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

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia's most extraordinary destinations, where ancient Aboriginal culture, vast wetlands, dramatic sandstone escarpments and abundant wildlife come together across an immense tropical landscape. Located in Australia's Northern Territory, the park covers almost 20,000 square kilometres and is recognised by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural significance.

For travelers, the appeal of Kakadu goes far beyond ticking off a list of attractions. You can stand in front of Aboriginal rock art that tells stories thousands of years old, cruise through wetlands searching for crocodiles, watch the sunset over an enormous floodplain, or walk through landscapes that change dramatically between the wet and dry seasons.

If you are planning to visit Kakadu National Park, it is worth allowing several days rather than trying to experience everything in a single day. Parks Australia recommends staying at least three to five days to appreciate the park's scale and diversity.

Here are some of the best things to do in Kakadu, including cultural sites, wildlife experiences, scenic walks and practical tips for planning your trip in 2026.

Why Visit Kakadu National Park?

Kakadu is not simply one large wilderness area. It is a living cultural landscape that has been home to the Bininj/Mungguy people for tens of thousands of years.

The park contains ancient rock art sites, wetlands, rivers, waterfalls, sandstone country and diverse habitats. More than 280 bird species can be found across Kakadu and the surrounding Top End, while the park's waterways support crocodiles, turtles, fish and other wildlife.

This combination makes Kakadu particularly rewarding for travelers who enjoy:

• Aboriginal culture and history
• Wildlife watching
• National parks and wilderness
• Photography
• Hiking and walking
• River and wetland cruises
• Scenic flights
• Road trips
• Bird watching

The experience also changes considerably throughout the year. The dry season generally provides easier access to many walking trails and attractions, while the wet season transforms Kakadu into a lush tropical landscape with dramatic waterfalls and fewer visitors.

What About Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls in 2026?

Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are traditionally among Kakadu's most famous attractions, but this is an important consideration for anyone planning a visit to Kakadu National Park in 2026.

Parks Australia announced in June 2026 that the entire Jim Jim and Twin Falls area would remain closed throughout 2026 while major road and infrastructure upgrades are carried out. The closure includes Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls Gorge and escarpment walk, and Karnamarr Campground.

The works are expected to continue through 2026, with reopening planned ahead of the 2027 dry season.

Therefore, older travel guides that tell visitors to simply add Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls to a 2026 itinerary are outdated.

The good news is that Kakadu itself remains open, with many other major attractions available, including Ubirr, Burrungkuy, Yellow Water and other cultural and natural experiences.

Always check the latest Kakadu Access Report before traveling because individual attractions can have seasonal or temporary closures.

Jim Jim Falls

Best Things to Do in Kakadu

1. Explore the Ancient Rock Art at Ubirr

Ubirr is one of the most important cultural attractions in Kakadu and should be near the top of any list of best things to do in Kakadu.

The site contains several Aboriginal rock art galleries featuring paintings that document animals, people and cultural stories. Walking between the galleries gives visitors a glimpse into the long relationship between the Bininj/Mungguy people and this Country.

The experience becomes even more memorable when you continue toward the lookout.

From Ubirr, you can look across the Nadab floodplain toward the Arnhem Land escarpment. At sunset, the landscape takes on warm colours and the floodplain stretches toward the horizon.

If your itinerary allows only one sunset experience in Kakadu, Ubirr is an excellent choice.

Ubirr Rock Art

2. Discover Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)

Burrungkuy, historically known as Nourlangie, is another major cultural site within Kakadu.

Here, visitors can follow walking tracks through sandstone formations and discover Aboriginal rock art galleries. The site provides another opportunity to understand Kakadu through the stories and traditions of its Traditional Owners.

Nearby walks also reveal the relationship between the rock country, billabongs and surrounding vegetation.

For travelers interested in Aboriginal heritage, visiting both Ubirr and Burrungkuy provides a much richer perspective than seeing just one rock art site.

3. Take a Yellow Water Cruise

A Yellow Water cruise is one of the most popular wildlife experiences in Kakadu.

The cruise travels through the Ngurrungurrudjba wetland system, where the scenery changes with the seasons. Depending on conditions, you may see saltwater crocodiles, waterbirds, turtles, fish and other wildlife.

The surrounding wetlands are particularly spectacular in the early morning and late afternoon when the light changes across the water.

Northern Territory tourism describes the cruise as a major way to experience Kakadu's wetlands and observe crocodiles and wildlife in their natural environment.

For photographers, an early cruise can be especially rewarding because of the softer light and active birdlife.

4. Visit Mamukala Wetlands

If you enjoy bird watching, make time for Mamukala Wetlands.

The wetland environment attracts large numbers of birds, particularly during the dry season when water sources become increasingly important to wildlife.

A viewing area and walking route allow visitors to experience the wetlands without needing to take a boat cruise.

It is also a good example of why Kakadu should not be viewed simply as a collection of waterfalls and rock formations. Much of the park's character comes from its enormous floodplains, billabongs and seasonal wetlands.

Visit Mamukala Wetlands

5. Explore Kakadu on Foot

Walking is one of the best ways to understand the scale and variety of Kakadu.

There are trails ranging from relatively easy walks to more demanding hikes through rugged stone country.

Depending on the season and current access conditions, options include walks around Ubirr, Burrungkuy, Nawurlandja, Bardedjilidji, Yurmikmik and other areas.

Before starting any longer walk, check the current park access information, weather and walking conditions. Parks Australia is also introducing the Australian Walking Track Grading System to help visitors understand the experience, gradient, track quality and other factors associated with different trails.

6. Watch the Sunset at Nawurlandja Lookout

Nawurlandja Lookout offers another spectacular way to experience Kakadu at the end of the day.

The lookout provides expansive views across the surrounding escarpments and floodplains. Compared with the more famous Ubirr sunset, Nawurlandja can provide a different perspective and is a useful alternative when planning your itinerary.

Bring water, sun protection and a camera, and allow enough time to enjoy the landscape rather than rushing back to your vehicle.

Nawalandja Lookout

7. Experience Aboriginal Culture

One of the most meaningful things to do in Kakadu is to learn directly about the Traditional Owners and the cultural significance of the landscape.

Kakadu has been home to the Bininj/Mungguy people for more than 60,000 years, and the park contains thousands of documented Aboriginal art sites.

Visitors can learn more through cultural tours, ranger programs, interpretation at major sites, and facilities such as the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

A locally guided experience can add valuable context to what you see, particularly when visiting rock art sites or culturally significant areas.

8. Visit Bowali Visitor Centre

Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru is a useful first stop when you visit Kakadu National Park.

Rather than immediately heading to the most famous attraction, consider stopping here to understand the park's geography, cultural history and current visitor conditions.

Staff can also help you plan an itinerary based on the time you have available and the sites that are currently accessible.

This is particularly important in Kakadu because access can change according to weather, seasonal conditions, roadworks and safety requirements.

9. Look for Crocodiles and Wildlife

Kakadu is one of Australia's great wildlife destinations.

Saltwater crocodiles are among the park's most famous inhabitants, particularly around its rivers and wetlands. Bird watchers can also encounter an extraordinary range of species across floodplains, billabongs and woodland.

The East Alligator River is another important wildlife environment, and guided cruises can provide opportunities to observe crocodiles and other animals safely.

Never approach wildlife or enter waterways unless an area is specifically designated as safe for swimming. Kakadu's tropical waterways can contain dangerous wildlife, including crocodiles.

A nature pool in Maguk

10. Take a Scenic Flight

Kakadu's enormous size can be difficult to appreciate from ground level.

A scenic flight provides a completely different perspective, allowing you to see wetlands, floodplains, escarpments and rivers as one interconnected landscape.

Flights can be particularly spectacular during the wet season, when water spreads across the floodplains and waterfalls become more powerful.

Northern Territory tourism lists scenic flights from airstrips including Jabiru and Cooinda as one of the ways to experience Kakadu from above.

Best Time to Visit Kakadu

There is no single perfect season for everyone.

Dry season: May to October

The dry season is generally the easiest period for travelers who want to explore by road and on foot. Many roads and walking trails have better access, rainfall is lower, and daytime conditions are generally more comfortable for outdoor activities.

It is also a popular time to travel, so accommodation and tours can be in higher demand.

Wet season: November to April

The wet season transforms Kakadu.

Heavy tropical rainfall can create dramatic waterfalls, greener vegetation and expansive wetlands. There are also fewer visitors in many areas.

However, access can be more restricted, and some roads, walks and attractions may close due to flooding or changing conditions.

For this reason, the best time depends on whether you prioritize easier access or dramatic wet-season scenery. Northern Territory tourism notes that Kakadu can be experienced throughout the year, with different seasonal advantages.

Travelers should visit to Kakadu in the dry season

How Many Days Do You Need in Kakadu?

Although it is possible to see a few highlights on a day trip from Darwin, Kakadu is large enough to justify a longer stay.

Parks Australia recommends at least three to five days to appreciate the park properly.

A three-day itinerary could look like this:

Day 1: Drive from Darwin, visit Bowali Visitor Centre, explore Burrungkuy and watch the sunset from Nawurlandja.

Day 2: Take a Yellow Water cruise, explore nearby wetlands and cultural attractions, then spend the afternoon on another walking trail.

Day 3: Visit Ubirr, explore the East Alligator region where accessible, and finish with a scenic flight or additional cultural experience.

For a longer stay, add more walks, wildlife experiences, fishing, scenic flights and guided cultural tours.

Conclusion

The best things to do in Kakadu are not limited to one waterfall, lookout or rock art site. The real attraction is the combination of ancient culture, dramatic landscapes and wildlife that changes with the seasons.

From watching the sunset at Ubirr and exploring Burrungkuy to cruising Yellow Water and searching the wetlands for crocodiles and birds, there are plenty of reasons to spend several days in the park.

If you plan to visit Kakadu National Park in 2026, remember that access conditions are particularly important to check. The Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls area is closed for the entire year while infrastructure works are underway, but many of Kakadu's major cultural and natural attractions remain open.

International travelers should also make sure they understand Australia's visa and entry requirements before finalizing their itinerary. Australia Visa Services, a Travel Visa Agency, can assist travelers who need support with the Australian visa process and travel preparation.