Here Are 11 Must-Do Activities in Australia’s Kakadu National Park

The Gunlom waterfall.
The Gunlom waterfall is one of the finest in Kakadu, and one of the most popular. (Image: via Kakadu National Park)

Kakadu National Park is known as Australia’s largest park, and it is over 20,000 square kilometers. It has been named a World Heritage Site due to its importance in human history and outstanding natural beauty. 

This National Park is a beautiful treasure chest of experiences, including breathtaking scenery, various animals, a thriving Indigenous culture, and even ancient rock art.

11 things you should do when visiting Kakadu

1. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr

For your first stop, visit Ubirr, a significant Aboriginal rock art site, to kick off your Kakadu experience. Discover the rich cultural history of the Aboriginal people shown in rock art that dates back thousands of years. Animals, rituals, and the beginnings of civilization are only a few of the topics included in the paintings.

2. Experience the wetlands of Kakadu on a cruise

Experience the wetlands of Kakadu on a Yellow Water cruise, a favorite tourist activity. Learn about wetlands’ vital role in the local environment while seeing various species on this famous boat excursion.

3. Explore the rock art of the Bininj and Mungguy people

Discover the fantastic rock art at the Nourlangie Rock location. Visit a local guide to learn more about the Bininj and Mungguy people, the original inhabitants of this area, and the cultural importance of the artworks in their lives.

rock art
Ubirr hosts some of the world’s most outstanding rock art. (Image: Kakadu National Park)

4. Adventure to Jim Jim Falls

A trip to Kakadu is only complete if it looks at the incredible beauty of Jim Jim Falls. Getting to the falls requires a 4WD trip or a helicopter flight, but the vista of the 200-meter-high cascade plunging into a deep plunge pool is well worth the effort. You may even swim in the emerald-green waters during the dry season, an excellent way to cool down.

5. Experience the Twin Falls Gorge

The well-known Twin Falls waterfall is located in the similarly breathtaking Twin Falls Gorge, another Kakadu attraction. You may witness animals while enjoying the scenery on your way to Twin Falls via a 4WD trip and a scenic boat ride down the river. Guests have the option of unwinding on the sandy riverbanks or taking a swim in the clear water throughout their stay.

6. Plung into the infinity pool at Gunlom Falls

Stop at Gunlom Falls for a refreshing plunge in nature’s infinity pool and breathtaking vistas of Kakadu’s southern regions. Reaching the peak of Gunlom Falls requires a challenging but rewarding climb. The surrounding area is full of beautiful scenery and picturesque rock pools that you may visit.

7. Appreciate the various cultures

Kakadu is home to a wide variety of cultural activities that may be participated in to get an understanding of the norms, rituals, and practices of the local Aboriginal tribes. Join a guided walk or culture class to discover more about bush tucker (traditional food), traditional hunting and gathering methods, and the spiritual bond between the land and its people.

8. Fish for barramundi

Kakadu is well-known for its exceptional barramundi fishing. Take a fishing trip or hire a guide to try your luck at capturing this highly sought-after Australian species. The park’s rivers, billabongs, and estuaries are perfect places for barramundi to live; therefore, fishermen from all over the world go there.

The Yellow Water wetlands make Kakadu a premier fishing destination.
Yellow Water’s wetlands make Kakadu a premier fishing destination. (Image: Kakadu National Park)

9. Take a hike

Wear your walking shoes and discover the many paths that wind through Kakadu. All fitness levels may find an appropriate hike, from a quick stroll to a weeklong trek. The Yurmikmik Walks lead to beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes, while the Barrk Sandstone Walk provides breathtaking vistas.

10. Relax while watching the sunset on the Yellow Water Billabong

Sunsets on the Yellow Water Billabong are unforgettable and the perfect way to wind down the day. Enjoy a sunset sail and watch the sky transform in color as it reflects off the still waters of the billabong. It’s a great time to go birding and take some stunning pictures.

11. Go 4-wheeling to Koolpin Gorge

A high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle and a healthy dose of adventurous spirit are prerequisites for this one. Jarrangbarnmi, also called Koolpin Gorge, is one of the least frequented areas of Kakadu National Park due to its remote location, making it alluring to many people.

A series of stunning plunge pools are being carved out of the craggy granite cliffs below. Along the banks of this historic waterway lies an occasional, surprising sandy beach surrounded by verdant vegetation. 

These are all essential for a relaxing vacation. Due to the venue’s limited capacity, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and get a permit.

Visit and experience everything Kakadu has to offer

Now that you know Kakadu has plenty to offer everyone, missing the endless experiences in Kakadu Park would be a shame. 

If you are interested in exploring culture, seeking new experiences, or appreciating the area’s natural beauty, the extensive range of activities will enable you to experience Kakadu National Park fully.

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