Kakadu

Kakadu

World-heritage wetlands, rock art at Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls and croc-filled billabongs.

8 tours
3 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 5 photos
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Tours in Kakadu

See all 8 tours →
Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure

Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure

5 days
From AUD $1995
Kakadu National Park Cultural Experience + Scenic Flight

Kakadu National Park Cultural Experience + Scenic Flight

7 hours
From AUD $949
Kakadu Day Tour-Yellow Water-Nourlangie-Ubirr-Cahills-Fogg Dam

Kakadu Day Tour-Yellow Water-Nourlangie-Ubirr-Cahills-Fogg Dam

13 hours – 15 hours
From AUD $1900
Kakadu National Park is a protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia, 171 km (106 mi) southeast of Darwin. It is a World Heritage Site. Kakadu is also gazetted as a locality, covering the same area as the national park, with 313 people recorded living there in the 2016 Australian census. Kakadu National Park is located within the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory, covering an area of 19,804 km2 (7,646 sq mi), extending nearly 200 kilometres (124 mi) from north to south and over 100 kilometres (62 mi) from east to west. It is roughly the size of Wales or one-third the size of Tasmania, and is the second-largest national park in Australia, after the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park. Most of the region is owned by the Aboriginal traditional owners, who have occupied the land for around 60,000 years and, today, manage the park jointly with Parks Australia. It is highly ecologically and biologically diverse, hosting a wide range of habitats and flora and fauna. It also includes a rich heritage of Aboriginal rock art, including highly significant sites, such as Ubirr. Kakadu is fully protected by the EPBC Act. The Ranger Uranium Mine site, one of the most productive uranium mines in the world until it ceased operations in January 2021, is surrounded by the park. Domestic Asian water buffalo, which are now an established feral population and invasive environmental pests, were released into the area in the late 19th century. Feral pigs, cats, red foxes and rabbits are further examples of invasive species, all of which compete with and wreak havoc upon the sensitive, unique ecosystems of the Northern Territory, and of the whole of Australia. These species were intentionally brought to the continent by the early settlers, pastoralists, and missionaries. The European presence, albeit less than in more populated regions (on the east and west coasts), was still felt. In Kakadu, missionaries established a mission at Oenpelli (present-day Gunbalanya) in 1925. A few pastoralists, crocodile-hunters and wood cutters also made a living in the area at various times up until the early 20th century. The area was progressively given protected status from the 1970s onward.

Background information about Kakadu adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Kakadu

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Kakadu

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Jun, Jul, Aug — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jan, Feb if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
32°
25° low
355mm
Feb
32°
24° low
309mm
Mar
33°
24° low
205mm
Apr
34°
23° low
66mm
May
33°
22° low
8mm
Jun
31°
19° low
1mm
Jul
32°
18° low
1mm
Aug
33°
19° low
1mm
Sep
36°
22° low
8mm
Oct
37°
24° low
25mm
Nov
36°
25° low
105mm
Dec
34°
25° low
262mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

What else is around Kakadu

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🎡 Attractions (1)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Kakadu

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Katherine
220 km · 3h 17m
To Darwin
331 km · 4h 15m
To Litchfield
324 km · 5h 52m
To Arnhem Land
298 km · 7h 50m
To Alice Springs
1396 km · 15h 3m
To Kings Canyon
1731 km · 19h 12m
To MacDonnell Ranges
1508 km · 19h 17m
To Uluru
1849 km · 20h 15m

Photos from around Kakadu

Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park
park
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park
park
Lazy Lizard Tavern & Caravan Park
Lazy Lizard Tavern & Caravan Park
park
Kakadu National Park Fishing Charters
Kakadu National Park Fishing Charters
article
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
article

Frequently asked about Kakadu

Where is Kakadu?
Kakadu is in Top End, Northern Territory, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Northern Territory destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Kakadu?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Kakadu are typically July, June, August — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. January tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Kakadu?
Summer daytime highs average around 34°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 18°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 1347 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Kakadu?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Katherine it's about 220 km — roughly 3h 17m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Northern Territory destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Kakadu?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Spring Peak, Mundogie Hill, Lunch Break, Gnarl-Ah-Rogie, Dird Djahdjam. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Kakadu?
We list 3 caravan and holiday parks in and around Kakadu above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Kakadu?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Kakadu to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Kakadu good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 1 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
Is there public transport at Kakadu?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Kakadu accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Kakadu are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Kakadu cost?
Budget travellers can do Kakadu on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Kakadu?
Most named destinations in Northern Territory have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

Everything in Kakadu

Browse every guide, listing and how-to for Kakadu.

All tours in Kakadu

Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure
Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1995
Kakadu National Park Cultural Experience + Scenic Flight
Kakadu National Park Cultural Experience + Scenic Flight
★ 5.0 · from AUD $949
Kakadu Day Tour-Yellow Water-Nourlangie-Ubirr-Cahills-Fogg Dam
Kakadu Day Tour-Yellow Water-Nourlangie-Ubirr-Cahills-Fogg Dam
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1900
5 Day 4WD Kakadu Koolpin Safari
5 Day 4WD Kakadu Koolpin Safari
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1845
2 Days Kakadu
2 Days Kakadu
★ 5.0 · from AUD $3100
Ethical Adventures - WILD & FREE - 2 Day - Litchfield / Kakadu
Ethical Adventures - WILD & FREE - 2 Day - Litchfield / Kakadu
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1550
Jim Jim Falls - Kakadu Full Day Tour from Jabiru or Cooinda
Jim Jim Falls - Kakadu Full Day Tour from Jabiru or Cooinda
★ 5.0 · from AUD $450
Guided Kakadu Day Tour
Guided Kakadu Day Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $495

Caravan parks nearby

Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk · Roper Gulf Region
★ 4.6
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park
Jabiru
★ 4.5
Lazy Lizard Tavern & Caravan Park
Lazy Lizard Tavern & Caravan Park
Pine Creek · Victoria Daly Region
★ 4.3

Nearby destinations

Katherine
Katherine
Top End
Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land
Top End
Palmerston
Palmerston
Top End
Litchfield
Litchfield
Top End
Darwin
Darwin
Top End
Cobourg Peninsula
Cobourg Peninsula
Arnhem Land

Kakadu travel articles

Kakadu National Park Fishing Charters
Kakadu National Park Fishing Charters
📍
Extended Tours in Kakadu National Park Guide
From three-day 4WD circuits to week-long guided safaris, here is what you need to know before booking an extended tour of Kakadu National Park.
📍
Hotels in the NT for AAT Kings Travellers
Planning an AAT Kings tour through the Northern Territory? Here's what to expect from hotel accommodation in Darwin, Uluru, and Kakadu.
📍
Barramundi Fishing in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu's billabongs and river systems hold some of Australia's best barramundi. Here's what you need to know before you wet a line.
📍
Cruises in the Northern Territory: What to Know
From Darwin Harbour sunset cruises to Kakadu wetland boat tours, here's a practical guide to getting on the water in the NT.
📍
Resort Stays in the NT with AAT Kings Tours
From the red-rock country around Uluru to the wetlands of Kakadu, here's what to expect from resort accommodation on an AAT Kings Northern Territory tour.
📍
Getting Around Darwin: Transfers Guide
From Darwin Airport to the CBD, Kakadu, and beyond — a practical guide to every transfer option in the Top End, with honest advice on what actually works.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel