Kakadu in Yegge | May - June
Quick links
Yegge, in May and June, is one of Kakadu's six seasons. It is a time of cooler days and lower humidity - a great time to visit us. The floodplains and waterholes are shrouded in early morning mist which rises with the morning sun. Fragrant water lilies carpet shallow wetlands. The drying winds and flowering Darwin woolly butt tell Bininj/Mungguy that it is time to start patch burning to 'clean the country' and encourage new growth for grazing animals. The skies become hazy with smoke from fires that slowly burn out during the night.
Some of our favourite places to visit during Yegge are listed below.
To plan your trip:
- Consider the list of seasonal highlights below. Click through for maps and more information
- Check our daily access report at kakadu.com.au/access to make sure your favourite areas are accessible (it's a good idea to check it on the day you travel too)
- For more detailed advice call our helpful staff at Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120 or email kakadunationalpark@environment.gov.au
- Have a great trip! Jump on our Facebook page (facebook.com/parksaustralia) or catch us on Twitter (twitter.com/#!/Parks_Australia) to tell us how you went
Tour options
From May to October, why not enjoy our free ranger-guided activities? They include art site talks, guided walks, cultural activities and slideshows, and they take place at some of Kakadu's most popular visitor sites. With 50 weekly activities on offer, there is something to delight everyone. The seasonal ranger program runs from Monday 13 May - Sunday 6 October 2012.
Download the What's On guide (PDF - 1.59MB) or contact our Bowali Visitor Centre if you would like to know more.
A great range of commercial tours are also available. Boat tours, scenic flights and guided day trips operate throughout the year. Scenic flights are a great option at this time of year to see the full power of Kakadu's waterfalls, which are still inaccessible by road until the country dries out in late May or early June. These commercial flights provide a bird's eye view of Kakadu and its many varied habitats. Find out more about tour options
South Alligator region
Mamukala Wetlands - 2WD accessible. This site is particularly dramatic at this time of year as a multitude of bird species congregate here. A covered observation platform overlooking this wetland allows you to view the wildlife in comfort. A mural on the wall of the observatory illustrates seasonal changes that occur through the year.
Jabiru region
Jabiru Township - 2WD accessible. This regional centre is a vital stop for fuel, food and other essential services.
Bowali Visitor Centre (open 8am-5pm daily) - 2WD accessible. This centre contains a wealth of information about Kakadu's natural heritage including plants, animals, history and park management practices. It is also a vital stop for the latest updates on road conditions, wet season access and information about things to see and do.
Jabiru to Bowali Walking Track - 2WD accessible. From Jabiru, enjoy a leisurely 4 km return walk on a rammed earth walking track through scenic open woodland on your way to the Bowali Visitor Centre. Here, view a display and films about Kakadu, grab a great coffee and a bite to eat and talk to our helpful staff about what's best to do.
East Alligator region
Ubirr - A 1 km circuit winds past several fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites. A moderately steep, 250 m climb takes you to the top of a rocky lookout offering superb views over the Nadab floodplain. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
Manngarre Rainforest Walk - Wander through the rainforest near the East Alligator River. The walk starts near the Border Store on the way to Ubirr.
Bardedjilidji Walk - This walk winds between huge sandstone rocks, past rock shelters used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. One of Kakadu's most interesting short walks.
Cahills Crossing Viewing Platform - Enjoy views of the East Alligator River in fast flow from the safety of a viewing platform and nearby picnic tables.
Nourlangie region
Nourlangie Rock Art Site - 2WD accessible. A 1.5 km return walking track features a series of rock shelters and outstanding art sites with unbeatable views of the surrounding cultural landscape.
Gubara Pools Walk - 2WD high clearance with care. An easy to moderate 6 km return walk passes through several habitats in a relatively short distance, all in the presence of Burrungui (Nourlangie Rock). The pools make a great place to refresh, and you may be lucky to see the colourful Leichhardt grasshopper on your way. Ask at Bowali for the best place to stop to see these special creatures.
Barrk Sandstone Walk - 2WD accessible. A challenging 12 km circuit walk taking you over the top of Nourlangie Rock to enjoy a range of habitats and stunning views. An early start is recommended to avoid the heat of the day, and plenty of water is a must. The walk is great at this time of year as the creek is flowing on the southern side down the face of the rock.
Yellow Water region
Yellow Water Wetlands - 2WD accessible. See birds, water lilies and crocodiles in a pristine wetland environment.
Boat cruise - The Yellow Water boat cruise operates throughout the year and provides a marvellous opportunity to see the varied birdlife of Kakadu's World Heritage wetlands.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre - 2WD accessible. Learn about Kakadu's local Indigenous culture including family, food, history, hunting, art and stories through a great cultural display and films.
Mary River region
Yurmikmik Walks - 4WD only. This series of easy to moderate day walks travels through open woodlands. Return distances vary from 2 km to 11 km in length. The Boulder Creek walk is especially lovely, with a quick 2 km circuit leading through a beautiful landscape. On a longer walk to Motorcar Falls, enjoy the stunning landscape on the way to the falls and plunge pool.
