12 Best Things To Do In Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Australia's Northern Territory, combines diverse ecosystems, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. It is Australia’s second-largest national park, measuring nearly 20,000 square kilometres!
With this massive size comes so many cool things to do, from hiking and camping to boating and seeing history with your own eyes. Visitors to Kakadu can immerse themselves in its natural wonders through bushwalking, birdwatching, camping, and taking boat cruises along the winding rivers. The park encompasses a huge range of landscapes, from wetlands to rugged sandstone cliffs covered in ancient rock art. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some of the best things to do in Kakadu National Park!
The Top 12 Things To Do In Kakadu National Park
Some of the top things to do in Kakadu National Park include admiring waterfalls, hiking through the unique wilderness, and learning about the special Aboriginal heritage. You could spend weeks exploring this gigantic national park in Australia’s Top End, but we’re going to narrow down a list of the 12 best things to do in Kakadu to make your trip planning easier!
1. See the Ubirr Rock Art
Kakadu National Park is celebrated for its rich Aboriginal history, with evidence of continuous human cultures dating back over 65,000 years. Ubirr is one of the most famous places in the park where you can see the ancient rock art of the land’s original inhabitants.
Dating back thousands of years, the Ubirr Rock Art depicts stories, ceremonies, and daily life of the Aboriginal peoples who have thrived here. The site features vibrant paintings on sandstone rock faces, each of which showcases a special part of the spiritual and artistic indigenous traditions.
2. Marvel at Jim Jim Falls
Another one of the best waterfalls to visit in Kakadu National Park is Jim Jim Falls. Accessible via a 2km return walk through dense monsoon forest, the adventure to Jim Jim Falls is a rewarding one! After the hike, you’ll be welcomed by the fast-flowing, 200-metre waterfall with a deep swimming hole at the bottom. Jim Jim Falls flows from the start of the tropical summer until mid-July and is a gorgeous destination in Kakadu National Park.
3. Learn about the environment at Bowali Visitor Centre
Anyone looking to enhance their understanding of Kakadu National Park and its environment can visit Bowali Visitor Centre. This free museum offers an introduction to the park's natural and cultural treasures, giving travellers a greater appreciation for the park. Guests can learn about Kakadu's different ecosystems, Aboriginal heritage, and unique wildlife through the interactive exhibits and educational resources here.
4. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Nawurlandja Lookout
One of the most beautiful things to do in Kakadu National Park is to watch the sunset from Nawurlandja Lookout. This lookout provides a stunning vantage point over the ancient wilderness of the park, stretching from Anbangbang Billabong to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Arnhem Land. Admire the dramatic scenery at sunrise or sunset for the best natural lighting! The walk up to Nawurlandja Lookout is short but steep and usually takes around 40 minutes.
5. Walk to Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall
Barramundi Gorge, also known as Maguk Waterfall, is a gem of Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Offering a tranquil oasis amidst the Outback heat, Barramundi Gorge has refreshing swimming holes where you can cool off after a day of adventuring.
The waterfall cascades over rough sandstone ledges, creating a lush scene that is unexpected in the Outback! You can access Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall via a scenic, 30-minute hike. There aren’t many places to swim in Kakadu National Park because of the resident crocodiles, so this is one of the top places to escape the heat!
6. Visit Marrawuddi Arts & Culture Gallery
The Marrawuddi Arts & Culture Gallery showcases Indigenous art and cultural heritage within Kakadu National Park. Located in Jabiru, the gallery gives visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the artistic traditions and stories of the region's Aboriginal communities. Admire paintings, sculptures, textiles, and traditional crafts created by local artists, or participate in local exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. Marrawuddi Arts & Culture Gallery is a great way to appreciate the legacy of Australia's First Nations peoples.
7. Camp and swim at Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
This hidden gem in southern Kakadu National Park is the perfect place for adventure seekers in Australia’s Outback. Complete with waterfalls, plunge pools, rocky ridges, and even a camping area and a white sandy beach, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) has everything you need for a gorgeous afternoon outdoors. You can only access the gorge during dry season with a high clearance 4WD, and the area is limited to a small number of visitors at a time. This helps keep it pristine and peaceful!
8. Take a river cruise through the wetlands of Kakadu National Park
Aside from waterfalls, gorges, and cultural centres, Kakadu’s wetlands are another one of the best places to visit in the Outback. A top spot for exploring the wetlands of Kakadu National Park is Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba). This billabong is known for its excellent fishing, serene waterways, and abundant wildlife. Join a Yellow Water Billabong cruise to get the best views of the tranquil Top End landscapes. Cruises run year-round and are best in the morning or evening when wildlife is most active.
9. Spot crocodiles at Cahills Crossing
If you’re hoping to spot some mighty crocodiles during your visit to the Outback, checking out Cahills Crossing is one of the best things to do in Kakadu National Park. This tidal river crossing over the East Alligator River holds significant ecological importance because it allows wildlife to move freely between freshwater and saltwater habitats. As the tide rises it brings in lots of fish that saltwater crocodiles like to feed on. So these giant reptiles tend to congregate in the area, making it one of the best places in Kakadu National Park to spot crocodiles in the wild!
When the tide is low, the Cahills Crossing road is exposed and you can cross the river into Arnhem Land. Just make sure you have a 4WD permit and your vehicle is high-clearance. Your best option is visiting Cahills Crossing with a local guide to ensure you stay safe because it can be a treacherous spot!
10. Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Another interactive and enlightening visitor centre in Kakadu National Park is Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Named after a famous creature from Indigenous lore, the centre gives visitors a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture, spirituality, and connection to the land. From traditional artifacts and artworks to captivating storytelling and demonstrations, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre helps preserve the history and culture of Australia’s Northern Territory.
11. Hike to Motor Car Falls
A less touristy waterfall to visit in Kakadu is Motor Car Falls (Yurmikmik). This cascade is special because it is one of the few waterfalls in Kakadu National Park that you can access during the rainy season! Accessible via a scenic drive followed by a moderately challenging, 2-hour hike, this secluded waterfall offers a refreshing retreat amidst the park's ancient landscapes.
12. Admire ancient history at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)
Another important cultural landmark in Kakadu National Park is Burrungkuy, also known as Nourlangie Rock. This sacred site has ancient rock art that dates back around 20,000 years! Go on a guided walk through the beautiful and fascinating Burrungkuy to admire the lookouts, birdlife, and indigenous artwork. Seeing the incredible rock art is a great way to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region’s Aboriginal community.