World Heritage wilderness, ancient rock art, and unforgettable wildlife encounters
View Our ToursExperience Australia's largest and most spectacular national park with Cooee Tours. Kakadu National Park covers 20,000 square kilometers of World Heritage wilderness, home to ancient Aboriginal rock art, abundant wildlife, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine wetlands. Our expert-guided tours provide immersive experiences led by knowledgeable guides who bring this remarkable landscape and its 65,000-year-old living culture to life.
Local guides with deep knowledge of Kakadu's ecology, wildlife, and Aboriginal culture
Aboriginal-guided experiences sharing 65,000 years of living culture and Dreamtime stories
Yellow Water wetland cruises for exceptional crocodile and bird viewing
4WD access to Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, and other spectacular remote locations
The Essential Kakadu Experience
Comprehensive Kakadu Exploration
Highlights in One Day from Darwin
Complete Top End Wilderness
Remote Access & Camping Experience
Tailored to Your Interests
Kakadu National Park is a place of superlatives—Australia's largest national park, home to one-third of the continent's bird species, and containing rock art galleries that span over 20,000 years of continuous human occupation. Our tours are designed to showcase Kakadu's incredible diversity while providing insights that independent travelers often miss.
Your Kakadu adventure begins with the landscape itself. The park encompasses four distinct landforms: the stone country (including the Arnhem Land escarpment), the lowlands, the floodplains, and the tidal flats. This diversity creates habitats for an extraordinary array of wildlife. During the dry season, our Yellow Water cruises reveal saltwater crocodiles up to 5 meters long, jabiru storks, magpie geese, and countless other waterbirds concentrated around shrinking water sources.
The Aboriginal heritage is what truly sets Kakadu apart. This land has been continuously occupied for at least 65,000 years, making it one of the longest continuous cultural sites on Earth. The rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie isn't just ancient painting—it's a living cultural record showing the evolution of Aboriginal culture, from ice age megafauna to European sailing ships. Our Aboriginal guides share not just the history but the living connection that traditional owners maintain with this country today.
7:00 AM: Depart Darwin heading east into Arnhem Highway
9:00 AM: Adelaide River - jumping crocodile cruise watching massive saltwater crocs launch from the water
11:30 AM: Window on the Wetlands lookout for panoramic views across Mary River floodplains
1:00 PM: Arrive Kakadu, lunch at Bowali Visitor Centre, orientation to the park
2:30 PM: Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to understand local Bininj/Mungguy culture
4:00 PM: Ubirr rock art galleries—explore ancient paintings with guide interpretation
5:30 PM: Climb to Ubirr lookout for sunset over Nadab floodplain (one of Australia's most spectacular sunset views)
7:00 PM: Check-in accommodation, dinner, evening at leisure
5:30 AM: Early start for Yellow Water sunrise cruise (optional)
7:30 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Nourlangie Rock—explore extensive rock art galleries and learn about Aboriginal seasonal calendar
11:30 AM: Gunlom Falls (seasonal access)—swim in infinity pool with panoramic views
2:00 PM: Lunch
3:00 PM: Begin return journey to Darwin
6:30 PM: Arrive Darwin
One of Kakadu's most accessible and impressive rock art sites. The main gallery features x-ray style paintings of fish, turtles, wallabies, and the Rainbow Serpent creation being. The climb to the lookout (250 meters, moderate) rewards with 360-degree views over the Nadab floodplain—spectacular at sunset.
Best Time: Late afternoon for art viewing and sunset
Accessibility: Moderate walking, some steep sections
Kakadu's premier wildlife
Kakadu's premier wildlife viewing location, particularly during the dry season when animals concentrate around permanent water. The 1.5-2 hour cruise passes massive saltwater crocodiles, jabiru, sea eagles, and hundreds of other bird species. Sunrise and sunset cruises offer the best light and most active wildlife.
Best Time: Sunrise or sunset cruise, dry season (May-Oct)
Accessibility: Fully accessible cruise boats
Another spectacular rock art site featuring paintings that span thousands of years. The main gallery showcases the famous painting of Namarrgon (Lightning Man) along with hunting scenes and x-ray art. The 1.5km circular walk includes interpretive signs explaining seasonal food sources and Aboriginal culture.
Best Time: Morning for best light on rock art
Accessibility: Easy walking, sealed pathway
One of Kakadu's most spectacular waterfalls, dropping 200 meters over the escarpment into a pristine plunge pool. Accessible only during dry season via 4WD and involves a 1km boulder walk. The effort is rewarded with one of Australia's most dramatic natural settings—sheer cliffs enclosing the pool.
Best Time: May-July for maximum flow
Accessibility: 4WD essential, moderate-difficult walk
A sister waterfall to Jim Jim, featuring a permanent waterfall cascading into a gorge lined with lush monsoon forest. Access involves 4WD, boat transfer across a creek, and boardwalk walk. The setting is magical—a narrow gorge with crystal-clear water and towering sandstone walls.
Best Time: May-August
Accessibility: 4WD, boat transfer, moderate walking
Features a stunning infinity pool at the top of the falls with panoramic views across Kakadu. The main pool at the base is excellent for swimming, while the top pool (steep 30-min climb) offers one of Australia's most spectacular swimming spots. Featured in the Crocodile Dundee film.
Best Time: May-October (access varies)
Accessibility: 2WD to base pool, steep climb to top
A hidden gem requiring 4WD access and 1km walk through monsoon forest. The reward is a pristine gorge pool fed by a seasonal waterfall, surrounded by paperbark trees. This is one of Kakadu's most beautiful swimming spots with far fewer visitors than the famous falls.
Best Time: May-September
Accessibility: 4WD required, moderate 1km walk
What makes Kakadu truly unique is the living Aboriginal culture maintained by the Bininj/Mungguy people, the traditional owners. Kakadu is jointly managed between Parks Australia and traditional owners, with many rangers and tour guides being Aboriginal people maintaining deep connections to country.
Our tours include cultural experiences that go beyond simply viewing rock art. Aboriginal guides share Dreamtime stories that explain the creation of the landscape, teach about traditional food sources (bush tucker), and demonstrate how their ancestors used tools and weapons. You'll learn about the six seasons that Bininj people recognize—far more nuanced than the simple "wet" and "dry" categorization—and how each season brought different resources and activities.
The rock art galleries are living cultural sites, not museums. Many paintings are regularly repainted by traditional owners as part of maintaining cultural practice. Some sites remain restricted to initiated Aboriginal men or are entirely closed to visitors out of respect for sacred significance. This living culture makes Kakadu different from archaeological sites elsewhere—the culture hasn't been lost to time; it continues today.
"Our guide's explanation of the rock art and Dreamtime stories brought the landscape to life in ways we never expected. This wasn't just seeing ancient paintings—it was understanding a living culture that has thrived here for 65,000 years. The Yellow Water cruise at sunrise with hundreds of birds and several massive crocodiles was the highlight of our entire Australian trip."
Kakadu's biodiversity is staggering. The park protects over 2,000 plant species, 280 bird species, 117 reptile species, 77 freshwater fish species, 60 mammal species, and countless invertebrates. This diversity results from the variety of habitats—from tidal mangroves to sandstone escarpments, from billabongs to monsoon rainforest.
The apex predator of Kakadu's wetlands. Yellow Water and other billabongs host numerous "salties," some exceeding 5 meters in length. Our cruise guides know individual crocodiles by name and can explain their behavior, territorial boundaries, and hunting strategies. Always stay behind barriers and never approach the water's edge.
Kakadu is a birdwatcher's paradise. Jabiru (black-necked stork), brolgas, magpie geese, sea eagles, kingfishers, egrets, herons, and countless others congregate in massive numbers during the dry season. The dawn chorus is extraordinary, and the sight of thousands of magpie geese taking flight is unforgettable.
Introduced in the 1800s, water buffalo are now feral throughout the Top End. Large herds inhabit Kakadu's floodplains. While generally docile from a distance, they're unpredictable and potentially dangerous up close. They've significantly impacted native ecosystems, and management programs work to control populations.
Several wallaby species inhabit Kakadu, including agile wallabies commonly seen around camping areas. The antilopine wallaroo, Australia's second-largest macropod, inhabits the stone country. Early morning and late afternoon are best for spotting them grazing near roadsides.
Kakadu transforms dramatically between seasons, offering different experiences depending on when you visit. Understanding these seasonal changes helps you choose the ideal time for your interests.
Weather: 20-32°C, clear skies, low humidity, virtually no rain
Advantages: All roads and attractions accessible, exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water, comfortable temperatures for hiking, reliable weather for planning, all tours operating, waterfalls flowing early season (May-July).
Disadvantages: Peak tourist season means crowds and higher prices, waterfalls reduce late season (Sept-Oct), landscape becomes dry and brown, must book months ahead.
Best Months: May-June for flowing waterfalls and green landscapes with fewer crowds. July-August for guaranteed perfect weather and peak wildlife. September for ultimate wildlife concentration but reduced waterfalls.
What to See: All rock art sites, Yellow Water cruise at its best, Jim Jim Falls (May-July), Twin Falls (May-Aug), Gunlom Falls, Maguk, all sealed road attractions.
Weather: 25-35°C, high humidity (80%+), daily thunderstorms, 1,200-1,500mm rain
Advantages: Waterfalls at full power and spectacular, lush green landscapes incredibly photogenic, dramatic storm photography, very few tourists, significantly lower prices (30-50% discounts), authentic tropical experience.
Disadvantages: Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls closed, many 4WD tracks inaccessible, oppressive humidity, some roads close after heavy rain, fewer tour options, wildlife dispersed and harder to spot.
Best Months: December-February for peak wet season experience and lowest prices. April for late wet with improving weather but waterfalls still flowing.
What to See: Sealed road rock art sites (Ubirr, Nourlangie), Yellow Water cruise (still operating), spectacular waterfalls from lookouts, lightning storms, incredibly green landscapes. Focus on culture and photography rather than remote access.
Weather: 27-36°C, rapidly increasing humidity, building afternoon storms
Character: Called "the build-up" locally—the tension before the wet season breaks. Humidity becomes oppressive, afternoon storm cells develop but often produce more lightning than rain. The landscape is at its driest.
Advantages: Fewer tourists than peak dry, prices beginning to drop, dramatic pre-storm photography, all attractions still accessible early November, building anticipation adds atmosphere.
Disadvantages: Uncomfortable heat and humidity, waterfalls mostly dry, landscape brown and parched, some 4WD tracks begin closing late November.
Best For: Budget travelers, storm photography enthusiasts, those wanting to experience the unique build-up atmosphere, visitors comfortable with heat.
The dry season (May-October) is best for most visitors, offering comfortable weather, all attractions accessible, and excellent wildlife viewing. Within the dry season, May-June offers the best waterfalls and fewer crowds, while July-August guarantees perfect weather but with peak tourist numbers and prices. September maximizes wildlife concentration but waterfalls are reduced.
The wet season (November-April) suits adventurous travelers and photographers who want dramatic storms, flowing waterfalls, and lush landscapes, and can accept limited accessibility and challenging conditions. See our Dry vs Wet Season comparison for detailed information.
Independent travel in Kakadu is possible—main attractions like Ubirr, Nourlangie, and the Yellow Water cruise are accessible via sealed roads in a 2WD rental car. However, guided tours offer significant advantages:
For first-time visitors, we strongly recommend guided tours to fully appreciate Kakadu's cultural and natural significance. The insights provided by knowledgeable guides transform the experience from sightseeing to deep understanding.
Minimum 2 days to see the main highlights—Ubirr, Nourlangie, and Yellow Water cruise. This covers the essential experiences but feels rushed.
Ideal 3-4 days allows comprehensive exploration including remote waterfalls (dry season), multiple rock art sites, several wildlife viewing opportunities, and time to absorb the landscape without rushing.
5+ days for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, or those wanting deep immersion. This allows multiple sunrise/sunset experiences, repeat visits to favorite locations, and exploration of lesser-known areas.
Day trips from Darwin are possible but involve 6+ hours of driving for limited time in the park—worthwhile only if you absolutely cannot stay overnight.
Swimming safety in Kakadu requires careful attention. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit ALL waterways connected to the tidal system. Never swim in rivers, billabongs, or tidal areas. Crocodiles are ambush predators and attacks, while rare, are always fatal.
Safe Swimming Locations:
Even in designated safe areas, always check current advice with rangers. Swimming areas can become unsafe after crocodile sightings. Never swim alone, at dawn/dusk, or in murky water. If in doubt, don't swim.
Kakadu requires a park pass: $40 per adult for 7 days (children under 16 free). This is included in all our tour prices. The pass covers:
Not included in park pass: Yellow Water cruise (~$105-$130), accommodation, guided tours, or Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise.
Passes can be purchased online before arrival or at entry stations. Our tours include the pass in your package price.
Yes! Kakadu hosts Australia's highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. The Yellow Water cruise almost guarantees multiple crocodile sightings—it's rare not to see at least 5-10 crocs ranging from 1-5 meters long. Our experienced guides know individual crocodiles and their favorite basking spots.
Dry season (May-October) offers the best viewing as crocs concentrate around permanent water. During wet season, they disperse across flooded landscapes and are harder to spot from cruises.
You might also spot freshwater crocodiles at some swimming holes—these are smaller (usually under 2 meters), have narrower snouts, and are not dangerous to humans (though don't harass them).
Safety reminder: Observe from boats or designated viewing areas only. Never approach the water's edge in crocodile habitat.
Kakadu offers accommodation ranging from bush camping to comfortable lodges:
Jabiru (main town): Hotels, motels, and caravan parks with good facilities. Central location for exploring the park.
Cooinda (Yellow Water area): Cooinda Lodge offers hotel rooms, budget cabins, and camping. Right at Yellow Water Billabong—walk to sunrise cruises.
Camping: Several campgrounds throughout the park, from basic bush camps to facilities with showers. Popular sites include Mardugal (near Ubirr) and Gunlom campground.
Aurora Kakadu: Higher-end resort accommodation in Jabiru with pool and restaurant.
Our tours include accommodation appropriate to the tour style—comfortable lodges for standard tours, bush camping for adventure tours. All are pre-booked as part of your package.
No—main highlights are accessible via sealed roads suitable for 2WD vehicles:
2WD Accessible: Ubirr, Nourlangie, Yellow Water, Bowali Visitor Centre, Warradjan Cultural Centre, Gunlom Falls (base pool), main camping areas.
4WD Required: Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), Motor Car Falls, Gunlom Falls top pool, many remote rock art sites.
The most spectacular waterfalls require 4WD, which is why our adventure tours use 4WD vehicles to access these incredible locations. If renting independently, check if your rental agreement permits 4WD tracks—many don't, and you'll be liable for damage.
Absolutely! Kakadu offers wonderful family experiences. Children are fascinated by:
Family Considerations: The driving distances can test young children's patience. Broken days with swimming and activities work better than long car trips. Yellow Water cruise is perfect for all ages. Rock art sites engage kids when guides tell the stories. Heat can be challenging—plan activities for early morning and late afternoon.
We offer family-friendly tour options with appropriate pacing and activities. Let us know children's ages when booking so we can ensure suitability.
Not sure which Kakadu tour is right for you? Check out our comparison guides:
"We did the 3-day Kakadu Adventure tour and it exceeded every expectation. Our guide's knowledge was encyclopedic—explaining everything from rock art dating techniques to crocodile behavior to traditional food sources. Jim Jim Falls was worth the rough drive, and the Yellow Water cruise at sunset with thousands of birds was magical. This is a must-do Australian experience."
Quarter century of guiding tours through Kakadu's wilderness
Recognized for excellence in Aboriginal cultural tourism
Guides with deep knowledge and genuine passion for Kakadu
Committed to protecting Kakadu for future generations
Maximum 20 guests for personalized attention
Competitive pricing with no compromise on quality