# Kakadu National Park

> Australia's largest national park combines floodplains, escarpments and waterfalls with one of the world's richest records of Aboriginal rock art, in country

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-kakadu-national-park/

Australia's largest national park combines floodplains, escarpments and waterfalls with one of the world's richest records of Aboriginal rock art, in country still cared for by the Bininj and Mungguy people.

- **Region:** Top End, Northern Territory
- **Nearest town:** Jabiru
- **Best season:** May to October (dry season)
- **UNESCO:** Mixed World Heritage site, listed from 1981
- **Established:** 1979, in stages to 1991

## Before you go

- Visit in the dry season, May to October; in the wet season roads flood, many sites close and the heat and humidity are intense.
- Saltwater crocodiles live in rivers, billabongs and some pools: swim only where signs say it is safe, and stay well back from the water's edge.
- A park pass is required, and going beyond Cahill's Crossing into Arnhem Land needs a Northern Land Council permit.

## Rock art and living culture

Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) hold paintings that span many thousands of years, from ancient hand stencils to figures of fish and, in the contact period, of ships. Ranger talks and the Warradjan Cultural Centre add context. Stay on the walkways and do not touch the art.

## Waterfalls and wetlands

Yellow Water and the floodplains are best seen by boat at dawn, when birds and crocodiles are most active. Jim Jim Falls and Gunlom are dry-season destinations: the roads are unsealed, Jim Jim needs a high-clearance 4WD, and both can close when it rains.

## Planning and safety

Jabiru, Cooinda and a few roadhouses sell fuel, but distances are long and services are limited, so fill up and carry water. Check kakadu.gov.au for road, site and fire notices. Camp only in designated campgrounds and keep food stored, away from the water.

## FAQs

**Can I swim in Kakadu?**
Only at sites signed as safe, such as Gunlom's plunge pool when open. Saltwater crocodiles can be in any river or billabong, so never swim elsewhere and check current park advice.

**How many days do I need in Kakadu?**
Three to four days cover Ubirr, Nourlangie, Yellow Water and a waterfall. Distances are large: Darwin to Jabiru is about 250 km, so allow extra time if you add Gunlom or Jim Jim.

**Do I need a permit to enter Arnhem Land?**
Yes. Arnhem Land is Aboriginal land, and entry beyond Cahill's Crossing requires a permit from the Northern Land Council, arranged in advance. Park passes for Kakadu do not cover it.

## Places to see

- [Yellow Water Billabong](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-yellow-water/)
- [Ubirr](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-ubirr/)
- [Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-nourlangie-burrungkuy/)
- [Cahill's Crossing](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-cahills-crossing/)
- [Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-warradjan-cultural-centre/)
- [Jim Jim Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-jim-jim-falls/)
- [Gunlom Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-gunlom-falls/)