Mamukala wetlands is a bird-lover’s dream. This short walk allows bird-watchers to see an astonishing variety of bird life.

Birdlife

Nestled into the paperbarks is an observation platform that allows you to quietly view the birdlife, there is also a mural that illustrates the seasonal changes that occur throughout the year.

With large numbers of magpie geese, kites, comb-crested jacanas, cormorants, willie wagtails, purple swamp hens, finches and kingfishers that congregate in this magnificent billabong this makes for one of the best birdwatching areas in Kakadu.

If you are lucky you may even spot an agile wallaby or the occasional crocodile loitering around the edge of the billabong.

Kakadu is home to one third of Australia’s bird species, and many aren’t found anywhere else in the world.

Magpie geese

By late August the wetlands are alive with the honking of tens of thousands of magpie geese digging for water chestnuts! Sunset and sunrise bring spectacular V formations of geese flying overhead, and there’s nothing quite like the sight of thousands of magpie geese taking to the air above the vast wetlands.

At this time of year, when the geese are fat and heavy, Aboriginal people would come to the wetlands to hunt geese, file snakes and long-necked turtles.

As the temperature increases and water disappears, the geese crowd together in the remaining waterholes. Their feathers are stained from the thick mud around the drying waterholes.

This is a must stop for people that love to sit quietly and watch birds and wildlife go about their day, there is ample opportunity for film or photography enthusiasts to get great close up shots without fear of disturbing your subject.

The bird hide can be reached by wheelchair users. The first loop walk is unsealed but flat.