Top Things to do in Kakadu National Park
Top 10 Free Things to do in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Kakadu National Park, Australia including Ubirr, Maguk Gorge, Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Warradjan Cultural Centre, Anbangbang Billabong, Nanguluwur Art Site, Gunlom Waterfall Creek, Mamukala Billabong, Bardedjilidji Walk.
1. Ubirr
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 887 reviews
Ubirr, home to some of the world's most outstanding Aboriginal rock art, depicting sources of food, wildlife and the creation ancestors. The panoramic views at the top show surrounds of Kakadu National Park, the East Alligator River and Arnhem Land, a view that is favoured at sunset.
Reviewed By L7839VIjohnp - Beaconsfield, Australia
Great place to view ancient artwork and to climb the top of the rock to view the open country side.Can easily spend a few hours here taking in the scenery and the history.
2. Maguk Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 225 reviews
A short monsoon rainforest walk delivers you to this stunning location where lush vegetation and beautiful wildlife is found. A pristine waterfall that flows into a crystal clear plunge pool surrounded by steep gorge walls. Located only an hours' drive south of Cooinda and is accessed off of a 14 kilometre 4WD track off Kakadu Highway.
Reviewed By LozArthur - Darwin, Australia
Maguk is a great place for all sorts of travellers. The swimming hole is absolutely beautiful and great for all ages to have a dip. Highly recommend bringing a noodle or floating device as it's deep throughout the main swimming hole. Water temperature is perfect! There is a track that leads up to the top of the falls but has been closed this dry season. Camping is a simple bush camp with drop toilets. The road in is recommended 4WD but we went slow with our Subaru Outback (AWD) and were fine. Lots of corrugations as the road isn't regularly graded.
3. Motor Car Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By AdrianT-Perh - Perth, Australia
We visited here as part of a tour and after stopping for morning tea along the way as it was a fair drive, our first stop was Motor Car Falls which involved a 7km walk return with a great swim at the waterfall and pool at the end of the walk. Not the easiest water pool to get into but after a swim up to the waterfall which was running very fast we managed to wedge ourselves on the rocks and even got a free water massage for our troubles. Worth a visit.
4. Jim Jim Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Spectacular all year - see this area from the ground in the dry season, and from the air in the wet season.The Jim Jim Area is only accessible by 4WD during the dry season. Visitors can explore the spectacular and challenging walks or take a boat shuttle ride to Twin Falls over crystal clear waters (charges apply). Scenic flights are also very popular, and allow visitors to see the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, which are in full flow only during the wet season
Reviewed By stevel179 - Darwin, Australia
This was worth the trek over large rocks and boulders. The kids in our group are 9 and 12, capable of climbing and jumping and had fun. When we reached the end it was spectacular and half our group entered the freezing water!! Water was clear and inviting after the trek and cooled our feet. We would love to see this in the wet season! There was only a small tickle of water coming down from the top.
5. Warradjan Cultural Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
The people from Murumburr, Mirrar Gun-djeihmi, Badmardi, Bunitj, Girrimbitjba, Manilakarr, Wargol and other clans have combined to create an exciting and memorable exhibit. The exhibit touches on hunting techniques by the clans, the recent history of the park, blood lines and marriage rights, tribal elder stories and the effects of white settlement in the Top End.Warradjan Cultural Centre is free to enter.
Reviewed By tricky111 - Perth, Australia
Close to Cooinda Lodge this Centre is displayed in a very informative way. It is free to enter and covers all aspects of Aboriginal life in and around this area over the years. the collection of items on display is very impressive and we would recommend a visit here to anyone who comes into the area.
6. Anbangbang Billabong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
During the sry season only. A billabong, paperbark swamps, fringing woodlands and sandstone plateau scrub feature along the Anbangbang Billabong and Nawurlandja lookout walks.Follow the yellow-tipped posts around Anbangbang Billabong to see lilies, waterbirds and stunning views of Burrunggui (Nourlangie Rock).
Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom
We parked at the Nawurlandja parking area which also gives you easy access to the glorious lookout. Sunscreen, water and insect spray recommended. The billabong is a tranquil spot, and an easy circular walk on grass takes you round the water. Lots of bird life, a few wallabies,some gorgeous views. Keep your eyes peeled - my wife almost stepped on a snake! This walk was one of our Kakadu highlights.
7. Nanguluwur Art Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom
A 1km dirt road (fine for 2wd vehicles if you go slow) takes you to the car park. A pleasant and easy 30 minute walk brings you to the rock art site, which includes ‘contact art’, painted after Europeans arrived in the region. Some reasonable signage helps explain the stories and importance of the paintings. Only 1 other person was there during our visit - it’s Coronavirus-time so everywhere is soooo quiet at the moment, but I imagine this is generally a tranquil spot to have a walk and see rock art, certainly compared to Ubirr and Nourlangie which would get really, annoyingly, busy during a ‘normal’ tourist season.
8. Gunlom Waterfall Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Climb the stairs to the pristine plunge pools at the top of the waterfall with an infinity view of the park, or swim under the cascading waterfall at the base with a sandy beach and clear waters. Spend the night at the nearby Gunlom campground.
Reviewed By ShellFisherS - Melbourne, Australia
Google got us worried and we almost didn’t visit when it was suggested a trip to Gunlom would take us 3 hours! Luckily, the rangers told us it’s 3 hours return. We drove in a 2WD to Gunlom from Cooinda lodge, leaving early so we could avoid the peak of the heat. Visiting at the end of May, the track was open to 2WD. The first hour of the drive is the highway so no issue. Once you reach the turnoff the unsealed road begins. We were very lucky as yesterday when we visited, the road was being ‘compressed’ and it made it a lot easier to drive. We took it slow on the way there so it took around 45-50 minutes. A 4WD could do it in 30 minutes. Once there, there is ample parking, toilets, a grassed shaded picnic area and tables. The main swimming area at the bottom of the falls is ideal for kids with a sandy bank, and areas that are shallow. Only 200m from the carpark, it’s very easy to access for everyone. Swimming all the way to the base of the fall the water gets deep. It’s a beautiful, postcard place to swim in Kakadu. If you can’t make it to the top, don’t feel too disappointed, the bottom is still wonderful. The infinity pools at the top of the falls are amazing and if you up for it, worth the hike. We had our 10 month old baby with us and my husband carried her in a MacPac to the top. He is fit and a confident walker so managed with no problem. The walk up has a few ‘bums and hands moments’ for some but if you take it slow you’ll be fine. I’m not overly confident, and managed without any issues. People did the climb in thongs when we were there and we saw other babies in carriers and children ranging in age from 6 to 12 who all managed. (I don’t think carrying a baby up would be possible if they couldn’t walk so a carrier of some kind seemed like a must). As a guide, allow 30 minutes to walk up. Taking drinks and food is a great idea so you can enjoy your swim and not feel rushed to make the trip back down. At the steepest parts of the walk, closest to the pools, there are rails and at other points trees or rocks you can grab to help give you some support. If you have visited Ubir and found that difficult, then the walk/climb is perhaps not for you. The infinity pools are beautiful to swim in and we are very glad we visited. Swimming at Kakadu was on our bucket list of experiences and without doubt a highlight of our trip up North. A couple of tips for those with small kids - the rocks are slippery, the water is deep in parts and the water is naturally quite cold. Taking float toys and float safety rings/vests makes it a lot easier for babies/toddlers! Unless you can confidently tread water and get in and out of the water holding them, on slippery rocks then it’s worth lugging few extra things up. There are some parts that small children can stand up in if helped there. The walk up is quite sunny but once at the top there are shaded parts to sit & swim.
9. Mamukala Billabong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By MarkE20 - Whitianga, New Zealand
Just a short drive off the main road. Good parking then a short walk to the viewing platform. Platform has seating and info on the wall. Good bird life over a huge wet land area. You may need a good zoom on your camera. Lots to see, just have to be patient. Make sure you have lots of insect repellent.
10. Bardedjilidji Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
