Kakadu National Park Travel Guide
Travel to Kakadu National Park - Wetlands and Wildlife
- Ratings:
- 4.33 out of 5 (3 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Kakadu is a World Heritage Site and one of Australia's most famous National Parks. It is a unique example of a complex of ecosystems, including tidal flats, floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, and provides a habitat for a wide range of rare or endemic species of plants and animals.
This unique archaeological and ethnological reserve has been inhabited continuously for more than 40,000 years. The cave paintings, rock carvings and archaeological sites record the skills and way of life of the region's inhabitants, from the hunter-gatherers of prehistoric times to the Aboriginal people still living there.
The name 'Kakadu' comes from an Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju which was one of the languages spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although languages such as Gagudju and Limilngan are no longer regularly spoken, descendants of these language groups are still living in Kakadu.
Aboriginal languages used in the Park today include Kunwinjku from the north-eastern region, Gun-djeihmi from the central region and Jawoyn from the southern region. Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Director of National Parks.
Attractions in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu has many attractions including the Bowali Visitor Centre, Manngarre Monsoon Forest Walk, Cahills Crossing picnic area, East Alligator River Cruise, Ubirr art site and sunset lookout, Nourlangie Rock Art Site Walk, Anbangbang Billabong Walk, Nawurlandja Lookout Walk, Bubba Walk (Dusk), Jim Jim Falls, Budjimii Walk, Twin Falls, Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Yellow Water Cruise or Walk (dawn), Maguk Waterfall, Gungurul Lookout and Gunlom Waterfall.
Activities in Kakadu National Park
For those well prepared and physically fit, then bushwalking is a great way to experience Kakadu. Several routes are available from 4 to 8 hours in duration. During the dry season, rangers provide daily art site talks at Ubirr and Nourlangie. They also provide a number of guided walks and slide shows throughout the park. Fishing and boating are also popular activities.
Relaxing
Head for Cahills Crossing picnic area for a relaxing lunch in a beautiful setting.
Getting Around
The majority of travel to Kakadu National Park is via the Arnhem Highway from Darwin using either self-drive vehicles or through organised tours. There are sealed roads from Darwin to the Park via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to the Park via the Kakadu Highway. The Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru is located 253 km from Darwin via the Arnhem Highway entrance. By road, you will need to allow around 3 hours travelling time from Darwin.
Kakadu National Park Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?