Kakadu is Australia's largest national park and a dual World Heritage site: Aboriginal rock art thousands of years old, wetlands full of crocodiles and birds, and waterfalls over high cliffs. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
You reach Kakadu from Darwin by car in about three hours via the Arnhem Highway. The main roads are sealed; for Jim Jim Falls and other spots you need a 4WD. Multi-day tours from Darwin are the easiest option. You need a park pass for the park.
The dry season from June to October is the best time, when most roads and sites are open. In the wet season many roads are flooded, but the waterfalls carry the most water — best seen on scenic flights.
A large national park campground in the centre of the park, dry season only.
A campground near the Ubirr rock art, open in the dry season only.
A waterfall with natural infinity pools on top of the edge and views over the south of the park. Only swim when the spot is officially open — it's closed regularly. Note the warning below.
Safety: Saltwater crocodiles live in almost all waters in Kakadu. Only swim at spots that are explicitly open for swimming.
Aboriginal rock art and a rock plateau with views over the floodplains. Most beautiful at sunset, when the plains glow red. Kakadu park pass required.
A wetland near Cooinda with boat tours to see crocodiles, water buffalo and hundreds of bird species. The early-morning sunrise tour is the most rewarding.
Rock shelters with paintings thousands of years old, including well-known images from Bininj stories. A loop of about one and a half kilometres leads past them. Best in the morning.
A waterfall over a cliff about 200 metres high. Only reachable by 4WD or on a tour, and only in the dry season.
A boat trip through the wetland with crocodiles and birds, most beautiful at sunrise.
The visitor centre has maps, current road conditions and the ranger programme. A park pass is mandatory for Kakadu.
Yes, a park pass is mandatory and available online or at the visitor centre.
Only at spots explicitly open for swimming, like Gunlom, when they're open. Saltwater crocodiles live in almost all waters.
The dry season from June to October.
All spots on the Kakadu map. Nearby: Darwin and Litchfield.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.