Tropical summer break – 3 days
Embrace culture, nature and adventure in the wet season. From world-class rock art to spectacular wetlands and a mind-blowing view of the park from above.
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Nawurlandja
Set out early for your drive to Kakadu to stop and see rare wetland birds at Fogg Dam conservation area on the way.
Snap an iconic holiday shot as you enter the Kakadu park boundary before dropping into Bowali Visitor Centre to meet staff and discuss your trip.
Before you set off into the park, take a stroll through the interpretive display. It’s a great way to see why Kakadu is a dual World Heritage-listed national park. You can also catch a Kakadu documentary.
Make Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site and Kunwarddehwardde lookout your next stop (1 km return walk). The dramatic sandstone cliffs here are a wondrous sight. Slow things down and let the stresses of day-to-day life slip away. Take your time winding through shaded rock shelters and past several outstanding rock art sites. There’s an abundance of birds here – listen to the calls of the helmeted friarbirds or try to spot emerald doves and banded fruit-doves darting about the tree canopies.
Climb nearby Nawurlandja lookout to be rewarded with tremendous views of the park. This is a magical spot to relax and watch the colours change as the sun descends in the west. Amazing storms often roll in and put on a dramatic lightshow during the tropical summer.
Stay overnight in Jabiru at one of the campgrounds, hotels, lodges or cabins. Refuel and restock at the supermarket and dine at one of the fantastic restaurants for some locally-inspired cuisine.
In the air, on the water
During the tropical summer the landscape is a lush green, the rivers, creeks and billabongs are brimming and the spectacular waterfalls are flowing. The best way to see Country at this time is by air and getting out on the water.
Join a Guluyambi Wet Season Tour & Cruise for a for a journey by boat and an exclusive guided tour to Ubirr rock art site. Your Aboriginal guide will give you an insight into culture and bush survival skills in this enormous park.
Return to Jabiru and stretch your legs with a peaceful walk around the Jabiru Lake – take a picnic lunch with you.
Take a scenic flight from Jabiru Airport and experience the grandeur of Australia’s largest national park and Kakadu’s iconic waterfalls in full-flow.
During the tropical summer roads can be flooded, so check access before heading to Ubirr in your own vehicle. Between 1 December and 31 March the rock art site is open between 2:00 pm and sunset. At Ubirr, the moderate walk passes some of Kakadu’s best rock art before a climb to Ubirr lookout. Here you’ll stop to soak up one of Kakadu’s most stunning views – a 360-degree panorama of the Nadab floodplain, complete with colourful sunset.
After all the fantastic fresh air, enjoy dinner and get an early night in Jabiru, ready for an early start.
Wetlands and stone country
Your day begins at sunrise floating through wetlands and watching nature come to life. You then head to breath-taking stone country, (the home of Kakadu’s Jawoyn people) to experience Kakadu the traditional way, walking on country.
Leave Jabiru at 5.45 am and drive 45 minutes to Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) for an unforgettable sunrise cruise through this wetland area of international significance followed by breakfast. Float through paperbark forests and past carpets of lotus lilies. Don’t forget your camera!
Around mid-morning visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a fascinating explanation of Kakadu’s living cultural heritage and European history. You’ll see many artefacts, hear about kinship and personal stories from local Bininj/Mungguy (the Aboriginal people of Kakadu).
Stock up on snacks at Cooinda for a picnic lunch before heading south to Bukbukluk lookout (400 m easy loop walk) for beautiful vistas of Kakadu’s southern hills and ridges. Keep an eye out for birds and wallabies.
Travel on the unsealed Gimbat road (check access report for conditions) to Yurmikmik and take the walking track to Boulder Creek (2 km return walk) or Motor Car Falls (7.5 km return walk). This is a stunning part of Kakadu that’s popular with locals. At this time of year the surroundings are unbelievably green and fragrant. Sit and enjoy a picnic lunch in a truly unspoilt wilderness.
Say ‘bobo’ (farewell) to Kakadu and relax on the three hour drive back to Darwin.
Take the first step
A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single click.
Enter your email to get free trip planning advice from Kakadu rangers.
