Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park: Adventure Travel in Australia

Australia offers some of the most spectacular and remote holiday destinations in the world. So if you’re looking to get off the beaten track and have the outback adventure of a lifetime, say g’day to Kakadu, a world heritage listed national park tucked away in the secluded top end of Australia’s Northern Territory.

The word ‘Kakadu’ comes from the local aboriginal word ‘Gagudju.’ For thousands of years, this stunning location has been one of the most important indigenous sites in Australia. Located 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Darwin, the Kakadu National Park is home to sweeping steppes, spectacular gorges, pristine wetlands and seasonal waterfalls. Stretching over 19 000 square kilometres (roughly the size of Israel), the diverse habitats of Kakadu support an astonishing variety of Australian wildlife, from kangaroos and wallabies to fruit bats, bandicoots and crocodiles.

Aboriginal occupation of the area dates back over 20 000 years, and evidence of this fascinating history can be seen at many sites throughout Kakadu. Among the rocky crevices and gigantic boulders at Ubirr and Nourlangie, visitors can find ancient rock paintings depicting natural and cultural history. At many sites, paintings have been layered on top of each other for thousands of years, and visitors are able to see the development of different styles and techniques over time. Local Aboriginal guides offer tours of many art sites throughout Kakadu and will share stories of animals, bush food, traditional medicine and artefacts.

Kakadu National Park is open all year, and visitors can explore this spectacular site by car on their own self-guided tour or on one of the many commercially organised tours in the area. The Bowali Visitor Centre, located at Jabaru (about an hours drive inside the park), can provide visitors with specific information on tours, local guides, places to visit, accommodation and information on seasonal changes in the area. (http://www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/Bowali_Visitors_Center.htm)

Temperatures in Kakadu range between 32°C and 37°C (89.6°F and 98.6°F). The park is located in a monsoonal climate that is often divided into ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons. The dry season (April/May to September) is characterised by cooler temperatures, relatively low humidity and scarce rain and is the perfect time to enjoy bushwalks, camping and hiking beneath clear blue skies and enormous golden sunsets.

The wet season (January to March/April) is characterised by warmer temperatures and heavy rain. Occasionally tropical cyclones pass through the area, and visitors (especially campers) should take extra care throughout this season. The build-up to the rainy season (October to December) offers some of the most spectacular storm-watching opportunities in the world. During this time, high temperatures and high humidity cause a build-up of pressure that erupts in spectacular evening thunderstorms. In fact, this part of Australia has more lightening strikes than any other place on Earth. Watching a thunderstorm roll in over the valleys and gorges of Kakadu National Park has to be one of the most breathtaking experiences, but most visitors prefer to take in the grand view from the safety of a private balcony.

At Maguk and TwinFalls, visitors can find relief from the heat beneath spectacular roaring waterfalls or in pristine freshwater pools speckled with lotus flowers. Those who want to get closer to the incredible fish, reptiles and birds of the area can take an organised wildlife cruise on the Mamukala Wetlands or Anbangbang Billabong, which can be arranged through one of the travel agencies in the area. (For agency details, see http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/).

Kakadu is located in one of the most isolated and remote parts of Australia. A number of small towns and stations in the area offer food, fuel and accommodation, and at the centre of the park, the township of Jabaru offers a supermarket and travel agency. Also in Jabaru, the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn offers unique accommodation in a crocodile-shaped complex with air-conditioned rooms that serve as a good base to explore the surrounding park. About an hour drive west of Jabaru, the Aurora Kakadu Resort near the South Alligator River offers three-star holiday units with air-conditioning and private balconies.

If it’s camping you want, then you’re definitely in the right place – Kakadu offers many impressive sites for those who want to get back to nature. Some sites like the Merl Campground offer limited facilities for a small fee (AUD$10 per night) while others like Bucket Billabong and Giyamungkurr are free. There is no booking system for campsites, so get there early to nab the best spot. Be aware that some campgrounds do not provide toilets or drinking water, so you should always be well-equipped with your own emergency supplies.

Around 500 Aboriginal people currently live in the Kakadu National Park, and many are the traditional owners of the area. These locals usually live at one of the 18 outstations dotted throughout Kakadu. Traditionally, indigenous people travelled through the area from camp to camp, moving on as the seasons changed and fish and plants became abundant in different areas. These days, the local people of Kakadu use vehicles to make their way to nearby towns, visit other stations, attend ceremonies or move about on hunting trips.

Kakadu National Park is one of only four Australian sites included on the World Heritage list for cultural and natural values. Almost a quarter of Australia’s mammal species can be found in Kakadu National Park, and the area is one of Australia’s oldest and most important aboriginal heritage sites. Over 5000 art sites exist throughout the area, with more discovered every year. With its unique combination of fascinating history and magnificent natural beauty, no trip to Australia is complete without a glimpse at this remote and spectacular national park.

Getting There:

Kakadu National Park is 250 kms (155 miles) east of Darwin on the Arnhem Highway.

The best way to get to Kakadu from Darwin is by coach or hire car. Detailed transport information can be found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/index.html

For more information on Kakadu, download the fantastic free guide here:

About the Author

Adele Smith is a writer from Australia. She enjoys travel and loves living in different places around the world. In her free time, she enjoys camping and touring remote parts of Australia with her friends and family.