Kakadu in the wet season (Gudjewg)
A visit to Kakadu during Gudjewg (monsoon season) offers plenty of sights and sounds rarely experienced during the drier months of the year. The floodplains are full, waterfalls are flowing, native vegetation is vibrant, and dramatic storms and sunsets are common at this time of year.
Gudjewg is also a time to 'rest country' - time for the landscape to recover from the demands placed upon it during the dry season. Park managers are responsible for conserving and protecting Kakadu's unique natural and cultural values - the same values that tourists come to see.
As with any tropical environment, heavy rain and flooding can make some areas of Kakadu inaccessible during the wet season. Visitors should always check daily road conditions via Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120 or email kakadunationalpark@environment.gov.au
For suggested wet season itineraries click here.
Unique to Gudjewg the following activities are must do's for any visitor:
- Seasonal cultural activities at Warradjan with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
Participate in basket weaving and other cultural activities every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 11am in the cleared area behind Warradjan. Join bushtucker walks every Friday from 9am to 11am departing from the same area. - Scenic flights
Now is a great time to take a scenic flight to see Kakadu's extensive floodplains and raging waterfalls from the air. - Magela Cultural Boat cruises
Any day now, once Magela Creek reaches and maintains a level of 0.8m Guluyambi Tours will also commence their Magela Cultural Boat cruises through the flooded paperbark swamp and across to Ubirr.
Along with these special activities, below are some of the top spots to visit in Kakadu during Gudjewg. The Visitor Guide provides further details on each of these locations.
- Bowali Visitor Centre - Open 8am to 5pm daily. This uniquely designed building houses an information counter with helpful staff, interesting displays about the park, a library and audio visual presentations. Also at Bowali, Marrawuddi Gallery promotes Aboriginal fine art from local indigenous artists. Refreshments are available from Anmak An-me Cafe.
- Burrunggui (Nourlangie Rock) - Enjoy the 1.5km loop track, taking in rock art and views of Lightning Dreaming from the lookout. Much of this area is wheelchair accessible.
- Nanguluwur - 3.5km return walk to a quiet rock art gallery featuring fascinating paintings.
- Nawurlandja Lookout - 300m walk to a point overlooking Burrungui. This is a great location to enjoy a sunset as the sun sets behind you reflecting beautiful red and orange colours across the escarpment.
- Mirrai Lookout - 1.8km return walk to a lookout with 360 degree views of the escarpment, Burrunggui (Nourlangie Rock) and the South Alligator River floodplains.
- Yellow Water - Cruises operate throughout the wet season, offering an insight into Kakadu's world renowned wetlands.
- Gun-garden Walk - 2km walk near Mardugal camp ground through eucalypt woodlands. Spot Agile Wallabies and other wildlife.
- Warradjan Cultural Centre - A superb display of Kakadu's aboriginal cultural values. Take your time to wander through the exhibits.
- Baark Sandstone Walk - Named after the Black Wallaroo this great wet season walk is a challenging 12km circuit over the top of Burrungui (Nourlangie Rock). Allow 6-8 hours to complete the walk and start early to avoid the heat of the day.
- Gubara Rockpools - 3km walk through woodland and lowland sandstone habitats to a series of rockpools and cascading waterfalls nestled in monsoon forest.
- Yurmikmik Walks - A series of walking track through Kakadu's southern hills. Walk through open woodland and monsoon forest, past waterfalls and creeks.
- Gungurul Lookout - Enjoy a picnic at Gungurul camp ground and take a short walk to the nearby lookout with views over the South Alligator River.
- Bukbukluk Lookout - An easy walk to a lookout revealing the southern Kakadu southern hills and ridges.