Kakadu National Park
Attractions
There are 2 main sites of Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu; Ubirr and Nourlangie.
At Ubirr aboriginals used to camp under the rock shelters and today the main gallery shows abundant painting including images of different types of fish, pig-nosed turtles, wallabies and goannas which the local aboriginals hunted then and still do today. The paintings were also used to pass stories and warnings down to the next generation. At Ubirr, one of the crocodile images represents The Namarrgarn Sisters, the story of which is told to children to warn them of the dangers of crocodiles.
There are rangers on hand in Ubirr offering information and guided tours to explain the art.
The art sites at Ubirr are open from 7am until sunset (April- November) and 2pm until sunset (December to March). There is a 1km circuit track that takes you past the art sites here and you can continue up to the Ubirr lookout for some spectacular views.
Nourlangie also offers some spectacular Aboriginal Rock Art. The Anbangbang rock shelter is believed to have been used by Aboriginal people for at least 20 000 years. The main gallery boasts a number of images of the Creation Ancestors including Namarrgon, the Lightning Man - who is still active today and creates the lightning storms during the Wet season.
You can access the sites from a 1.5km circuit track. The Nourlangie aboriginal rock art sites are open all year round from 7am until sunset.
Koolpin Gorge
Koolpin Gorge, or the Aboriginal name of Jarrangbarnmi, is a spectacular gorge found in the southern corner of Kakadu National Park, not far from Gunlom Falls. Access is strictly controlled by permit only, with only 40 people allowed in the area at any time. You will require a high clearance 4WD to drive into the gorge as this is real 4WD country.For those fortunate enough to experience Koolpin Gorge, you will come across waterfalls, plunge pools and white sandy beaches. There are no laid out tracks so you should have a reasonable level of fitness, and you must only follow the creek line as you walk through it as there are important cultural sites within the area.
Overnight camping is allowed in the Koolpin Gorge, but be warned as the facilities are very limited. If you prefer, you can also do a day trip in an out, but you must be out of the gate no later than 4pm, as from 4pm the new visitors begin arriving.
To apply for a permit, follow the below link:
Koolpin Gorge Permit
Kakadu Scenic Flights
Plane or helicopter rides over Kakadu really give you a sense of the scale of the park and can take you over places that are inaccessible any other way. Photographs taken from the air of Kakadu are some of the most spectacular. Short and long trips are available and will take you to some of the following places: Magela Gorge, Dinosaur Valley, Magela Wetlands, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls.
Kakadu Cruises
Guluyambi Cruise
The local guides on the Guluyambi Cruise on the beautiful East Alligator River explain their traditional culture and give you a sense of their food, their tools and their close link to the land. There are 2hr, half day and full day cruises available, depending on the season.
Yellow Water Cruise
With over 60 species of bird, large saltwater crocodiles and beautiful plant life, a cruise on the wetlands of Yellow Water should not be missed. Particularly stunning at sunset or sunrise, the knowledgeable skippers have a good eye for spotting the wildlife as well as giving insights into the ecology of the area and the people who live here.
Cruises run all year round for between 1.5 and 2 hrs and run throughout the day.
Djarradjin Billabong
Join your local guide on a night-time wildlife safari cruise through the Djarradjin Billabong and learn about the local Bininj people and their customs. Learn about bush tucker and hunting traditions and keep your eyes peeled for the nocturnal wildlife, while you sit back and enjoy the cruise under a brilliant Kakadu night sky.
Kakadu Walks
Kakadu offers a variety of walks from short walks to all-day hikes and even some overnight ones. It is a fantastic way to see the different habitats of the park, which includes woodlands, monsoon forests and wetlands. Always ensure you take plenty of water when you go on walks, even when they are only short, to prevent dehydration.
Short walks
Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool Walk
The Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool Walk is a 2km return walk, which will take you about 1.5hrs. Climb over boulders and through monsoon forest to get to the base of the Jim Jim Falls. Access to Jim Jim Falls is only possible in the Dry and as the season progresses the waterfall dries up. It is not advisable to swim at the falls as Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles have been recorded in the area.
Nourlangie Walk
This walk is a 1.5km circuit and it offers you a chance to see some truly outstanding rock art. In the Dry season, rangers offer informational sessions here. You can continue up to the Gun-warddehwardde Lookout from here for breathtaking views of the Kakadu escarpment and the Nourlangie Rock.
Gu-ngarre Walk
Travelling through monsoon forest, along the edge of the Anggardabal Billabong and thorough woodlands, the Gu-ngarre Walk is an easy grade walk which starts from the large Banyan tree near Aurora Kakadu Resort. Give yourself about 1.5hrs to walk this 3.6km circuit.
Bardedjilidji Walk
This 2.5km walk is in the East Alligator River region of the park and takes you through woodlands and wetlands and provides views of the sandstone outliers. The Bardedjilidji Walk is an easy 2hr walk, and there are guided walks available - check at Bowali Visitor Centre for details.
Manngarre Monsoon Rainforest Walk
This is an easy walk around three looped tracks through monsoon rainforest that gives you an elevated view over the East Alligator River. Its a 1.5km track so give yourself about 1hr to complete it.
Mirrai Lookout Walk
This relatively steep 2km Mirrai Lookout Walk rewards you with a spectacular view over Kakadu from the platform at the top of Mount Cahill. Start the walk from the Mirrai carpark in the Nourlangie region of the park. Allow about 1.5hrs to complete the walk.
Twin Falls Plateau Walk
Starting from the Twin Falls car park, the steep Twin Falls Plateau Walk takes you to the top of the falls where the views over the escarpment and the falls themselves are amazing. The pools at the top of the falls are ok to swim in too. This is a 6km walk, and it will take you around 3hrs to complete.
You need a 4WD to access the Twin Falls and land access is only possible in the Dry season.
Longer Walks
Barrk Sandstone Walk
The Barrk Sandstone Walk is a more difficult walk over 12kms that takes you through stunning sandstone scenery and amazing views over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. The start of the walk branches off the Nourlangie Lookout Walk and sees you climb to the top of the Nourlangie Rock. Give yourself 7hrs to complete this walk.
The Barrk Marlam Bushwalk
Barrk Marlam Bushwalk walk is a 6km walk, around 5hrs to complete. The walk is challenging at the start with a steep climb up to the top of Jim Jim Falls. After this it becomes easier as you walk along the escarpment and take in the amazing views.
Kakadu Fishing
The mighty barramundi is one of the main drawcards of fishing in Kakadu. There are some restrictions on where you can fish, for example you can't upstream from the Kakadu Highway (except Jim Jim, Muirella Park and Sandy Billabongs) nor on the West Alligator River. Live bait fishing is not permitted at all in Kakadu.
Be conscious that estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit the waterways of Kakadu so take care when using boat ramps and never clean fish near the water's edge.
There are also a number of fishing tours you can join to benefit from local knowledge.