall provides sweeping views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu and a natural horizon infinity pool.

Eagle eye view

Scenic flights

Kakadu is dual World Heritage-listed, a worthy recognition that is difficult to comprehend from the ground, but abundantly clear from above. View varied landscapes, from floodplains to arid dry sandstone plateaus, mangrove and spinifex, tropical monsoon forest, savannah woodlands, placid fresh water billabongs and raging seven metre coastal tides.

Curious creatures and wildlife

Explore Yellow Water and Mamukala, wetland areas of international significance. Over 1,000 plant species, a quarter of all Australian freshwater fish species, and over one third of all Australian bird species can be found in the park. Kakadu’s landscapes have been shaped by water with the Mary, Wildman, West Alligator, South Alligator and East Alligator Rivers teeming with wildlife. During the Top End Summer, waterfalls are at their most spectacular, the lowlands are flooded, and the vegetation is lush. Late in the dry season large flocks of magpie geese, whistling ducks, spoonbills, egrets and jabirus congregate around the remaining waterholes.

Mamukala Wetlands
Open daily, subject to weather conditions.

In the dry season, Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide displays the spectacle of thousands of magpie geese and whistling ducks congregating to feed. You can watch them from one of the bird hides or amble along the marked walking trails beside the tranquil wetlands. Walks vary from one to three kilometres.

Cahill’s Crossing

During the dry season the platform at the river-crossing from Kakadu into Arnhem Land is a fantastic and popular place to watch crocodiles in action. The best time to see them here is at high tide. A tide over six metres pushes up over the crossing, bringing bait fish like mullet and barramundi, and the crocs move downstream to wait for these treats. Beware of crocodiles, do not cross on foot.

Yellow Water Billabong

Yellow Water is one of Kakadu’s best-known landmarks. Located near Cooinda Lodge, Yellow Water is home to crocodiles, birds, barramundi and other wildlife. The billabong, which floods to join other waterways during the Top End Summer, attracts millions of birds each year, including jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and a number of migratory bird species. Paperbark forests, pandanus and freshwater mangroves line the banks, and the water is dotted with beautiful pink and white waterlilies. Explore the billabong by joining a wildlife cruise, or witness an unforgettable sunset from the boardwalk and viewing platform.

The Wildlife & Wetland Region encompasses Mary River National Park, Adelaide River, Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and Djukbinj National Park.

Connection to country

The traditional owners of the Mary River area are the Wulwulam people. The river was named by John McDouall Stuart in 1862. He wrote in his diary 'Country burning all round. Lat 13°38'24". This branch I have named the Mary, in honour of Miss Mary Chambers'.

Nature abounds the vast wetlands of the Mary River, home to a vast variety of birdlife, some of the biggest barramundi and the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Lagoons, canals and billabongs make up the waterways of the wetlands of the Mary River, which runs both north and south of the Arnhem Highway.

Mary River National Park incorporates many destinations worthy of exploration – Rockhole, Couzens Lookout, Brian Creek Monsoon Forest Walk, Jimmy Creek Monsoon Forest, Point Stuart Coastal Reserve, Shady Camp, Mistake Creek, Corroboree Billabong and Hardies 4WD Track.

Freedom to tour

Feel free to explore the region by 2WD, even on unsealed roads (if you are in a rental car check your conditions of hire as they might preclude you from doing this). During the early Top End Summer a four-wheel drive offers greater freedom to explore those less accessible areas before some of the roads close from the rains.

Book a fishing tour, or hire a boat or join a guided boat tour to explore Point Stuart, Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong and Mary River. Airboat tours and helicopter scenic flights are also available in the Mary River region.

The Mary River is an angler’s dream – popular fishing spots include Shady Camp within the national park, as well as Corroboree Billabong to the west of the national park.

Adventure the way you want it

Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises
Adelaide River off the Arnhem Highway.

Just an hour and 15-minute drive from Darwin towards Kakadu is the Adelaide River. Here, a number of operators offer jumping crocodile cruises providing the opportunity to get up and close to see the mighty prehistoric crocodile propel itself out of the water for an easy meal.

Corroboree Billabong
108km east of Darwin off the Arnhem Highway. Open April to December. Partly unsealed road.

Take a leisurely drive from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, a popular fishing location. With water birds and woodland wildlife, along with crocodiles to keep you company whilst you fish, you will have a pretty good chance of catching that elusive ‘barra’ or saratoga. Be amazed as some of Australia’s largest saltwater crocodiles drift lazily past. The billabong is also home to wild buffalo and an abundance of birdlife.

Public access to a boat ramp is provided.

Rockhole Billabong

Rockhole, about two hours drive from Darwin, is another access point to the channels of the Mary River system, a hugely popular spot for barramundi fishing. Located off Point Stuart Road in the Mary River National Park, Rockhole is an excellent stepping-off point from which to enjoy a day's fishing or exploration of the tranquil surrounds. There is a boat ramp on site making easy access for those with their own boat, but for those who don't, the Mary River Wetlands Cruise departs from the Rockhole.

Corroboree Billabong
108km east of Darwin off the Arnhem Highway. Open April to December. Partly unsealed road.

In 1987 a barrage was constructed at Shady Camp on the Mary River to stop saltwater penetrating into the wetlands, the meeting of fresh and saltwater here offers some of the best barramundi fishing in the Top End. Mullet converge to feed on algae washed down by the stream of fresh water at the end of the wet with barramundi and other fish following to feed on the mullet.

Curious creatures and wildlife

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
Located 66km east of Darwin on Arnhem Highway

These wetlands are an amazing haven for the Top End’s wildlife right on Darwin’s doorstep. Like Kakadu, this reserve is enriched by the continued connection held by its Wulna Traditional Owners.

Djukbinj National Park
Located 80km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway near Leaning Tree Lagoon turnoff. Open daily (seasonal). 4WD only.

Part of the Marrakai Plains, Djukbinj National Park contains a portion of the catchment area and drainage for the Adelaide River. Consequently, the abundance of water year-round assures the park’s importance as a favourite feeding and roosting site for a wide variety of water birds including magpie geese, egrets, jabiru and brolgas.

Mary River National Park
Located 150km east of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway.

The wide expanse of the Mary River National Park protects part of the Mary River catchment, where floodplains, billabongs, woodlands, paperbark and monsoon forest provide visitors with excellent opportunities for observing wildlife, fishing, four-wheel driving, bushwalking, camping and photography. A drive along Point Stuart Road offers the opportunity to experience the exceptional views of the Mary River system from Couzens Lookout, Brian Creek Monsoon Forest, Jimmy’s Creek Monsoon Forest, Point Stuart Coastal Reserve and Mistake Billabong, which are easily accessible.

The Peninsula Way region allows you to connect with the Top Ends most pristine landscapes and unique wildlife within an hour from Darwin City.

Connection to country

This is an important area to the Koongurrukun, Marranuggu, Werat, Wagait, and Warray Aboriginal people.

The Peninsula Way encompasses Berry Springs, Dundee Beach and Mandorah, travelling west off the Stuart Highway on the Cox Peninsula Road.

Locals consider The Peninsula Way as their best-kept secret; the perfect getaway for a weekend of relaxing by a spring fed creek, saluting a sunset on an isolated beach or hauling in a big fish within cooee of the pub. The Peninsula Way spoils action lovers for choice with fishing charters and four-wheel drive adventures. It is easy to spend a few days or more exploring The Peninsula Way.

It provides a northern entrance to Litchfield National Park which can also be accessed via the southern entrance via Batchelor.

Adventure the way you want it

Berry Springs

Berry Springs Nature Park located just 48km south of Darwin is a favourite relaxation spot for locals and visitors alike. With two large spring-fed pools and a small waterfall fringed by pandanus and monsoon rainforest make for an ideal spot for leisurely barbecues, swimming and walking.

Curious creatures and wildlife

Berry Springs is also the home of the world acclaimed Territory Wildlife Park, nestled on 400 hectares of natural bushland and showcasing the wildlife of Northern Australia in their natural habitats. There are six kilometres of walking trails and a free shuttle train to link the 26 major exhibits. Allow at least four hours to explore the park. Presentations, encounters and displays start from 9.40am daily.

Fishing

Dundee Beach and Crab Claw Island

This relaxed coastal town and popular fishing spot is 138km south-west of Darwin and a popular weekend destination for Top End locals. Fishing, boating and long walks at sunset are just some of the activities to enjoy here. Call into Crab Claw Island on the way for fishing, food and accommodation.

Mandorah

The beachside locality of Mandorah is near the Peninsula’s tip. Within easy access of Darwin, either by a 20-minute ferry trip from Cullen Bay, or 120km along the Cox Peninsula Road. There are excellent beaches and creek and blue water fishing with convenient boat ramp access at Mandorah.

Here you can explore natural springs, wetlands and termite mounds rivalling those near Litchfield and visit historic WWII sites including the Liberator Memorial.

Flavours

Look out for loads of luscious mangoes in season and cooling mango icecreams.

Water is the lifeblood of the Big Rivers Region with its vast wetlands and pristine river systems teeming with wildlife, sandstone gorges, crystal clear natural springs and rocky escarpments. The region’s natural environments are best experienced through nature based adventures, exploring a rich pioneer heritage along legendary outback stock routes and culture immersion through 65,000 year old Aboriginal songlines and walking routes linking important sites and locations. These experiences will captivate and connect with you, leaving you feeling different in every sense.

THINGS TO DO IN KATHERINE

Immerse yourself in Katherine's rich tradition of Aboriginal art, culture and heritage. A great selection of galleries in Katherine promotes local produced works that reflect the styles and influences of the Jawoyn, Warlpiri and Dagoman people.

Take a cruise or canoe along the magnificent Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), and be dwarfed by the towering glowing cliffs of the gorge.