Suggested dry season itineraries
Adventure
Day one (East Alligator region)
Drive from Darwin (Less than three hours)
Bowali Visitor Centre - Grab a cold drink at Bowali and pick up some tips from our staff. Collect brochures for the walks you're planning to tackle.
Bardedjilidji Walk - Head north to the Bardedjilidji Walk in the East Alligator region. At 2.5 km, it's one of Kakadu's most interesting short walks. It meanders amongst sandstone outliers, through monsoon vine forest and paperbark woodland and past wetland areas.
Manngarre Walk - If you have extra time, explore the Manngarre Rainforest Walk - 1.5 km through monsoon rainforest along the East Alligator River.
Ubirr for sunset - Watch the sun go down from the lookout at Ubirr, with 360 degree views across the floodplain and fascinating rock art.
Overnight - You can camp at the nearby Merl Campground (hot showers and toilets available), or return to Jabiru for the night. For dinner, try the Thai food that's a specialty of the Border Store - a great place to dine in or take away after sunset.
Day two (Nourlangie and Yellow Water regions)
Barrk Sandstone Bushwalk - This difficult 12 km walk is in the nearby Nourlangie region. Start the walk in the cool early morning. It should take four to six hours, so pack a picnic and plenty of water. Trek through the sandstone country of Nourlangie, past the Nanguluwurr rock art gallery and back to the Nourlangie car park.
Stop into Cooinda in Yellow Water region for a cool drink and a swim. There's a pool at the resort, to help you wash away the dust of the day.
Yellow Water Wetland - Watch the sun set over the wetlands on a Yellow Water boat cruise. See Kakadu's birdlife at its best on this unforgettable tour.
Overnight - Try the nearby Mardugal campground (hot showers and toilets available) or stay at the resort at Cooinda.
Day three (Jim Jim and Twin Falls region)
Early drive to Jim Jim Falls (an hour and a half from Cooinda). Set off early in the morning for this full day of adventures. The road gets rough towards the end - you'll need your own 4WD or you can join a guided adventure tour.
At Jim Jim, you'll find a 2 km return hike through monsoon forest and over boulders. It ends at Jim Jim Falls, a deep plunge pool surrounded by spectacular 150 m high cliffs. During the dry season the waterfall stops flowing, leaving a mirror-like pool below. Allow an hour or two.
Twin Falls - Continue half an hour down the road to Twin Falls. For an easy adventure, board the shuttle boat to get to the walking track, then clamber over boulders and sand to the boardwalk. Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy the serenity on the beach. Allow two hours.
Hike to the plateau - If have time and you're up for a challenge, the climb to the top of Twin Falls is unforgettable. It will take you four to six hours, and you will need sturdy footwear, sun protection and plenty of water. You're rewarded at the top with amazing views and pools along Twin Falls Creek above the falls.
Overnight - You can stay at the nearby Garnamarr campground (toilets and hot showers available) or drive back to Cooinda for the night.
Kakadu with kids
Day one (South Alligator and Jabiru regions)
Drive from Darwin (Less than three hours)
Mamukala Wetlands - Stop at Mamukala to give the kids a run around and an introduction to Kakadu's amazing wildlife. Explore the bird hide and help the kids point out one of the 280 species of birds calling Kakadu home. There is a fantastic mural to help them spot the birds, showing Kakadu's dramatic seasonal changes.
Drive on to Jabiru and check in at your accommodation (there are various caravan park, camping and hotel options).
Jabiru to Bowali track - Stretch out your legs on the short bushwalk from Jabiru to Bowali Visitor Centre (20 mins).
Bowali Visitor Centre - At Bowali, sit back with a cool drink at the cafe and watch partridge pigeons wander the surrounding lawns. The kids can explore the visitor centre displays, including a giant crocodile skeleton, nocturnal animal display, fishing game and even a library with books the kids can enjoy while mum and dad enjoy the air conditioning! Ask our Bowali staff for a kids activity pack.
Swim at Jabiru - Time for a swim! Wander back along the track to Jabiru, and go for a dip at your hotel or at the public swimming pool in town.
Day two (Yellow Water and Nourlangie regions)
Warradjan Cultural Centre - Head south to the Warradjan Cultural Centre near Yellow Water - it's air-conditioned and has interesting displays for the kids.
Cooinda for lunch - the eatery at the resort is a great place to take the kids, with tasty food and a playground.
Nourlangie - Burn off some energy with a walk around Nourlangie Rock. It's a short drive from Cooinda and has some amazing views, shady walking paths and fascinating rock art galleries (the kids will love the story of Namarrgon, the Lightning Man).
Overnight - Enjoy an overnight break at the resort in Cooinda, with family rooms, a swimming pool and bistro, and even a playground for the kids.
Day three (Yellow Water and Mary River regions)
Yellow Water Wetlands - Time to see some crocodiles! Drive to Yellow Water for a morning boat cruise and get up close to Kakadu's wildlife.
Maguk - Head south to Maguk (you will need a 4WD for this hidden gem). Enjoy the 2 km return walk through monsoon forest and along a sandy and rocky creek. It leads to a small waterfall and clear plunge pool. Allow one to two hours.
Overnight - You can pitch a tent at Maguk (composting toilets only, no water available), or book a room at the Goymarr Tourist Park further south on the main road.
Discover Kakadu
Day one (South Alligator and Jabiru regions)
Drive from Darwin (Less than three hours)
Mamukala Wetlands - Immerse yourself in the incredible birdlife at Mamukala. Explore the bird hide and spot some of the 280 species of birds that call Kakadu home.
Take a break at the Aurora Kakadu Resort (South Alligator region) for a cold drink and a swim (the resort pool is available to the public for a fee).
Gungarre Walk - This 3.6 km circular walk starts at the large banyan fig tree near the Aurora Kakadu Resort. It takes you through monsoon forest, woodlands and beside a billabong. Allow two hours.
Bowali Visitor Centre - Explore the visitor centre displays or just relax on the deck with a cool drink. Our staff can give you advice, brochures and directions.
Hawk Dreaming - Book into the Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge for an unforgettable safari camping experience. Stay in ensuite tented cabins near Ubirr in Kakadu's north, learn about Aboriginal culture and rock art, enjoy a three course meal and soak up the night sky from around the campfire.
Day two (East Alligator region)
Ubirr - Explore the rock art and extraordinary views at Ubirr. During the dry season our rangers give free talks here - ask the staff at Bowali Visitor Centre for the latest timetable.
Manngarre Rainforest Walk - Escape the heat of the day on this shady bushwalk through monsoon rainforest beside the East Alligator River. Allow an hour for the 1.5 km walk.
Guluyambi River Cruise - Take a cultural cruise on the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide.
Overnight - You can camp at the nearby Merl Campground (hot showers and toilets available), or return to Jabiru for the night. For dinner, try the Thai food that's a specialty of the Border Store - a great place to dine in or take away after sunset.
Day three (Nourlangie and Yellow Water regions)
Nourlangie - Head south to Nourlangie to discover impressive views, shady walking paths and rock art galleries. During the dry season look out for the free ranger talks - Bowali Visitor Centre can give you the latest timetable.
Nanguluwurr - If you have a 4WD, visit nearby Nanguluwur to see rock art showing first contact between Bininj (Aboriginal people) and balanda (Europeans).
Head to Cooinda for lunch and a swim at the resort pool.
Warradjan - Explore the displays at the Warradjan Cultural Centre.
Mardugal Billabong Walk - Take a 30 minute stroll around Mardugal Billabong, a favourite spot for local birdlife.
