Kakadu National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Darwin

Kakadu National Park is as old as time, with biodiversity to rival anywhere else on the planet. It’s one of the biggest parks in Australia, and among the wildest too.

As you explore the wetlands and rocky escarpments, you’ll discover aboriginal sites and wildlife around every corner in a day trip to Kakadu National Park from Darwin.

Here's all you need to know about Kakadu National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Darwin.

How to get to Kakadu National Park from Darwin?

Kakadu National Park is 150 kilometers east of Darwin. You can easily visit on a day trip, either by self-driving or on a guided tour.

From Darwin to Kakadu National Park by car

The journey to Kakadu National Park from Darwin takes around 3 hours. You’ll need to follow the Stuart Highway and then the Arnhem Highway. A 4X4 is advisable if you want to explore the remoter regions.

Guided tour to Kakadu National Park from Darwin

By far the easiest way to explore Kakadu National Park is on a day trip from Darwin. You’ll be collected from your hotel for door-to-door service.

Guided day tours to Kakadu National Park from Darwin last around 12 hours, and pack in lots of different attractions.

How much does the entrance ticket to Kakadu National Park cost?

To enter Kakadu National Park you’ll need to buy a pass. These can be purchased online and are valid for a week.

Dry season park passes

These are for entry from May 15 to October 31.

• Adult (16+ years): AU$40 (US$27)
• Child (5 – 15 years): AU$20 (US$14)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): AU$100 (US$68)
• Concession (pensioners and persons with disabilities resident in Australia): AU$30 (US$20)

Tropical season park passes

These are for entry from November 1 to May 14.

• Adult (16+ years): AU$25 (US$17)
• Child (5 – 15 years): AU$12.50 (US$9)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): AU$65 (US$44)
• Concession (pensioners and persons with disabilities resident in Australia): AU$19 (US$13)

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Kakadu National Park day trips begin with a pickup at your hotel in Darwin. Travel is by minivan, and there will be several sightseeing stops during the journey.

First up are the vast Ubirr floodplains, which provide a dramatic entry into the Kakadu wilderness.

Some tours then include a crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River and a visit to the Fogg Dam Conservation Center. Hikes to Jim Jim and Twin Falls are also on the cards.

In the afternoon you’ll explore the traditional lands of the Limilngan-Wulna people, where birds, turtles and snakes are often spotted. Next is the Bowali Visitor Center for some cultural and historical immersion.

Cahills Crossing provides another crocodile-watching opportunity, while a guided walk to ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries is a fitting end to the day.

The itinerary does change throughout the year, to allow for seasonal flooding. The activities remain similar, they just take place at different locations.

After your day of adventure, you’ll be returned to Darwin.

What kind of tours are available?

There are several different day trips to Kakadu National Park from Darwin.Some focus on the park itself, while others take in additional locations for a bit of variety.

Guided tours to Kakadu National Park from Darwin

These small group excursions are the most popular Kakadu National Park day tours. There will be up to 20 participants, so the experience remains personal. It’s a budget-friendly way to travel.

You’ll be accompanied by a guide and all transportation is provided, so you can just relax and enjoy your day out.

Day tour to Kakadu National Park plus Nourlangie and Yellow Waters from Darwin

This jaunt to Kakadu National Park also takes in Nourlangie and Yellow Waters, so you’ll see more of the Northern Territory. The tour runs on a small group basis to keep costs down.

Transport is in an air-conditioned minivan, with a guide to teach you about local wildlife and cultural traditions. This is a 13-hour tour, so prepare to be out and about for a long period.

5-Day tour to Kakadu National Park plus Arnhem Land from Darwin

Multi-day tours from Darwin are a great way to explore further afield. These trips visit Arnhem Land as well as Kakadu, with overnights in lodges and campsites.

You’ll be traveling by 4X4 and boat to reach some of the more remote areas, so it’s quite an adventure.

Private scenic flight over Kakadu National Park

If you’re short on time or want to see Kakadu from above, then a scenic flight in this airplane tour is the answer. A window seat is guaranteed so you can soak up those views.

Flights are private, so it will just be you and your group on board. A hotel pickup can be requested, or you can drive to the meeting point at Darwin International Airport.

How much do Kakadu National Park day tours from Darwin cost?

Kakadu National Park day tours cost US$200 per person on a small group basis. For the trip that includes visits to Nourlangie and Yellow Waters, expect to pay US$250.

Both excursions provide hotel pickups, transport, a river cruise, lunch and a driver/guide. Park fees are extra.

The 5-day tours to Kakadu start at US$2,560 per traveler. Accommodation and meals are included in the package.

The 2.5-hour scenic airplane flight costs US$530 per person for a private experience. A minimum of two passengers is required.

What will you see and do?

A day trip to Kakadu National Park is all about dramatic landscapes and Aboriginal culture, with more photo opportunities than you could ever imagine. Here’s what you’ll experience on your adventure into the wild:

Natural landmarks

Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its abundance of natural landmarks. The escarpment is over 2 billion years old, with floodplains and rocky outcrops covering the ancient landscape.

The cascades of Jim Jim and Twin Falls are particular highlights when visiting Kakadu. In the dry season, you can hike to the base of the falls, while in the tropical summer they are best viewed from the air.

Aboriginal rock art

Aboriginal rock art is of huge cultural significance in Kakadu National Park and is an integral part of most tours. You’ll learn how the carvings have been here for thousands of years, charting the history and traditions of the native people.

The Nourlangie and Ubirr rock art sites are the most famous. These natural galleries boast some of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, with colorful pigments lasting to this day.

Crocodile cruise

Most Kakadu National Park excursions include a river cruise to see the famous saltwater crocodiles. This is a safe way to get up close to the toothsome terrors, and you’ll come away with some great photos.

Some cruises take place on the East Alligator River, while others focus on the Yellow Water Billabong. These areas are known for their biodiversity, and you might spot sea eagles and kingfishers too.

When is Kakadu National Park open over the year?

Kakadu National Park is open all year round but if you’re traveling during the wet season, some parts may be closed due to flooding.

If you’re journeying independently, check the park status on the official website before venturing out. The good news is that even if one area is shut, there will be plenty of other regions that remain accessible.

When is the best time to visit Kakadu National Park?

The ultimate time for a day tour to Kakadu National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.

You can also visit during the tropical summer between November and April, which sees lush landscapes and spectacular storms. The park is less crowded at this time of year.

Travel tips

• Book your day tour to Kakadu National Park online so you can search for the best deals.
• A reasonable level of fitness is advisable as there will be some walking during these trips.
• Hiking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must, with insect repellent a good idea, especially in the wet season.