Kakadu National Park covers a massive 20,000 square kilometres of the Northern Territory – taking in wetlands, towering waterfalls and outstanding rock art. It’s a lot to see in just one weekend But here are a few places not to miss if you are tight on time, but keen for adventure!
Day 1 – Darwin
We start the weekend in Darwin. While the chaps are out barramundi fishing, I opt for for a relaxing afternoon. A swim in the hotel pool, then a stroll down the esplanade to see the sunset over the harbour, followed by dinner at Ella by Minoli. This stylish restaurant, tucked at the end of an alley, serves the best Sri Lankan food this side of Colombo. And there are great cocktails to match! Don’t miss this gem if you are spending the night in Darwin.
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Day 2 – Kakadu National Park
We are up early for the three-hour drive to Kakadu National Park. Our first stop is the Bark Hut Inn – one of the NT’s iconic pubs. Sadly, it’s way too early for lunch, so we stock up on merch, and get back on the highway. Our destination this morning is Ubirr, which boasts some of the world’s most impressive rock art. The road into Ubirr has just reopened for the dry season, but the creek crossings add to the adventure of getting to the site.
From the carpark there is a one kilometre circuit walk that takes you past rock art galleries that feature traditional x-ray paintings from the past 1500 years – showing fish, wallabies, goanna and echidna. There is even a painting of an thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) thought to have become extinct on the Australian mainland 2000-3000 years ago. Ubirr also offers a good vantage point to see the surrounding wetlands, which stretch as far as the eye can see.
If you are keen to see more rock art, make sure to visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), which is just off the Kakadu highway. Aboriginal people lived here in the wet seasons, and their shelters feature paintings of the many animals they hunted, as well as creation stories.
The Nawurlandja lookout, just a short drive away, is the place to take in the sunset. The top of the rocky slope offers a superb view over the billabong and the Arnhem escarpment. Stunning in any weather.
We are spending the night at Cooinda Lodge. There are lots of accommodation options here – from camping to cabins, as well as a pool, and a restaurant that serves good pub grub. Plus it is the start point for cruises on the neighbouring Yellow Water – which is where we are heading in the morning.
Day 3 – Yellow Water cruise and waterfalls
It’s a pre-dawn start to the day. A bus collects us from Cooinda Lodge for the very short drive to Yellow Water. A cruise on the wetlands – teeming with birdlife and crocodiles – is a must on any visit to Kakadu. Dawn and dusk are the best times to experience the magical ever-changing light, the tranquility, the wildlife and the entertaining commentary.
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If you are lucky enough to be in Kakadu in the middle of the dry season you’ll want to explore Gunlom, Jim Jim or Twin Falls – the highest waterfalls in the park. But if you are looking for a refreshing alternative, Motor Car Falls is the perfect place to escape the heat. To access the magnificent waterhole, head to Yurmikmik walks – about an hour and a half from Cooinda Lodge. The falls are a 3km walk from the car park, which means you will definitely be ready for a swim when you get there!
More time to explore
Head to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge for tranquil waterways, rock art and stunning sunsets.
Or splash out on some off-grid bush luxury at Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge .
Happy travels!
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Julie Fison 