Kakadu National Park - A Detailed Guide
To Australia's Most Famous National Park
Kakadu National Park is considered a must see for anyone visiting northern Australia.
It is on the "to do" list of most Australia visitors, and so it should be. The park has a lot to offer.
To get the most out of a visit to Kakadu requires either a lot of time or some insider knowledge.
I can't give you more time than what you have available for your visit, but I can help with the insider knowledge!
So let's have a look at Kakadu...
First, here are some general interest and overview pages:
Facts about Kakadu NP gives you all that background information about size, location and management, habitat and nature, climate, Aborignal culture etc.
How to get to Kakadu and how to get around.
And here is a quick tour through Kakadu National Park to show you what there is to see and do and where everything is.
Another good way to get a first overview is to download the official visitor guide. It doesn't have any detailed information, but it has good maps and listings of where everything is located.
If you can't download and print it, I have also summarised that information on a few pages here:
Kakadu attractions, Kakadu accommodation, camping in Kakadu, and here are some maps of Kakadu National Park.
Ok, so much for official tourist information. Let's get to the details that they don't tell you about!
Kaka-do or Kaka-don't?
Have you ever heard or read that line? Or seen a comment like this?
"They should call it Kaka-don't. It's not worth going. Go to Litchfield. That's much better."
Believe it or not, those comments are not unusual. Many tourists leave Kakadu very disappointed!
The reason is that most people grossly underestimate the size of Kakadu National Park. They don't take enough time and they don't do any research.
As a result they spend most of their time driving and see only the most touristy, developed and crowded sites within the park. Nothing like the amazing wilderness experience they had hoped for...
A day or even overnight trip can't do this place justice. I consider three days the minimum and five days or more would be adequate. But obviously that is not possible for most tourists.
So, if you have little time, should you even go? Kaka-do or Kaka-don't?
Travel In Kakadu National Park: How, When, What?
You decided it's Kakado! You can't possibly miss Kakadu National Park. And that leads to more questions...
What is the best time to visit Kakadu National Park?
The official answer is June to August, but there is always more than the official answer... And on the next page you can find out more about what you can and can't do during the wet season in Kakadu.
Kakadu tours or self driving?
Some people ask me in emails if I think they have to join a Kakadu tour. Have to??? You don't have to do anything! If tours are not your thing, don't do it. It's as simple as that.
On the other hand, if you don't mind joining a group of like minded travellers then there are some good reasons for taking a Kakadu tour instead of self driving. Provided you pick the right tour...
2WD or 4WD for Kakadu?
The next big question for self drivers is two wheel drive or four wheel drive? Do you really need a four wheel drive? What do you miss out on if you have only a two wheel drive? In my opinion you would miss the best parts... (Like all the places below.)
Individual Locations, Tips, And More Info
Been To Kakadu Or Plan On Going?
Share your thoughts and experiences. Let us know if Kakadu lived up to your expectations or exceeded them. Maybe you can share a great tip on how to make the most of a visit?
Have a great photo? A video? Of course we'd love to see them, too!
You can also ask a question.
It's easy! Just fill in the form below.
Read what others have reported or asked
Read What Others Say About Kakadu
Click below to read the opinions, experiences and questions of other readers.
5 Fabulous Days in Kakadu
Our family recently had a one month vacation in the Cook Islands and Australia. By far, the highlight of our trip was the 5 fabulous days we spent in …
To all those that want to see crocs
To all croc seekers!
If you want to see guaranteed crocodiles, the place to head is SHADY CAMP. It's a few hours from Darwin heading east. You're going …
Camping in Kakadu during the wet season
I am going (with my boyfriend) to be in Kakadu around the 5 December. We wanted to camp because everything is so expensive but you seem to say that it …
Birding Kakadu
A week in Kakadu in November was a great success for us, despite minimal planning and flexibility (my husband was there for work but I was free to roam …
Kakadu, Litchfield or both?
We are travelling around Australia for our honeymoon in May next year and we are staying overnight in Darwin on 16th May. We then have two free nights …
Spotting Wildlife on a Kakadu Safari
It has been a while since we went on a Kakadu Safari, but still remember it as an unforgettable experience.
Back in 1996 we had our first long holiday …
Wheelchair accessible Kakadu tours.
My wife and I are staying in the Crocodile Inn at Jabiru, Kakadu from 2 July for 5 nights. We are travelling to Jabiru from Darwin by Greyhound Bus. Though …
4WDing/2WDing in Litchfield and Kakadu
We are planning to go to Litchfield and Kakadu and we are hoping to only take a 2WD in. Does anyone know if we will still be able to see a lot of the sights …
Kakadu and Litchfield in the wet season
We went to Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge in January 2006 in the wet. (I also put a note and photo in the Katherine section .) These are some …
Uluru or Kakadu?
If you had to go to the Outback, would you do Alice Springs/Uluru or Darwin/Kakadu? I don't think we're going to be able to do both. I think it might …
Kakadu and Litchfield in 3 days
We have only three days for Kakadu and maybe Litchfield. We arrive 1st April. We are coming back to Oz after 20 years with the kids and need to pack everything …
Kakadu in the middle of April
Is it worthwhile spending 5 days in Kakadu in April? The Aurora Resort has a 5-day package and before we book we would like to know whether there is much …
Trip To Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge. 4WD Or 2WD?
We are planning a 10-12 day trip to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge. Our family of 4, kids 6 and 9, likes hiking and camping, but …
External Links:
- The official Kakadu National Park site
- About Kakadu's world heritage listing
- Kakadu at NT Tourism
- The Kakadu webcam
- Avoid the crowds in Kakadu
Read about other National Parks in Australia
Australian National Parks Site Map
Return to Outback Australia Travel Guide home page
