Destination Guides > Australia > Northern Territory > The Top End > Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park
The World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is regarded by many to be Australia’s best national park.
At almost 20,000km2, Kakadu covers a large area but only a relatively small part of the park can easily be explored in a car.
Many travellers organise tours from Darwin that take in the main attractions, but independent travel is also possible with accommodation and other services available from areas within Kakadu.
Jabiru is the main town serving the park and it has accommodation, shops, a visitor centre and an airport. The East and South Alligator areas are two other accessible parts of Kakadu, each with accommodation and other services.
Kakadu is a very different park in the wet (Nov-Mar) and dry (Apr-Oct) seasons. Most backpackers visit in the dry when it is easier to travel and more comfortable. However Kakadu is much greener in the wet when it teems with wildflowers and the waterfalls are at their most powerful, but it is harder to get around as some roads are closed – even to 4WD vehicles. A wider variety of boat cruises operate during the wet and are an enjoyable way to see Kakadu at this time of year.
Tours from Darwin operate throughout the year and they tailor their itinerary to capture the best sights in each season.
Highlights of the park, which are accessible in both the wet and dry seasons, include the Mamukala Wetlands, Nourlangie rock art site and Yellow Water.
Entry to the park is free.
Practical Information
Bowali Visitor Centre
The Bowali Visitor Centre has a café, shop, theatrette and a small museum with exhibits on the park and Aboriginal culture.
Kakadu Highway, Jabiru
Tel (08) 8938 1120
Website www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/
Admission free
Open 9am-5pm daily
