Yellow Water Cruises
Yellow Water Cruises
4.5
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Full view
About
A journey through Kakadu's wetlands Yellow 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. About 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 huge Jabiru's nest is nearby, and depending on the season, Brolgas can be found dancing. Yellow 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 five 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.All 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. Some guides have been with us for over 8 years. Yellow Water Cruises are the best way to experience the wetlands of Kakadu and it will be an experience remembered for a lifetime.
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
1,695 reviews
Excellent
1,336
Very good
255
Average
68
Poor
19
Terrible
17
stevencec
Northern Territory4 contributions
Dec 2019
We had a large family group including children and elderly, all had a fantastic time and all ages enjoyed the talks from the 2 Aboriginal guides. They were very insightful and funny, and all customers were very comfortable in asking questions and joining in the fun. We all learnt a lot, even us locals. We took the early morning breakfast cruise which included a buffet breakfast, best time of day to do the cruise, and the buffet was very welcome. Would highly recommend.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren H
West Lakes, Australia41 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We did the sunset cruise. It exceeded my expectations, totally spectacular.
The dock is only a few minutes drive from the pick-up point at Cooinda lodge, the sun is still hot when you arrive, and it takes a bit of time to board the 3 or 4 large boats, so bring sunscreen, hat and water.
I was impressed that everyone not staying at the lodge had to sign in, and everyone had to use hand sanitiser. There is cold water available on the boats.
Our capt/guide did a good commentary and also kept us well separated from the other boats so that we felt we were almost on our own.
There is just so much wildlife, it was really a full blown water safari - as well as many crocs (we were sat up front, so often less than 2m from them) we got to see buffalo up close, wild horses, Spoonbill, various raptors, Jabiru storks. The landscape was also varied and beautiful, with water lillies in abundance, red lotus, pendants, hibiscus, bamboo and lots of paperback.
As the sun gets lower, even more wildlife appears and the sun reflect beautifully off the wetlands, our boat was positioned to allow spectacular views of the sunset, and after, the serenity of the twilight as we cruised back.
A real highlight of our Kakadu experience.
Note it is worth doing this cruise and the Guluyambi cultural cruise (past Cahills crossing), they are very different and equally rewarding.
Darren
The dock is only a few minutes drive from the pick-up point at Cooinda lodge, the sun is still hot when you arrive, and it takes a bit of time to board the 3 or 4 large boats, so bring sunscreen, hat and water.
I was impressed that everyone not staying at the lodge had to sign in, and everyone had to use hand sanitiser. There is cold water available on the boats.
Our capt/guide did a good commentary and also kept us well separated from the other boats so that we felt we were almost on our own.
There is just so much wildlife, it was really a full blown water safari - as well as many crocs (we were sat up front, so often less than 2m from them) we got to see buffalo up close, wild horses, Spoonbill, various raptors, Jabiru storks. The landscape was also varied and beautiful, with water lillies in abundance, red lotus, pendants, hibiscus, bamboo and lots of paperback.
As the sun gets lower, even more wildlife appears and the sun reflect beautifully off the wetlands, our boat was positioned to allow spectacular views of the sunset, and after, the serenity of the twilight as we cruised back.
A real highlight of our Kakadu experience.
Note it is worth doing this cruise and the Guluyambi cultural cruise (past Cahills crossing), they are very different and equally rewarding.
Darren
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrNorman
Queensland, Australia114 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Took the 2 hour sunset cruise with Dennis (with 2 N’s) and had a fantastic time. It could have been your standard wildlife cruise, as we saw all you could wish to see, from fighting crocodiles, Sea Eagles, Water Buffalo, Jabiru and countless other animals. What made the difference though, was Dennis’ passionate, informative and funny stewardship of the cruise. He made sure everyone got involved, including celebrating a traveller’s birthday with a sing song. His local knowledge also enabled us to get some stunning sunset pictures of the wetlands and rivers.
A must do if you’re visiting the area
Thanks Dennis
A must do if you’re visiting the area
Thanks Dennis
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren O
Brisbane, Australia12 contributions
Sept 2020
We booked a sunrise boat tour, at $90 per person still despite no breakfast being included anymore and no price adjustment for this.
The sunrise tour started after the sun had risen which was the main reason for the doing the tour, when enquiring about this we were advised it’s only a sunrise cruise during the winter. This was not advertised anywhere!
The boat cruise itself was scheduled for 90 mins but we arrived back approximately 30-40mins late. The cruise was a slow meander along the River spotting a few different species of wildlife. I would give this a miss if in Kakadu again, and definitely think it was far overpriced for what it was!!!
The sunrise tour started after the sun had risen which was the main reason for the doing the tour, when enquiring about this we were advised it’s only a sunrise cruise during the winter. This was not advertised anywhere!
The boat cruise itself was scheduled for 90 mins but we arrived back approximately 30-40mins late. The cruise was a slow meander along the River spotting a few different species of wildlife. I would give this a miss if in Kakadu again, and definitely think it was far overpriced for what it was!!!
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAgr8
Adelaide, Australia55 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Sunrise tour definitely worth getting up early for! Seeing the wildlife come to life over a 2 hr period was amazing. Woody was knowledgable and passionate about the land and the wildlife going the extra mile to make sure we all saw each wonderful creature-great and small! I was a little apprehensive on cost for value but $90pp was well worth it-on time pick up, professional but friendly delivery on safety and packed in content to make sure lifetime memories were created. Don't miss this!
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunnyW358
Albuquerque, NM6,528 contributions
Feb 2020
We wanted to do the sunset cruise, but unfortunately we were not able to arrive at the lodge in time to catch that cruise. So we settled for the sunrise cruise followed by the buffet breakfast.
It turned out to be a very peaceful trip early morning with the sun rising behind trees and the horizon above water. The varied scenery of the wetlands was very pleasing to the eye. We saw quite a lot of crocodiles, variety of birds, and also a water snake. I especially liked the "Jesus bird", the cute little bird walking on lily pad simulating walking on water.
The guide was very good with ecological and cultural explanations. He also seemed to have very sharp eyesight because he could locate little living things very far away.
All in all, it was a very good cruise.
It turned out to be a very peaceful trip early morning with the sun rising behind trees and the horizon above water. The varied scenery of the wetlands was very pleasing to the eye. We saw quite a lot of crocodiles, variety of birds, and also a water snake. I especially liked the "Jesus bird", the cute little bird walking on lily pad simulating walking on water.
The guide was very good with ecological and cultural explanations. He also seemed to have very sharp eyesight because he could locate little living things very far away.
All in all, it was a very good cruise.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilse g
Melbourne, Australia89 contributions
Aug 2021
Great cruise and well worth the money. The guide knew her stuff, and got the boat into position so everyone could get great photos. We did the cruise that finished at sunset, and all of the boat drivers got everyone into a great spot for sunset. We saw plenty of crocodiles and birds, including a few photo opportunities with the famous Jabiru. Also there were wallabies, buffalo and other land based animals pointed out to us. There were a lot of people signed up for the cruise, and they had assigned bookings amongst 4 different boats that all departed at the same time, and the boarding process was well organised and efficient.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle M
Sydney, Australia207 contributions
June 2021
We stayed in jabiru and so it was a 5.30am start for us as we had a 40 minute drive to Cooinda Lodge where the shuttle leaves from. Plenty of parking at Cooinda. Two shuttle buses came back and forth, taking the tourists about 5 minutes down the road to the wharf. You can park closer to the wharf but you will need to walk to the wharf yourself which isn't far, you can walk from Cooinda too if you have the time. Take mosquito repellent as at that time of the morning there were plenty of mossies about, especially when waiting on the boat, a jumper too as it was quite cool. Four cruises were heading off at the same time so once your name was marked off you could choose which boat you went into. Watching the sunrise over Kakadu was just beautiful, many photos taken. Saw lots of wildlife including crocodiles, multiple types of birds including brolgas and jabirus, buffalo, brumbies, pigs. The cruise was slow paced with Lily our guide getting up close to crocs and birds when we came across them. Lily was very informative and entertaining in her commentary. Toilet on board if desperate. Water on board if needed. I would definitely recommend the morning cruise as all the wildlife was rousing as well as the amazing sunrise. When returned to the wharf, the shuttle then takes you back to Cooinda which has a shop, tour desk, restaurant, toilets.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff M
Adelaide, Australia53 contributions
Feb 2021
What a perfect way to start the day. Sunrise by the river departing for a 2 hour cruise through some of the most beautiful natural waterways I have seen. The ability of the boat operator to get in some narrow channels was brilliant and his expert commentary and banter was a bonus. To have the river at such a high level was good for seeing additional places and as the sun rose further into a somewhat cloudy at times morning the colour changes to the surrounds were a great sight. Crocs and birdlife were plentiful as well.
A memorable trip and highly recommended
A memorable trip and highly recommended
Written 16 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian99993
Oxford, UK562 contributions
Dec 2019
The embarkation point for the Yellow River tour is relatively close to the Cooinba Lodge where we were staying. The driver of the bus was dressed very similarly to Crocodile Dundee and could probably fend for himself in the bush a great deal better than the fictional character. The Captain of the flat bottomed boat was Travers, whose ancestors taught him all there is to know about the fauna and flora of the Yellow Water River. We took the early departure and were rewarded by some stunning scenes as we cruised slowly the billabong catching site of a few crocodiles, with in particular snatching a snake away from two Jabiru birds. There were also two smallish eagles. Travers not only navigated the boat, but also was our guide peppering his talk with good humour and great knowledge of the area.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel W
Adelaide, Australia
Interested in the sunrise tour, what is the breakfast afterwards like?
We have a vegetarian in our group, wondering if there's anything suitable for them.
Written 6 May 2018
We had begiyarian with us, she had many options.
Written 7 December 2019
Hi, we are interested in doing the sunrise tour but I am a bit nervous about driving in the area when it is dark. Are there any transfers from Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Resort?
Written 11 March 2018
No problem driving early in the morning, we didn't see any wildlife on the roads the whole time we were in the pack
Written 15 March 2018
Hi, TUK13.
I am planning to have a Yellow Water cruise tour the on 8th May. Would you mind give me an idea how to book the ticket in advance?
Many thanks!
Written 26 April 2017
I am sorry sorry but only just saw this question. Hope you got your tickets sorted out. For other people wondering I googled Yellow Water Cruises and booked tickets though the Kakadu Tourism website
Written 9 May 2017
Is it best to book in advance for the sunrise cruise , if so how early?
Written 6 March 2017
Hi Deb G,
It is definitely recommended to booked in advance for the sunrise cruise, particularly if travelling during the dry season. It is recommended to book about a week in advance.
Written 9 March 2017
la mini crociera va prenotata dall' Italia oppure quando sono lì posso farla?il prezzo?io ad ottobre sarò in Australia
Written 21 February 2017
Noi abbiamo prenotato in autonomia da casa ed è la soluzione che ti consiglio perché così si ottimizzano i tempi. Per i prezzi ed i dettagli vedi direttamente il loro sito internet
Written 20 April 2017
Hi where do the cruises depart from - how far from Jabiru?
Written 22 September 2015
Yellow Cruises depart from Cooinda, It's a 38 min (56.5 km) via Kakadu Hwy/State Route 21
Written 6 August 2017
Morning or evening better for birds?
Written 18 August 2015
Hi, where is the barra barra bar and bistro?
Written 29 July 2015
Which cruise sunrise or sunset? We will driving to arrive a Yellow waters in the afternoon and leaving the day after around lunch time. Puzzle into which?
a) Sunset to see the beautiful color of the sunset on the water and nature getting quiet
b) Sunrise see the sun rising and the wildlife animating?
Ahh I wish we could do the 2 but too expensives!
What's your advice?
Written 27 July 2015
Hi,
In case this help some other people, we did the sunset cruise, while the sunset is beautiful, the sunset is actually seen when you get back at the jetty which you could simply go and watch without taking the cruise.
If we were to do it again I would probably go during the day when the sun is high. The sun was quite low and burning meaning that it was hard to watch things around.
The sunset might be a good option as the sun would be in your back and the wildlife might be well awake.
We did see a lot of birds and crocodiles and beautiful lillies!
Written 22 August 2015
Struggling to decide between the 9am cruise and the 4.30? Prefer crocs to birds
Don't think we'd get there from Aurora for the sunrise:(
Any thoughts??
Written 2 July 2015
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