Nature and rock art

Today, begin your journey to Kakadu, taking in rivers and floodplains and spotting birds of prey along the way.

Depart Darwin at 8.00 am for a 250 km drive to Kakadu stopping at the Corroboree Park Tavern halfway for a refreshment stop. At the Kakadu information bay as you enter the boundaries of the park, grab a pic of your arrival as you are welcomed to the Aboriginal lands of Kakadu National Park.

Then it’s time to stretch your legs and discover some of Kakadu’s 280 bird species. There is the Kungarre Monsoon Forest and Billabong Walk (3.6 km return walk) at South Alligator (former Aurora Kakadu Resort) that leads out to Ankurdabbal Billabong. Or travel just a few kilometres further, across the mighty South Alligator River, to Mamukala. The Mamukala Bird Hide is easily accessible (300 m return walk), and the 3 km Mamukala walk offers great opportunities to view magpie geese, whistling-ducks, jacanas, jabirus and eagles and many more!

Drive on to Bowali Visitor Centre to chat with staff and ask them questions. Explore the interpretive displays on natural history and watch some nature documentaries.

In the afternoon, head to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site and lookout (1 km return walk). You’ll wind through shaded rock shelters, an ancient occupational shelter and several outstanding rock art sites, discovering the way life used to be for Bininj.

Stop at Anbangbang Billabong, a tranquil and picturesque place to spot birds and wildlife along the 2.5 km loop walk. In the early mornings and evenings, agile wallabies move out of the woodlands to graze beneath the paperbark trees by the billabong.

To round the day off, take the short hike up the slope to Nawurlandja lookout with its fantastic views of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), Anbangbang and the Arnhem Land escarpment in the soft afternoon light.

Stay overnight in Jabiru at one of the campgrounds, hotels, lodges or cabins – relax by the pool for dinner and enjoy the spacious, tropical surroundings.

Explore Kakadu through Indigenous eyes

Today, discover our world-class rock art, spot some crocs, take a river cruise, and finish with another famous Kakadu sunset!

From Jabiru, head to the East Alligator River upstream boat ramp. Take the Bardedjilidji walk (2.5 km walk) through layered sandstone outliers and along the East Alligator River – one of Kakadu’s most interesting short walks.

Next, take a journey back in time on a guided Guluyambi Cultural Cruise – learn about local Aboriginal culture and the ways Bininj have lived in harmony with their environment for many thousands of years.

Stop off at Manbiyarra (Border Store) for lunch, then head to nearby Cahills Crossing for some croc spotting.

Next, head out to Ubirr rock art site. This moderate walk passes some of Kakadu’s best rock art before a climb to Ubirr lookout. Sit atop the rocky sandstone outcrop and take in the 360 degree view of the Nadab floodplain – the sunsets here are a sky-high panorama of purple, red, yellow and orange.

Head back to your accommodation in Jabiru for your second night in Kakadu.

A beautiful day in the stone country

Wetlands and stone country

Get up early and travel south to Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba). Enjoy the Yellow Water Wetlands sunrise cruise – this Ramsar-listed wetland is home to hundreds of birds and animal species, and the sunrise is a highlight. Take your camera!

Head over to Cooinda Lodge for breakfast. The resort also has a swimming pool, store and fuel.

Then it’s time to head south into Jawoyn and enjoy a beautiful day in the stone country.

Stop at Mary River Ranger Station to check out the old mining equipment and read stories about the Jawoyn people’s fight for land rights (leave caravans here then head to Yurmikmik or Gunlom).

Next, take the gravel road to Gunlom and take in the scenic views of Kakadu’s southern hills and ridges. Choose one of the interconnected walks at Yurmikmik, like the 7.5 km return walk to Motor Car Falls or travel on to Gunlom where a magnificent plunge pool below the falls awaits. You’ll want to spend some quality time at Gunlom so bring water and plenty of snacks, or a picnic lunch.

From here, begin your return journey to Darwin via the south of the park.