5 Things To Experience In Kakadu When You Only Have A Long Weekend
The Northern Territory is set to open its borders to the rest of the country on July 17, and I don’t know about you but it’s probably THE place I most regret ever having put off travelling to.
Now that the universe has shown me that life is short and one should NEVER delay a travel plan, I’ve been obsessively compiling my Aussie bucket list, and Kakadu National Park is right at the top of it.
No doubt you could spend weeks exploring what seem like the most adventurous of Australian National Parks (probably in part thanks to Crocodile Dundee, but only part). However most of us are down to utilising our weekends, let’s narrow it down to the top 5 things to do, shall we?
#1 Watch sunset over the Ubirr
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This rock formation is one of the most iconic spots in Kakadu, merging panoramic views of natural beauty and a rich indigenous history.
The rock art galleries here display the different art styles Kakadu is famous for, and even cooler, they make up one of the longest historical records of any people in the world. And yes, it definitely features in Crocodile Dundee.
#2 Spot crocs on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise
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If you want to see the wildlife of Kakadu, you need to include a Yellow Water cruise. It’s home to a whole third of Australia’s bird species (about 280), wallabies, wild horses and buffalo.
Of course, in and around these lily-covered billabongs, there are also plenty of crocodiles. Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular options.
#3 Explore the legendary rock art of Nourlangie
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You might be getting the point by now that Kakadu is one of the most fascinating history lessons you could get. Nourlangie is home to some of its most historic rock art. Namarrgon (Lightning Man) is a particularly famous paintings here.
You can take free guided walks with park rangers (or go it alone) around the 1.5km circular walk past these works and what used to be home for generations of Indigenous people during the wet season. To get another point of view, you can visit the nearby Anbangbang Billabong from May to November.
#4 Swim in a natural infinity pool
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Winter doesn’t hit the same up here, especially from inside Gunlom at Waterfall Creek. If you’re a Croc Dundee fan following along at home, in the film when Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski take a dip here, they call it Echo Pool.
It’s only a 2km walk to reach the clear rock pool, although admittedly, a steep one as you have to make it to the top of a waterfall. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the southern parts of Kakadu National Park, though.
#5 Take a helicopter over the park
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I’ll be the first to say that helicopter tours aren’t always worth the price tag, but clearly Kakadu is an exception. During the tropical summer season you’ll be treated to aerial views of water thundering over the 200m high Jim Jim Falls, as well as Twin Falls, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Helicopter and fixed-wing flights operate all-year-around however, and also get you unparalleled views of East Alligator River, Magela Wetlands and the billabongs of the Mikinj Valley.
(Lead Image: Provided / Kakadu Tourism)
