The 10 best things to do in Kakadu National Park

Recreate an iconic Crocodile Dundee moment at one of the country’s most famous waterfalls, which reopened to the public in July 2025 after closing for almost six years. Along with the lower plunge pool, dry season visitors can now access a series of natural infinity rock pools at the top of the falls via a new track. The steep trail takes around 15 to 20 minutes, but hikers will be rewarded with a refreshing swim and panoramic views across the southern part of Kakadu National Park.

Time Out tip: Gunlom Campground also reopened to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to check it's open before you go!

If you want another good sunrise (or sunset) spot, look no further. The lookout is a 30-minute drive from Jabiru, so you don’t need to get going too early to catch an epic look at first light. Get on the one-way walking track and clamber up a slight rocky incline (it is a little steep in parts; you’ll need to be of moderate fitness) and head up to the rock platform that overlooks an impossibly wide stretching view across a bright green savannah, the Anbangbang Billabong and the ochre cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment.

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies and let yourself dissolve into the soft pastel silence. 

Once the traditional land of the Warramal people who have now all passed on, this deeply sacred and ancient site is now cared for by neighbouring clans. A 30-minute drive from Cooinda Lodge, this place is home to intricate rock art and human artefacts that date back more than 22,000 years. Filled with heritage-listed art, including the world-famous Lightning Man, this extraordinary place is steeped in primordial history, stories and unique wildlife that you can soak up at your leisure.

Time Out tip: Either amble through the Nanguluwurr art site walk, clamber up a moderately steep track to the Kunwarddehwardde lookout to gaze out at the wild ridges of the Kakadu escarpment or walk around the shady Anbangbang Billabong. To maximise your viewing experience of these intricate rock galleries and the stunning natural formations surrounding them, we recommend Victor Cooper from Ayal Aboriginal Tours, whose deep knowledge is unparalleled.  

Kakadu National Park is a hiker's paradise, boasting almost 20,000 square kilometres of wilderness to explore. From gentle strolls and art site ambles to steep climbs and overnight bushwalks, there are almost too many places to venture off the beaten path. The interconnected Yurmikmik walks are an underrated gem during the wet season, with options ranging from an easy two-kilometre Boulder Creek walk to an adventurous 11-kilometre hike to Kurrundie Falls (note: you'll need a permit to walk in here). The most hardcore hikers can tackle the challenging Twin Falls plateau walk, which ends at the jaw-dropping 150-metre gorge. 

Time Out tip: Set off early in the morning, before it gets too hot and humid.

A ten-minute drive from Cooinda Lodge, this incredible river cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong along the heritage-listed South Alligator River takes dreamy adventure to a whole new level. There are six departures daily, and the most popular times are sunrise and sunset when wildlife come out to play. See colossal crocs swimming through fields of pink water lilies, sea eagles diving for fish, and tiny bird lovers hopping across gigantic floating lily pads. With one of the dynamic and hilarious Yellow Water guides driving the boat, you can be confident that not a single animal fact, sneaky croc or colourful story will pass by unaccounted for.

Time Out tip: We recommend going on a dawn cruise, when the air is soft and oceanic and all the animals are starting their day.

Perhaps one of the most spectacular things to do in Kakadu, this incredible natural gorge is one of the only places you can swim in Kakadu. Despite having a few ‘Beware: Crocodile' signs scattered around, this gorge is an incredibly popular swimming spot, and for good reason. Only accessible by four-wheel drive and an hour's drive from Cooinda, it's at the end of a short monsoon rainforest walk that requires a low to moderate fitness level. Walk past rainbow pittas, emerald doves and tiny yellow butterflies that dart over the tropical track. Soon you will arrive at the main event: a crystal-clear plunge pool and massive sparkling waterfall, all set within a dazzling stone amphitheatre. Swim in the glittering turquoise water, sunbake on the smooth rocks, and lie under the fresh tumbling cascades. This place is, by all definitions, 100 per cent paradise. 

Time Out tip: Save this adventure for the dry season. During the wet season (October to April), Maguk is usually cut off by flooded roads and closures.

A 30-minute drive from Jabiru down the Arnhem Highway/ Oenpelli Road, you’ll be blessed with a front-row seat to some of the most incredible rock art on the planet, as well as a pretty mind-blowing place to watch the sunset. Ubirr is home to two ancient Indigenous rock art galleries that can be explored via an easy one-kilometre loop track, and the best time to visit during the dry season is around 4pm, when the light is golden and the heat of the day is gone.

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled for etchings of a Tasmanian tiger, the ethereal mimi spirits and a musket from the 1800s. After you’ve had your art fill, clamber up the rocks to find a prime spot to sit and watch the sunset drench the stretching flood plains. It's always spectacular and never the same twice.  

You don't have to be a bird nerd to appreciate the wonder of these serene wetlands, home to one-third of Australia's bird species – many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. To make the best of your time, follow the three-kilometre walk that winds alongside the wetlands, where you might spot colourful kingfishers, finches, herons and jacanas flying over the paperbark trees. Don't forget to look down too, as you might be lucky enough to spot a wallaby or the occasional crocodile loitering amongst the water lilies.

Time Out tip: While accessible year-round, Mamukala truly comes alive in the late dry season (September to October) when thousands of water birds flock to the billabong as other bodies of water in Kakadu dry up.

A seven-minute drive from Bowali Visitor Centre – your go-to spot for travel tips and inspo – you'll find this not-for-profit Aboriginal art centre. This beautifully restored bakery – painted in various shades of pink with a pretty epic mural out the back – features an air-conditioned exhibition area and workspace, showcasing works by more than 400 artists from in and around Kakadu. You can peruse and purchase all the paintings, weavings, printed shirts and jewellery on display and meet the artists as they work on their works. 

Time Out tip: If the caffeine craving calls, pick up a bloody good cup o’ joe from the resident café. It's owned and governed by Mirarr Traditional Owners, and all proceeds here go towards contributing to Gundjeihmi’s community development initiatives.