Highlights of Kakadu National Park

There is no national park in Australia quite like Kakadu. It’s the largest national park in the country and is dual World Heritage-listed for both its cultural and environmental impact. There are so many things waiting to be discovered inside the park, such as endless thundering waterfalls, beautiful hikes, dense forests, and so much more. If you are thinking about visiting, you might be wondering what the highlights of this beautiful national park are. Well, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! This blog will be all about the highlights of Kakadu National Park - so buckle in and get ready for a trip of a lifetime.

Climb Boulders and Swim at Jim Jim Falls

Jim Jim Falls is simply spectacular. Accessible by 4WD in the dry season, this section of Kakadu National Park will have your jaw constantly dropping as you marvel at the nature around you. However, be prepared that you won’t see the best bits of the falls by just the drive alone. There’s a pretty tricky (but very fun) boulder hike to get through first. Instead of a tough uphill walk, you’ll  be trying out your climbing and balancing skills as you tackle these large boulders that are submerged in water for six months of the year. Once you’ve completed the hike, you can marvel at the spectacular waterfalls, the plunge pool, and the mirror effect of the eerily calm water. It’s magical. 

Cruise Through Yellow Water

Yellow Water Billabong is the most famous billabong in Kakadu. Head here to go on a boat cruise over the calm floodwaters. Make sure to keep a lookout for the famous nature in Kakadu, from the jabiru, magpie geese, egrets, sea eagles, and of course, the famous crocodiles that are submerged below the water’s surface. Kakadu is home to both freshwater crocodiles and the enormous saltwater crocodiles. An impressive (albeit scary!) sight to see here in Kakadu National Park. 

Go For A Swim at Maguk

A hidden gem at Kakadu National Park is the natural plunge pool of Maguk. This is potentially less explored due to the pool being accessible only by 4WD, but it’s incredibly beautiful and totally worth the journey if you do have access to a car. You can swim at Maguk either at the bottom of the falls or, after a short but steep climb, at the top of its waterfall, where you’ll find even more pools. 

Admire the Art at Ubirr

This is easily one of the most popular spots in Kakadu. It’s an Aboriginal rock art gallery: a kilometre long wall of rock art that tells stories through the pictures. You’ll walk through the Main Gallery, the Namarrgarn Sisters gallery, and the Rainbow Serpent gallery while here. The art dates back to 15,000 years ago, and you’ll admire the ancient folklore tales told through the drawings. Some of the art is only 150 years old: the artwork tells Dreamtime folklore, animal paintings, and even contact art, which shows the local impressions of contact with the white explorers that came to the land. Once you’ve finished admiring the artwork, climb up to the Nardab lookout for a beautiful sunset! 

Find More Art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)

This is the second of Kakadu’s famous Aboriginal art sites. The area of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) gives a fantastic insight into local Aboriginal culture, and it’s very well-preserved, so make sure to dedicate some time to explore. The rock art is spread over a 1.5-kilometre circular walk which you’ll need between 90 and 120 minutes to explore thoroughly. Here you’ll also find the Anbangbang Shelter, which was used by the locals who needed shelter from the weather for over 20,000 years. While they were sheltering here they decorated the walls with their stories!

Kakadu truly is a magical experience. This national park is definitely one that everyone should visit while visiting Australia: it’s unlike any other park in the country and one that’s simply full of natural beauty. Plus, it gives an incredible insight into the local Aboriginal history, so make sure to take some time and explore the art, history, and culture that the park holds here. Any visit to Kakadu will be one that you remember for a lifetime, so embrace all that it has to offer, and have a wonderful time!

To experience Kakadu National Park, hire a car from Darwin Airport today!