Going wild doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Here are all the best accommodation options in and around Kakadu.
Kakadu National Park sings with natural beauty and Bininj/Mungguy culture. When it comes to Kakadu accommodation, there’s something for every style of traveller. Options range from luxury stays nestled in awe-inspiring nature to comfortable caravan parks loaded with amenities. Discover everything you need to know about Kakadu National Park before you go, then follow our guide on where to stay.
1. Cooinda Lodge
Each glamping retreat opens out to a private terrace. (Credit: Tourism NT/Kakadu Tourism)
Best for: Every style of stay – luxury, budget, caravans, camping or glamping.
Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge is an Indigenous-owned property that’s popular with locals. Sitting pretty on the banks of Yellow Water Billabong (Ngurrungurrudjba), the lodge offers a comfortable place to unwind with its tropical lagoon pool and top-notch bistro.
Accommodation offerings run the gamut here, ranging from no-frills campsites to spacious glamping-style tents, affordable lodges and luxury villas. Located in the heart of Kakadu, Cooinda Lodge is in a prime position for exploring some of the park’s stunning waterfalls and the ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr. If you’re looking for activities to fill your itinerary, explore our guide on things to do in Kakadu.
Cooinda Lodge’s Yellow Water Villas are its luxury offering. An oasis surrounded by paperbark and pandanus, the villas evoke eco-luxe with well-appointed rooms decorated with local Indigenous designs. The more low-key twin and queen lodges offer comfort at affordable prices, with ensuite bathrooms and an outdoor dining area.
Cooinda’s Outback Retreats are breezy glamping tents where visitors can feel immersed in nature while also retaining the comforts of air conditioning and plush bedding. Here, you’ll have a private and spacious room to get some R&R, with access to a shared toilet/shower block and cooking facilities.
The shady Yellow Water campground next to Yellow Water Billabong on the grounds of Cooinda Lodge is bound to ensure a slew of happy campers looking for low key Kakadu accommodation. There are powered and unpowered sites offering a picturesque place to park up a caravan or pitch a tent.
Campers can access all lodge facilities, including a shower and toilet block, shared kitchen, laundry, bar and pool to cool off during the heat of the day.
Bed down in an all-inclusive wilderness camp. (Credit: Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss)
The wildlife-rich floodplains at Bamurru. (Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)
Best for: Luxury
Bamarru Plains offers all-inclusive luxury accommodation on the edge of Kakadu National Park. It offers the wildness of a remote bush camping trip with all the comforts of a luxury getaway. It’s located in the Mary River Wetlands on a 300-square-kilometre working buffalo station, just on the edge of Kakadu National Park.
The resort echoes an African wilderness camp; within minutes of arrival, you could be viewing wild brumbies, agile wallabies and what seems like an entire field guide of Australian birds. Meals and drinks are included in your stay, so you can lay back and leave your worries at the door.
Guests can immerse themselves in the bush, gaze out at feeding wildlife, sip champagne by the pool, and choose from an array of guided activities included in their stay, like wilderness safaris and crocodile-spotting river cruises. This Kakadu accommodation allows you to experience the landscape in its entirety; there are no telephones, TVs, or internet to distract you.
Address: Bamurru Plains, Swim Creek Station, Kakadu NT 0836
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3. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
The croc-shaped Mercure Kakadu pays homage to the national park’s famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. (Credit: Tourism NT/Salty Wings)
Best for: Budget
The famous crocodile hotel, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, is not nearly as kitsch as the exterior would lead you to believe. The iconic salty-shaped inn is a very comfortable four-star Indigenous-owned Kakadu accommodation option with all the mod cons, tasteful decor, a relaxing swimming pool, a great restaurant, and a collection of quality Indigenous art.
The hotel is also in a prime location in the township of Jabiru. Jabiru is a gateway to the northern end of Kakadu and is home to a few must-see cultural attractions. For example, Marrawuddi Arts and Culture Centre is just a croc’s waddle away, the perfect place for a cuppa and a glimpse at some exquisite local art. It’s also just a 30-minute drive to Ubirr and the popular crocodile-spotting location, Cahills Crossing. At the time of publishing this hotel is up for sale.
With self-contained cabin offerings, Anbinik Kakadu Resort is the perfect retreat for families, groups and budget-savvy travellers. There are different styles of accommodation, ranging from ultra-basic rooms with shared bathrooms to suites with a touch of luxe, including ensuite outdoor showers. The two-bedroom suites are great for families travelling with teens, sleeping up to five in total.
The accommodation is rustic but breezy, clean, and comfortable. It is conveniently located in Jabiru town near shops and attractions. There’s a local IGA, but visitors might want to consider shopping before arrival. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant serving Asian cuisine—the outdoor seating under tropical palms will make you feel truly relaxed. Alternatively, guests can cook up a storm in the camp kitchen or communal BBQ.
A stay at Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park puts you in the middle of the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Best for: Budget, caravan and camping
Surrounded by tropical, landscaped gardens, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park is a tranquil oasis. With a lagoon-style pool and poolside bar, Aurora is the perfect Kakadu accommodation to kick back and cool off in the afternoon. Located in Jabiru town, it’s also a convenient base from which to venture out into Kakadu National Park. Along with peaceful outdoor spaces, Aurora offers powered and unpowered sites for campers and self-contained lodges. The two-bedroom cabins sleep up to seven people, perfect for larger families or groups.
If you’re camping or caravanning, the park doesn’t take reservations, but with 100 unpowered campsites and 186 powered caravans and campsites, there’s always plenty of space available.
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6. Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge
Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge is nestled within a restricted area of Kakadu National Park. (Credit: Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge)
Experiencing Kakadu National Park by staying in a remote, restricted area is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event that should be on your bucket list. Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge is Kakadu accommodation that makes that happen in both a culturally and environmentally sensitive fashion.
Situated in Cannon Hill, a stay at the lodge is part of a three-day adventure with Kakadu Cultural Tours that includes two nights accommodation in tented cabins, two sunset tours, one 4WD day tour and a Guluyambi cruise, plus meals.
Cabins offer all the mod cons needed like ensuites and a beautiful deck to while away the afternoon hours. Transfers to the lodge are included.
The unique experience will have you seeing the park in a way that many visitors don’t have access to, and is a great opportunity to escape the beaten track.
Camping in Kakadu is best for unplugging and unwinding. (Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)
For lovers of the outdoors, there is perhaps no better way to experience Kakadu than at a campsite. For those who prefer the adventure of pitching a tent or pulling up to an unpowered spot, we’ve collated the best places to camp around Kakadu.
In terms of amenities, some sites just have little more than a composting toilet. They’re ultra-basic, but they’re free!
Some campsites such as Merl, Muirella Park, Mardugal and Gunlom have flush toilets and solar-powered showers and cost around $15 per night.
If you’re camping, it’s important to be prepared and bring enough drinking water. For more information, consult the Parks Australia website.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.
Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.
Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.
Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
1. Alice Springs
See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.
Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.
Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.
Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.
2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)
Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.
Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.
Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.
Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.
For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.
4. Tennant Creek
See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.
For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.
Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.
5. Mataranka
Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)
A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.
Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.
6. Nitmiluk National Park
Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)
Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.
Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.
Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.
Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.
8. Darwin
Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.
Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.
