Kakadu National park
Kakadu National park
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
314 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
44
Average
32
Poor
13
Terrible
10
Pas Q
Adelaide, Australia62 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We took this bus tour from Darwin with AAT Kings. The highlights were a cruise on the Yellow Water billabong and Nourlangie Rock.
In all we travelled about 800km that day so it was a long day for what seemed very little to show for it. The cruise on the billabong was great and we saw jabiru and other bird species and crocs, plus our boat driver Woody was very funny and knowledgeable.
The disappointment, and nothing to do with AAT Kings, is that the cruise cannot give you an indication of the size of Kakadu. An option was for a flight over Kakadu prior to the cruise. That would give you a better idea of the scale of Kakadu. The flight is expensive at $250pp for a 50 min flight and we regret not doing it.
Nourlangie Rock and its rock art is easily accessible by a concreted path from the carpark. Our driver Warren was very knowledgeable about the art. Personally I'm intrigued with the stories behind the art, but the amount of art was minimal.
In all we travelled about 800km that day so it was a long day for what seemed very little to show for it. The cruise on the billabong was great and we saw jabiru and other bird species and crocs, plus our boat driver Woody was very funny and knowledgeable.
The disappointment, and nothing to do with AAT Kings, is that the cruise cannot give you an indication of the size of Kakadu. An option was for a flight over Kakadu prior to the cruise. That would give you a better idea of the scale of Kakadu. The flight is expensive at $250pp for a 50 min flight and we regret not doing it.
Nourlangie Rock and its rock art is easily accessible by a concreted path from the carpark. Our driver Warren was very knowledgeable about the art. Personally I'm intrigued with the stories behind the art, but the amount of art was minimal.
Written 25 October 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.
HC2015
Baulkham Hills, Australia100 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We stayed in Darwin so we should have drive fair bit/apps 3hrs to arrive at Jabiru to begin the journey. It was long distance for young kids to bear as scenery doesn't change much as well as adults who had to drive the whole distance. We were hesitant of visiting Kakadu due to the distance but it is manageable in a day. Mind you you many visit only few places but still worth to go. Few places aren't available to visit during wet season and they have information centre where it shows opened/closed place. We had to pay for family visit of $65 for 7 day pass although we only stay for a day. It covers such a great national park with many heritage sites so it is must be paid before arriving the place otherwise you can pay at the information centre.
If I may add a thought, it would attract more visitors if there were few interestin stops or sites to visit on the way from Darwin to Jabiru as 3 hrs of same scenery in 130km ph most road could be bit boring.
If I may add a thought, it would attract more visitors if there were few interestin stops or sites to visit on the way from Darwin to Jabiru as 3 hrs of same scenery in 130km ph most road could be bit boring.
Written 13 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.
Lorraine S
Exeter, UK66 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We booked a day tour to Kakadu from Darwin *
chose a company called Autopia.
We were collected from our hotel prompty at the time they had advised, and joined a small party for the day trip
The vehicle only holds a maximum of 22 passengers, so a small party is guaranteed.
Our driver/guide for the day was a lovely lady called Danni, and she was ably assisted in Kakadu by Park Ranger Johnny Reid.
We cannot praise them highly enough. Both are local to the area & their wealth & knowledge was immense, & they happily share their knowledge in both an educating and entertaining manner.
Nothing is too much trouble for them, and we must praise Danni especially for her patience whilst my husband made his slow program from the car park to the cave painting, and then fully explained the history behind the artwork.
The paintings alone made the trip worthwhile, but we also partook on jumping crocodiles cruise which was also most enjoyable and informative.
On the way home we encountered some of the Northern Territories fickle weather, & again Danni's driving skills were shown to be exemplary.
We can't recall this trip enough.
Thanks to all concerned.
chose a company called Autopia.
We were collected from our hotel prompty at the time they had advised, and joined a small party for the day trip
The vehicle only holds a maximum of 22 passengers, so a small party is guaranteed.
Our driver/guide for the day was a lovely lady called Danni, and she was ably assisted in Kakadu by Park Ranger Johnny Reid.
We cannot praise them highly enough. Both are local to the area & their wealth & knowledge was immense, & they happily share their knowledge in both an educating and entertaining manner.
Nothing is too much trouble for them, and we must praise Danni especially for her patience whilst my husband made his slow program from the car park to the cave painting, and then fully explained the history behind the artwork.
The paintings alone made the trip worthwhile, but we also partook on jumping crocodiles cruise which was also most enjoyable and informative.
On the way home we encountered some of the Northern Territories fickle weather, & again Danni's driving skills were shown to be exemplary.
We can't recall this trip enough.
Thanks to all concerned.
Written 10 March 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.
Yesol Y
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • Couples
If you have a 2WD, i don’t recommend a trip to Kakadu. Only 4WD can go to the main places( jim jim falls, twin falls) if you want to go to jim jim falls, you need to buy a tour which it is $229. The tour doesnt include the boat ride across to twin falls which you have to pay extra money for.
You can go to gunlom falls but it’s unsealed road and the infinity pool is now closed because of the wet season.
There is another main place Nourlangie rock, but hard to find the way to go to main spot because the map in the Nourlangie park doesn’t show you where you are. Also it’s too hot, sweaty and lots of flies. I’m so surprise how people can find this main spot.
We went to bukbkuluk walking track, but there is nothing to see and took us 18 mins return.
If you have a 2WD, you can go to ubirr rock and yellow water billabong but thats mainly it. This is a massive national park but you cant really enjoy exploring it without a 4WD or spending over the costs.
You can go to gunlom falls but it’s unsealed road and the infinity pool is now closed because of the wet season.
There is another main place Nourlangie rock, but hard to find the way to go to main spot because the map in the Nourlangie park doesn’t show you where you are. Also it’s too hot, sweaty and lots of flies. I’m so surprise how people can find this main spot.
We went to bukbkuluk walking track, but there is nothing to see and took us 18 mins return.
If you have a 2WD, you can go to ubirr rock and yellow water billabong but thats mainly it. This is a massive national park but you cant really enjoy exploring it without a 4WD or spending over the costs.
Written 21 November 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.
Teresa O
Perth, Australia28 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We visited in May 2021. After travelling from Perth to a destination that was on my bucketlist we were VERY underwhelmed !!
Half the park was closed due to either the seasonal weather and the "Sorry business "😒
Kakadu administrator's definitely need some guidance on how to maintain a world class tourist attraction. I was actually slightly embarrassed by the standard of it and the fact you'll never know why certain areas are closed. Go to Litchfield it was awesome!
The Yellow Water river sunset cruise was the only highlight.
Half the park was closed due to either the seasonal weather and the "Sorry business "😒
Kakadu administrator's definitely need some guidance on how to maintain a world class tourist attraction. I was actually slightly embarrassed by the standard of it and the fact you'll never know why certain areas are closed. Go to Litchfield it was awesome!
The Yellow Water river sunset cruise was the only highlight.
Written 13 May 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.
Tina Shak
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We loved our trip. Malcom our guide was superb . He had lots of interesting facts and history that kept us entertained through. He went out of the way to make us feel welcomed especially checking on my friend who was very nauseous throughout the trip. The yellow river cruise was good and we stopped at the aboriginal art Center to chat with a local artist. I was in awe at the old aboriginal art . Will definitely go back.
Written 12 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.
oztravelsandkids
Sydney, Australia147 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We visited in April holidays at the end of the wet.
This means that it is still humid but also there is heaps of water around so a lot of roads and tourist sites are closed. Depending on the rainfall some roads do not fully open until July.
However, you get to see the waterfalls and areas looking lush and green and the falls really are amazing. You don’t get that in the dry. Make sure you see the falls from the air as this is the only way.
In the April month it is humid and there are a lot of bugs especially at sunset so make sure you pack well.
Highly recommend a visit here if you have time. I would not do a day trip as it’s a long way stay in Kakadu and take a day or 3 to explore.
This means that it is still humid but also there is heaps of water around so a lot of roads and tourist sites are closed. Depending on the rainfall some roads do not fully open until July.
However, you get to see the waterfalls and areas looking lush and green and the falls really are amazing. You don’t get that in the dry. Make sure you see the falls from the air as this is the only way.
In the April month it is humid and there are a lot of bugs especially at sunset so make sure you pack well.
Highly recommend a visit here if you have time. I would not do a day trip as it’s a long way stay in Kakadu and take a day or 3 to explore.
Written 17 April 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.
Faseela Farooque
106 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
We did a caravan trip through Kakadu National Park and it was unforgettable! The scenery was incredible and I found the Aboriginal artwork deeply fascinating. I see it's been mentioned plenty of times in these reviews but.. prepare for the flies!!
Written 17 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.
Brian T
London, UK8,117 contributions
Feb 2023
Kakadu National Park should be on your itinerary if you are visiting the Darwin area specifically, or Australia's 'Top End' generally. It is a protected area around 160 kilometres (100 miles) southeast of Darwin, and listed as a World Heritage Site because of its cultural and natural values. It’s Australia’s biggest mainland national park, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of varied beautiful and ancient landscapes. It encompasses wetlands, grasslands, riverscapes, lush rainforests, and escarpments filled with with thundering waterfalls, and ancient aboriginal rock art. The Bininj/Mungguy people have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years. Here they’ll teach you about their ancient culture and the regions’ dramatic seasons.
A visit to Kakadu requires some planning. If you are driving it’s a three hour southeast of Perth to get to the park. Local tourist organisations in Darwin can help you with maps, major sites and accommodation options. If you are visiting Darwin without your own transportation, there are a variety of tour options available, from a one day tour to longer tours over a number of days. You will also need to take into account seasonal issues which may affect your sightseeing. Summer months in Australia’s Top End bring the wet season, and heavy rain and local flooding may inhibit your touring and make some sites inaccessible.
The sights in the park are quite breathtaking, especially the riverscapes with crocodiles (Cahills Crossing is a must-see), the escarpment with its sweeping views,
and vast amounts of ancient aboriginal art, the Mamukala Wetlands, grasslands teeming with wildlife (buffalo and wallabies - there are no kangaroos), and landscapes dotted with towering termite nests. There are tumbling waterfalls and refreshing pools, and plenty of places to sit, enjoy and appreciate. The Bowali Visitor Centre near the small town of Jabiru is also a useful spot for information and facilities, as is the community of Jabiru.
As you would expect, numerous rules for your safety apply, and visitors to the park must acquire the necessary park pass, costing around $20. But it is a beautiful spot to visit and should not be missed.
A visit to Kakadu requires some planning. If you are driving it’s a three hour southeast of Perth to get to the park. Local tourist organisations in Darwin can help you with maps, major sites and accommodation options. If you are visiting Darwin without your own transportation, there are a variety of tour options available, from a one day tour to longer tours over a number of days. You will also need to take into account seasonal issues which may affect your sightseeing. Summer months in Australia’s Top End bring the wet season, and heavy rain and local flooding may inhibit your touring and make some sites inaccessible.
The sights in the park are quite breathtaking, especially the riverscapes with crocodiles (Cahills Crossing is a must-see), the escarpment with its sweeping views,
and vast amounts of ancient aboriginal art, the Mamukala Wetlands, grasslands teeming with wildlife (buffalo and wallabies - there are no kangaroos), and landscapes dotted with towering termite nests. There are tumbling waterfalls and refreshing pools, and plenty of places to sit, enjoy and appreciate. The Bowali Visitor Centre near the small town of Jabiru is also a useful spot for information and facilities, as is the community of Jabiru.
As you would expect, numerous rules for your safety apply, and visitors to the park must acquire the necessary park pass, costing around $20. But it is a beautiful spot to visit and should not be missed.
Written 16 March 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.
Colin M
Adelaide, Australia648 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Can now see why some people are calling it Kakadont as quite a bit of it closed due to politics between various interests, all of which is causing places to be run down or closed off for trivial reasons. If it doesn't get sorted soon people will not go there and choose elsewhere. Apart from a couple of walks we did that were very good I would be very reluctant to recommend any more than a couple of days there at max.
Written 11 June 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.
Navigator318982
Melbourne, Australia
Which is the better water cruise, Yellow or Adeleide rivers
Written 29 December 2023
I have seen an advert from someone who introduces her self as Isa or Eza on that short. I can we get her address or email for contact.
Written 10 January 2023
I will be traveling to Darwin next week from the US. Unfortunately, I only have 5 days in Darwin so can only allow myself a day trip to Kakadu. I know that is not ideal at all, but I figure it’s best to see it for a few hours rather than nothing at all. Unfortunately we don’t get enough vacation days over here in the US.
I was looking at tour options from Darwin however I consider myself a fairly advanced hiker and am concerned I might be disappointed as I want to spend most of my time on walks. I will have access to a 4WD vehicle during my stay, so I am considering driving myself.
I am most interested in Gunlom and Jim Jim falls, however I am wondering the feasibility of getting to these in only one day. Are there any other walks closer to Darwin to offer similar experiences (moderate/difficult)? What regions would those be in? Can I drive straight do the walks or is there a centralized entrance I need to find and enter through? Basically, is it feasible to do a moderate difficulty hike in one day, self-driving, and if so, which would you recommend? Or, am I better off doing a guided tour with the easier walks?
Any advice is appreciated. I really want to work Kakadu into my trip but I also know the time constraints I’m working under won’t do as must justice as I’d like.
Written 5 July 2018
I forgot to mention that another unforgettable day is a day tour with Northern Territory indigenous day tours of the Litchfield National Park. This is run by an indigenous lady (Tess) and her husband Greg an Australian. Tess knows all about Bush Tucker and all the flora and fauna in the park, as well Aboriginal culture. Greg is very knowledgeable about history statistics geography and local politics.
There is a small walk in the tour of about 1 1/2 km so walking is not the main feature but you will see a lot of the park with in-depth indigenous and local knowledge.
If you are interested Google: Northern Territory indigenous day tours:Top End and Darwin tours . Tess and Greg are lovely people and are very flexible. They offer other tours as well. It may be worth contacting them and discussing your wishes. They operate out of Darwin.
Written 6 July 2018
Bonjour,
Nous serons début juin à Darwin et nous aurons 4 jours pour visiter un parc, je pensais 3 jours Kakadu et 1 jour Lichfield.
On aura une voiture ou un van (pas encore décidé). Que conseillez-vous comme circuit ?
Written 18 March 2018
Salve a tutti. Sto valutando le tappe del mio viaggio e sono indeciso su Nourlangie, Ubirr ed Injalak. Dato che coprirle tutte e tre richiede tempo viste le distanze, vorrei sapere se ne vale la pena vedele tutte e tre oppure le bellezze di quei posti si assomigliano.
L'Australia è un paese meraviglioso ma è così vasto, e purtroppo bisogna scendere a compromessi.
Grazie per il vostro contributo.
Written 11 March 2017
Salve, si è vero l'Australia è un paese molto vasto, per quanto riguarda la mia esperienza posso consigliarti di dare molto meno spazio alle città, sono meravigliose città, super moderne super organizzate, ma fondamentalmente molto simili tra loro, attenzione non ti sto dicendo di non andare a visitarle, ma se puoi dai spazio a tutto quello che si trova fuori dalle città...la natura, i paesaggi, i colori, "la storia" tutte queste cose si trovano fuori dalle città, quella è la vera Australia. Io mi sento di consigliarti questo se anche per te la natura ecc. conta di più rispetto al cemento. Se fosse il contrario mi dispiace che il mio contributo allora possa esserti poco utile.
Mi saprai dire al ritorno.
Buon viaggio.
Written 11 March 2017
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