Day Cruises
90–120 minutes
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$105
per adult
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
2023
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4.5
1,685 reviews
Excellent
1,329
Very good
254
Average
66
Poor
19
Terrible
17
Ryan N
Gold Coast, Australia22 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
This was my second time (some 13 years since the first) on this tour and I loved it as much as the first. Visiting at the end of the dry season, one could appreciate the dryness of the environment and the impact that introduced hoofed species have on the landscape. Saw plenty of birds, a few crocs and stunning views. Our guide, Greg (aka, Gecko) was most knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour.
Written 3 November 2023
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.
Olivia T
Melbourne, Australia238 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
This was by far one of the best cruise tours I've been on. It was absolutely delightful, our guide Dennis was incredible, so knowledgeable and you could see the passion he has for his job, his commentary was extraordinary and loves a laugh too.
The sunset was beautiful with plenty of crocs and wildlife and the flora and fauna was lovely.
I cannot recommend this tour enough! I give it a 10 out 10 😍
The sunset was beautiful with plenty of crocs and wildlife and the flora and fauna was lovely.
I cannot recommend this tour enough! I give it a 10 out 10 😍
Written 6 September 2023
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.
Jo E
Manchester, UK24 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Thanks to Glen and Yellow Water Cruises for a superb sunset cruise. Glen was so knowledgeable and helpful and we got to see lots of crocodiles and birdlife. This is a must-do if you're in the area - unforgettable! Best photos of the entire holiday!
Written 24 August 2023
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.
donree23
Grafton, Australia8 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
We did the sunrise cruise, and whilst it was quite an early start, it was so worth it
Very professional operation - highly recommended if visiting Kakadu
Very professional operation - highly recommended if visiting Kakadu
Written 24 August 2023
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.
TristanEF
Canberra, Australia907 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
I’m usually not a huge fan of these sort of boat cruises but I was pleasantly surprised. Interesting commentary and an engaging guide made it a fascinating experience. Plenty of crocodiles doing interesting things and the highlight had to be the water snake crushing and devouring a rather large fish — even the guide seemed captivated by this, telling us she had never seen anything like it before.
Written 22 August 2023
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.
Jenny T
Highland, UT27 contributions
Aug. 2023
The Yellow Water Cruise was a highlight of our trip to Kakadu NP. We had been walking around the park and appreciated the contrast of the dry tracks and the wet river. Zoe was an excellent guide, who impressed us with her knowledge, ability to spot wildlife, and boat navigation skills (and only after working 2 months). This is a beautiful tour--like a river safari with all kinds of animals and plants. Of course the striking sunset was a bonus too. I highly recommend.
Written 15 August 2023
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.
Cynthia G
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
The highlight was of course the crocodiles 🐊 but I must give mention to the fabulous guide Dennis!
He really made this cruise down the waterway a real education. His knowledge was excellent and his commentary was first class and comical at times.
Highly recommend this cruise.
He really made this cruise down the waterway a real education. His knowledge was excellent and his commentary was first class and comical at times.
Highly recommend this cruise.
Written 3 August 2023
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.
J C
8 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Wow wow wow… we enjoyed a cruise around the river with Adam, an indigenous young guy who gave us great insight as to the flora, fauna, reptiles and animals of the local area. He told us some great stories like ‘no aligators … they’re crocodiles!!’ Even though the local rivers are named after it & tales like this. We got to see lots of crocs, a Kingfisher, SeaHawke & so very very much more birdlife. Highlight of our time in Kakadu.
Ps take a good camera… phones really don’t capture the beauty around you
Ps take a good camera… phones really don’t capture the beauty around you
Written 12 July 2023
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.
Debbie Hollinshead
Wetherill Park, Australia44 contributions
May 2023
Our tour guide Dennis with 2 n's was absolutely fantastic. He was very informative and knew his stuff. Not only did we see Crocs we saw Jabiru's, Kingfisher's, Sea Eagles and an array of plant life. If Dennis with 2 n's does give up his day job which I may add he is cut out for maybe he can get a job as a comedian ... very funny man.
Written 20 May 2023
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.
Carrie W
Vermont5 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Couples
We went on the sunset cruise and I highly recommend it! We saw tons of wildlife and got some stunning photos of the sun setting over the billabong. Our guide was Travis and he was wonderful! He had so many interesting stories and was full of information about the area and the wildlife. I have been on many wildlife cruises before and this one was definitely the best.
Written 6 May 2023
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.
nutman1963
Darwin, Australia25 contributions
We had begiyarian with us, she had many options.
Kay M
Brisbane, Australia288 contributions
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?
akelly184
Melbourne, Australia237 contributions
No problem driving early in the morning, we didn't see any wildlife on the roads the whole time we were in the pack
helenahelena001
Adelaide, Australia14 contributions
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!
TKU13
21 contributions
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
Deb G
Perth, Australia11 contributions
Is it best to book in advance for the sunrise cruise , if so how early?
Benjamin Brown
Kakadu National Park, Australia1 contribution
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.
chiara c
Piacenza, Italy1,352 contributions
la mini crociera va prenotata dall' Italia oppure quando sono lì posso farla?il prezzo?io ad ottobre sarò in Australia
barbara m
lozza153 contributions
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
Michelle H
19 contributions
Hi where do the cruises depart from - how far from Jabiru?
Jane G
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Yellow Cruises depart from Cooinda, It's a 38 min (56.5 km) via Kakadu Hwy/State Route 21
Robzmob
Boyne Island, Australia130 contributions
Hi, where is the barra barra bar and bistro?
Nomadsfix
Brisbane, Australie129 contributions
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?
Nomadsfix
Brisbane, Australie129 contributions
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!
grizwards2015
Adelaide, Australia14 contributions
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??