Kakadu & Nitmiluk National Parks

When visiting the Top End in the Northern Territory, Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks are must-visit destinations. We were visiting Australia’s largest national park this July.

July is a wonderful time to visit since it’s the dry season; however, visits are possible year-round. There are day tours available from Darwin, but the best way to experience it is by self-driving.

Day 1, Darwin to Kakadu

Our trip to the UNESCO heritage site, Kakadu, began in Darwin, which is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away.

Our first stop was at the Bowali Visitor Centre, which is a great place to start. The centre has information about the national park, walks and current road conditions. It is important to check these before you go to the bush, as some roads require 4WD, and  roads might be closed due to weather and rainfall. Remember to ask for a map of the area.

In the afternoon we had time to visit Ubirr, where you can do a short, 1km walk to see some of the Aboriginal Rock Art. There are some informative talks during the dry season by the park ranger, and you can find times from the Bowali Visitor Centre.

We stayed in Jabiru, the main town in Kakadu, which has a supermarket and petrol station. Another great option is Cooinda Lodge, offering a unique glamping experience.

Day 2, Yellow Water and bush walks

We started our day early, waking up at 4am to join a sunrise cruise at Yellow Water. It was certainly worth the early wake-up, as the cruise was the trip’s highlight!

The cruise departs from Cooinda Lodge, about a 50-minute drive from Jabiru. Staying at the Lodge allows for a bit more sleep. The sunrise cruise began at 6:45am and lasts for two hours (note that departure times vary depending on the season).

The two hours passed extremely quickly! Watching the sunrise over the wetlands and rivers, with abundant wildlife including many crocodiles, was unforgettable. Our guide was very informative, sharing numerous facts about the area,  its wildlife and stories of the indigenous people of the area.

Kakadu is a habitat for Australian Saltwater Crocodiles, which are very dangerous. Seeing them from the boat is safe, but you should never enter the water.

After the tour, we enjoyed a breakfast at the Lodge before our next stop for the day.

Just a short drive or walk from the lodge is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which is worth visiting. The museum shares the story of Aboriginal culture in Kakadu, and you can also explore the art gallery. Additionally, weaving workshops are available, and we can add these to your itinerary.

In the afternoon, we drove to another Rock Art site, Burrungkuy, where you can do a short 1.5 km walk and visit some of the ancient Aboriginal shelters and rock art sites.

Park Rangers also provide informative talks here and you can find times from the Bowali Visitor Centre.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing by the pool before dinner at the resort. Evening activities are also available, including the sunset yellow water cruise, which can be enjoyed from sunrise to sunset or during the day. This means you can skip the sunrise cruise if you prefer to sleep longer.

Day 3, Kakadu to Katherine

Our Kakadu trip came to an end, and we continued our drive to Katherine.

Just before you enter Katherine town, we visited Leliyn (Edith Falls), located in the northern part of the Nitmiluk National Park. From the car park, you can take a short walk to the natural plunge pools and to the beautiful waterfalls.

The swimming areas are marked, and please stay in the safe areas and follow the signage from the Park Rangers. The Rangers keep the Crocodiles away from the swimming holes, but they could be present sometimes.

In the afternoon, we drove to Katherine, where we stayed overnight. Nitmiluk National Park also provides excellent lodging options at Cicada Lodge.

If you’re in Katherine town, make sure to visit the Katherine Hot Springs, situated just off the Katherine River a short distance from the town centre. These natural hot springs are free to access; just don’t forget to bring your swimwear and towel.

For dinner, we went to Katherine Club, which has a different theme each night. We enjoyed the steak night, and their crocodile bites were also very tasty.

Day 4, Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge)

The following day, we travelled to the southern area of Nitmiluk National Park and explored Katherine Gorge, which is only a half-hour drive from Katherine.

The first stop was the Visitor Centre, where we met the park ranger to learn about potential closures within the National Park. After the wet season, flooding can occur in the gorge, often leading to some areas remaining closed for an extended period due to flood damage.

From the Visitor Centre, we joined in a 1.5-hour cruise through the gorge. Part of the cruise was also visiting some ancient rock art sites and learning more about the history of the area.

After the cruise, I hiked to the Baruwei Lookout for a panoramic view of the national park and gorge from above. The walk is short, 1.8 km round trip, but be prepared for many stairs. Rest areas along the way provide opportunities to pause. Don’t forget to bring water!

Unlike Kakadu, Nitmiluk Gorge features freshwater, and we saw many freshwater crocodiles there. “Freshies” (as the locals call them) are smaller than “Salties” and generally less dangerous to people. I wouldn’t swim with them, but kayaking is an option here. Just confirm with the Park Rangers before you hire one.

Around the Parks

Both National Parks offer many attractions, but some sites are very remote and may require a 4WD to access. If you have only a couple of days, it’s wise to plan your itinerary carefully, as distances can be long.

We also offer guided day tours in 4WD vehicles, which you can join with a small group. Alternatively, a scenic flight provides a quick way to see the park from above.

For those interested in fishing, we can organise a guided fishing tour. Just be cautious of the crocodiles – they are large and dangerous.

During the wet season, flooding often occurs, causing some roads and walking tracks to wash away. In the dry season, bushfires are frequent, and you may notice areas that have recently burned. Occasionally, fires are deliberate and are part of the natural Australian landscape.

Tip: To visit National Parks, you need to have a National Park Pass. There are different passes available for different national parks, and you must have a valid pass when you enter. These can be bought easily online before you travel. Please ask for more details when we book your trip.