Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park gets its name from the Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju. The languages were spoken north of the park in the beginning of the twentieth century by the native Aboriginal people. The Kakadu National Park is jointly managed by the Director of National Parks and the original Aboriginal traditional owners.
The native Aboriginal owners are very proud to share their country with visitors. Kakadu National Park is unique in Australia offering a wide variety of natural wonders. You can see crocodiles in the floodplains of the South Alligator River, or travel to the spectacular scenery of Jim Jim falls during the wet season.
If you and your family are going to plan a trip to tour the Kakadu National Park you should allow several days of travel. To safari, tour, back the Kakadu and see all the natural wonders will need several days.
Touring the Kakadu National Park is quite easy as there are a great many touring or safari companies offering the tour for every budget. You can take a leisurely safari or a whirlwind bus tour. You can stay in a wonderful safari tent along the river or in a wonderful lodge with all the amenities.
Here are the major regions you will want to visit in Kakadu National Park:
- South Alligator Area: The Mamukala wetlands offer a wide variety of birdlife that can be seen from a walking track or an observatory platform. (depends on season) There is a boat ramp serving the South Alligator River and a picnic and fishing area. Please; be aware of the croc warnings and only camp where designated. Crocs are one of Australia’s ancient wonders but can be deadly and should be respected.
- Jabiru Area: Home to the Bowalie Visitor Centre. The centre is the place to start offering great information about the Kakadu National Park region. Jabiru offers all the services you may need on your national park trek: banking, travel agent, police, pool, medical centre and chemist, public phones, library, restaurants and cafes.
- East Alligator Area: This area offers the best and oldest rock art in the park and the Ubirr Rock Art site. There are several bush treks here. You can also climb to the lookout and see awesome views of the area here. Travel in this area is affected by the wet season so you should always check the road report. During the dry season river cruises are offered in this area and is a wonderful way to see the area.
- Nourlangie Area: Home to impressive rock art galleries and some of the best and impressive views in Australia. There are lookouts at Gunwarddehwardde and Kakadu escarpment. You will also want to visit Nourlangie Rock. The dry season offers ranger talks at the rock galleries and relaxing walks and picnics.
- Yellow Water Area: Offers the Yellow Water Cruise or see the wetlands via the boardwalks. This area is spectacular and is a testament to the Aboriginal culture and their care for the land.
- Mary River Area: Check the road report during wet season as some areas will be closed. This area offers some of the best scenery in all of Australia. Bushwalks will take you to clear pools and the bottom of awesome waterfalls. Some areas only accessible by 4WD or on foot. If you are visiting the falls and water areas please observe the croc warnings.
- Jim Jim Area: This area is spectacular. Jim Jim area is only accessible by 4WD during the dry season. Visitors can take a challenging trek or enjoy a boat shuttle ride to Twin Falls. Jim Jim falls are in full flow during the wet season and are a site to see. Traveling to this area you will need to observe the croc warning signs for your own protection.
Kakadu National Park offers a wide variety of scenery and diverse wildlife. You can stand by towering termite mounds or marvel and the many bird species. There is something for everyone and every budget at Kakadu National Park.
Come safari Kakadu National Park and as our Aboriginal hosts would say; 'If you respect the land, you will feel the land'.