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All 11 Kakadu National Park Attractions »

Yellow Water Cruises

Kakadu Highway, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
+61 8 8979 0145
Website
Water Lilies, Yelllow Water
wetlands
hundreds of whistling ducks
mostly submerged croc
54 visitor photos
Ranked #1 of 5 tours in Kakadu National Park
4.5 of 5 stars 39 Reviews
Type: Boat Tours
Fee: Yes
Owner description: A JOURNEY THROUGH KAKADU's WETLANDSYellow Water Billabong, Kakadu's most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the...... more » Owner description: A JOURNEY THROUGH KAKADU's WETLANDSYellow Water Billabong, Kakadu's most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps.WILDLIFEAbout one third of Australia's bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant. Our guides run a competition between themselves on who can find "the big five" on one cruise - all five species of kingfisher that can be found in Kakadu. One species is only 2 cm tall. There are plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains. A hugeJabiru's nest is nearby, and depending on the season, Brolgas can be found dancing. THE EXPERIENCEYellow Water Cruises, winner of the 2011 and 2009 NT Brolga Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction operates exclusively on Yellow Water Billabong. It operates year round and provides up to six cruises a day of 90 or 120 minute duration. The sunrise and sunset cruise are very popular and advance bookings are recommended. Often people undertake more than one cruise to see the changes in the wildlife at different times of the day. More should experience a cruise in different seasons. We can never guarantee what will happen on a cruise, but every time is a unique experience. OUR GUIDESAll of our experienced guides are ticketed with the Kakadu Knowledge and are often supported by our Indigenous Employment Program trainees that give fascinating insights into how the Bininj people use the flora and fauna to support their way of life. They are inducted with a 12 week training program. Some guides have been with us for over 8 years. YELLOW WATER FISHINGYellow Water Fishing provides an opportunity to catch the famous barramundi on Kakadu's most famous billabong. These tours are perfect for families or the keen angler and last for 2-3 hours depending on the time of day. Groups of up to 4 people only. Bookings essential. Yellow Water Cruises are the best way to experience the wetlands of Kakadu and it will be an experience remembered for a lifetime. « less
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39 reviews from our community

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Ealing, London
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Wonderful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We took a sunset trip, saw several crocodiles at very close range, plenty of bird life, and wonderful trees and plants, Such a beautiful area! For me the highlight was our guide asking everyone on board to be quiet so we could drift around in silence apart from some exotic noises from mother nature. And then the sunset was just... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
18 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We were pleased to hear that you enjoyed your sunset cruise. In fact the sunrise and sunset cruises are our most popular on Yellow Water. The most beautiful sunsets are seen over Yellow Water, the colours are simply spectacular. Next time you are in Kakadu please... More

Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Spectacular”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Well organized trip with a fantastic, knowledgable, enthusiastic guide by the name of Ruben. The sunrise, wetlands, bird life, crocodiles, fishermen catching barra all made for a unique experience. A delightful, quality buffet breakfast was a wonderful way to finish the tour after our early start. Maybe a little overpriced for children. More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
8 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are very proud of all our Tour guides and I will share your feedback with Ruben. All our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. We will soon be introducing our... More

Dubbo, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Cultural cruise with crocs of course”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The views on this peaceful cruise are amazing - gorgeous water lilies of many different colours, beautiful birds and of course the crocs. We saw about half a dozen from shy little ladies to a very big bloke on display. Our guide, Rueben, did a great job manoevering the boat about so that no matter where you were, you could... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
8 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are very proud of Ruben. He is a credit to his family and a great ambassador for Indigenous culture. All our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. We will soon... More

darwin, Australia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Peacfull”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We did the early morning cruise, saw loads of crocs and birds. enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the resort. Only downside was the guide seemed to interested in getting a good shot of every single bird we saw, even after the tourists got restless and more than ready to move on to the next croc. More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
8 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We were pleased to hear that you enjoyed the sunrise cruise. In fact the sunrise and sunset cruises are our most popular on Yellow Water. The most beautiful sunrises are seen over Yellow Water and the Kaleidoscope of colours are spectacular. Please accept my apologies that... More

Sydney
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
“Sensational Sunset Cruise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Booked in for the two hour sunset cruise probably the last of the wet season cruises from the upper Billabong and it was sensational. Saw an amazing amount of birdlife including a sea eagle with his catch on the bow of a tree. Few crocs and an amazing transformation in the colours that made for great photos. Our guide Isaac... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are also very proud of all our Tour guides and I will share your feedback with Issac. All our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. We will soon be introducing... More

Darwin, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Yellow Waters”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

What a fantastic place, wonderful scenery, pristine waterways and plenty of flora and fauna. The resident crocodiles put on a show with birdlife and plenty of fish all concentrated in a beatiful billabong. I would recommend this tour to all travellers visiting Kakadu. More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. As you mentioned Yellow Water is a fantastic place with plenty of flora and fauna. To improve your Kakadu experience even more we will soon be introducing our new Night Tour on Yellow Water, "The Algohgarrng Experience". Uniquely, the cruise will be conducted on the billabong... More

Perth, WA
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“gorgeous”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We found Kakadu to be a lot of effort for too few rewards...but our Yellow Waters cruise was an absolute highlight. We saw fewer flora & fauna than expected while doing self drive, but once on the cruise we got a good look at many types of bird life. Cruise was relaxing, informative and enjoyable. Bring camera and insect repellant!... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We were pleased to hear that you enjoyed the sunrise and sunset cruises. In fact these cruises are our most popular on Yellow Water. The most beautiful sunsets are seen over Yellow Water and the array of colours is spectacular. To ensure there is plenty to... More

Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Great Cruise with fabulous scenery and great guide”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I went on this cruise with my brother and sister (in our 60s). The wet season had just ended so everything was very green and water levels were up. The scenery was spectacular and Dave D was a great sailor and guide. We saw lots of interesting birds, one of which was a performance in itself and we saw a... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are also very proud of all our Tour guides and I will share your feedback with Dave. Our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. We recommend to all our guests... More

newcastle nsw
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Wet season tour, friendly knowledgeable guide, Not much wildlife”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Our guide rueben was excellent and a very proud indigenous Aussie. Did a great job but we were disappointed with the lack of wild life. Not quite up to the hype we expected. However it was still impressive. Very important note: avoid AAT king tour to kakadu. Shocking. 10 hours of disorganised travel in a dirty bus for a few... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are also very proud of all our Tour guides and I will share your feedback with Ruben. Our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. Soon we will be introducing our... More

Wollongong
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Great Natural Discovery Cruise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This cruise was fantastic at Kakadu National Park on Yellow Waters Billabong.The cruise lasted for 1 and half hours plenty of wild life. The tour guide was pleasant and very interesting to listen too. Even though the water was very high and some roads were cut due to Rainy Season this cruise was still full. So remember to book a... More

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David Bowen, General Manager at Yellow Water Cruises, responded to this review
23 April 2012

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Yellow Water Cruises. We are also very proud of all our Tour guides and I will share your feedback with the Team. Our guides go through extensive training and certification, including a session with our Traditional Owners, to ensure they deliver a fantastic experience. We recommend to all our... More

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