Things To Do in Kakadu - Prepare Your Next Vacation in Australia

Are you going to find a National Park in Australia? Kakadu National Park is the perfect choice for you. Kakadu is a powerful location with a strong history, located on the Northern Territory's Top End and only two and a half hours' drive from Darwin. For 65,000 years, Kakadu, the ancestral home of the Bininj and Mungguy people and the site of 19 distinct clan groups, has been a hallowed site for Indigenous ceremonies and daily life.

If you're visiting the Northern Territory and looking for the best things to do in Kakadu, this guide will help you plan your adventure. As you go on the journey of a lifetime, here are the most amazing activities and accommodations that you may discover during your trip to Kakadu.

Top Best Things to Do in Kakadu National Park

Check out Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls

The stunning waterfalls of Kakadu are a must-see on any trip; they are essential to the enormous water movement that signifies the changing of the seasons. Despite their relative proximity, they are truly remarkably distinct. Jim Jim Falls, which only runs during the wet season, has stunning, deep plunge pools surrounded by dizzying 150-meter-high cliffs.

Sandy Billabong, the more isolated waterholes, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls (though the final kilometer or two must be walked), and some of the bush camping places can all be reached with a 4WD. The Old Jim Jim Road, a fantastic detour from Cooinda to the Arnhem Highway, also requires 4WD.

Jim Jim Falls

Admire Ubirr Rock Art

A 30-minute journey from Jabiru along the Arnhem Highway/Oenpelli Road will get you a front-row seat to some of the world's most amazing rock art. It's also a pretty amazing spot to watch the sunset.

Kakadu is the land of some of the most wonderfully preserved Aboriginal rock art on a global scale. Wandering around and seeing the rock art of this place is one of the best things to do in Kakadu. Explore x-ray drawings that depict the region's plentiful bush food, including yams, fish, waterfowl, mussels, wallabies, goannas, and echidnas. Examples of rock art that reflect one of the longest historical records of any human group in the world may be found in the main gallery of Ubirr. For stunning views of the surrounding floodplains, walk up to the top to enjoy the view. It's the ideal place to watch the sunset.

Ubirr Rock Art

Discover Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)

This amazing natural gorge is one of the few spots in Kakadu where swimming is permitted, making it possibly one of the most breathtaking activities in the area. This canyon is a very popular swimming location, and with good cause, even if there are a few signs warning people to be careful around crocodiles.

Located at the end of a short monsoon rainforest hike that needs a low to moderate degree of fitness, it is only reachable by four-wheel drive and is an hour's drive from Cooinda. The tropical route is dotted with tiny yellow butterflies, emerald doves, and rainbow pittas. You will soon reach the main attraction, which is a huge sparkling waterfall and a crystal-clear plunge pool situated inside a stunning stone amphitheater. Lay beneath the new cascades, sunbake on the smooth rocks, and swim in the glistening blue water. By all standards, this location is the true heaven that you should try when coming here.

A nature pool in Maguk

Watch Sunset at Nawalandja Lookout

The most well-known location for sunsets in Kakadu is Ubirr, but if you have a few days to spare, we strongly suggest visiting Nawalandja as well. From the parking lot, it's a short, easy 300-meter hike to the top of the granite plateau, which offers breathtaking views of Nourlangie Rock and the lowlands.

There are no gates here, unlike Ubirr, so you can stay and enjoy the remaining sunlight for as long as you choose. Since there weren't many people here when we went and the plateau is very large, it still felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Watching the sun gradually illuminate the distant cliffs is a serene and lovely experience.

Nawalandja Lookout

Spot Many Kinds of Bird in Mamukala Wetlands

At the Mamukala wetlands, one of Kakadu's top bird watching locations, take a leisurely stroll to an observation platform tucked away among the paperbarks (30km from Jabiru). Silently observe the feeding of kingfishers, finches, purple swamp chickens, cormorants, comb-crested jacanas, and kites. The year-round seasonal changes are depicted in a mural. The late dry season (September to November) is when the wetlands are most striking, with tens of thousands of honking magpie geese searching for water chestnuts. The wetlands are stunning all year round.

Mamukala Wetlands

Extend Your Trip to Western Australia

When you make a choice of a long journey, it would be beneficial to introduce more things to do in Western Australia into the itinerary. In a nutshell, Kakadu is the perfect spot to start the trip when visiting spots like the Kimberley region, Purnululu National Park, and the grand Bungle Bungles. The Northern Territory and Western Australia make a desert experience that is amazing and memorable.

Travel Tips for Travelers to Visit Kakadu National Park

What is the best time to travel?

The wet season and the dry season are two different weather patterns in Kakadu that will impact your activities while there. Many of the attractions will be inaccessible due to flooding during the wet season, which typically lasts from October to March.

Generally, May through October are the driest months to explore Kakadu National Park. You may drive and hike across the park, swim in plunge pools above waterfalls, and enjoy more comfortable temperatures throughout the day.

Travelers should visit to Kakadu in the dry season

How to get there?

In order to experience the best things to do in Kakadu National Park, the most ideal place to start is Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. You can rent a car from Darwin and travel through Kakadu National Park.

There are cemented roads all the way down the highway, and the drive takes just over one and a half hours. Unless you intend to take a tour every day, which is feasible, you will require a car in the National Park. However, you should hire a car so you can freely explore.

The fees of Kakadu National Parks to visit

• Adult entrance fee to Kakadu National Park costs $40 - $100.
• Children under 15 pay $15.

Your ticket is valid for seven days, but it can be freely extended to fourteen depending on many circumstances. Remember to purchase your passes in advance of your arrival because the tickets will be sold out soon. You may be sure that your entry money is contributing to the preservation of this stunning area for future generations.

Best accommodation Kakadu

There are many places to stay in Kakadu National Park for travelers to 

• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel – A hotel that has the shape of a saltwater crocodile located in Jabiru, offering modern amenities and a central location.
• Cooinda Lodge Kakadu – Perfect for those looking to stay close to Yellow Water Billabong, featuring comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Aurora Kakadu Lodge – A great mid-range option with a swimming pool and spacious camping facilities.
• Anbinik Kakadu Resort – Ideal for eco-conscious travelers, offering stylish self-contained cabins and budget-friendly accommodation.
• Camping & Caravan Parks – For those who love the outdoors, Kakadu has several campgrounds, including Cooinda Campground and Merl Campground, which provide scenic settings under the stars.

Conclusion

Experience all the best things to do in Kakadu National Park listed above is a must for anyone traveling to Australia. From breathtaking waterfalls like Jim Jim Falls to ancient rock art sites like Ubirr and incredible wildlife encounters at Yellow Water Billabong, the park offers endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, Aboriginal heritage, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Kakadu has it all. So pack your bags, explore the best things to do in Kakadu, and immerse yourself in one of Australia's most extraordinary landscapes!