9 Immersive Kakadu Tours You Must Experience

Kakadu is not only steeped in natural beauty – it also holds 65,000 years of Indigenous history.

Choosing which tours to do in Kakadu National Park can be bamboozling, so we’ve taken the hard work out with this list of the best tours in Kakadu.

The Traditional Owners are the Bininj in the north of Kakadu and the Mungguy in the south. The landscape heaves with life, both cultural and natural, and contains a multitude of spiritual sites.

There are plenty of tours in Kakadu that offer incredible insights into the land and local culture. Where possible, it’s a great idea to seek out Indigenous-owned businesses and tour guides, as Aboriginal people hold the knowledge, stories and culture of the region and have done so for many millennia.

It’s worth noting that to enter Kakadu, you’ll need to purchase a Parks Pass , which can be organised online, or bought at one of the locations listed on Parks Australia’s website. Once you’ve got that sorted, here are the best tours in Kakadu to explore.

1. Yellow Water Cruises

Best for: Families and wildlife lovers

The Yellow Water Cruise is one of the most iconic tours in Kakadu and operates year-round out of Cooinda Lodge (one of Kakadu’s most popular accommodation offerings). The landscape is ever-changing depending on the season, so no two cruises will be the same.

a woman admiring the sunset on a Yellow Water Cruise in Kakadu — Take the Yellow Water Cruise at sunset.

The wetlands are truly spectacular, and you’ll spot birdlife in abundance. Kakadu is home to around one-third of Australia’s bird species, and on the Yellow Water Billabong is a great place to witness jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and egrets. Take the tour at dawn or dusk when the wildlife is more active.

a Magpie Goose in the wetlands of Kakadu — Magpie Goose resides in the wetlands of Kakadu. (Image: Gillian McLaughlin)

Price: Starting from $105 per person for a 1.5-hour cruise

2. Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

Best for: Travellers seeking a cultural experience

From a small dock not far from Ubirr, you will venture to the Arnhem Land side of the East Alligator River on a small covered boat cruise. This is an intimate tour where an Aboriginal guide will share local culture, stories and mythology.

a crocodile in Kakadu — Expect to see a crocodile up close. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

This Aboriginal reserve is otherwise inaccessible to tourists unless you have a permit. However, as guests of the Traditional Owners on this tour, you can venture where most cannot. Expect to see some impressively large crocodiles, sandy beaches and ancient rock art.

Price: $89 for a one-hour and 45-minute cruise

3. Rock art tours

Best for: Families and travellers curious about Indigenous history and spirituality.

Kakadu holds thousands of rock art sites , which are some of the oldest records of any group of people in the world. The two most famous rock art sites in Kakadu are Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Here, you’ll find enigmatic depictions of animals, spirits and Indigenous Creation Ancestors.

James Morgan explaining Ubirr Rock Art to visitors — Find mystic creatures illustrated on the Burrungkuy Rock Art.

If you’re interested in learning about local Indigenous culture, a taking tour of Kakadu’s rock art is one of the best things to do in the national park.

The local Bininj guides of Yibekka Rock Art Tours lead tours to Burrungkuy, sharing the incredible stories behind the rock art as well as the Dreaming stories held within the landscape.

enigmatic drawings on the rock at Ubirr, Kakadu — Yibekka Rock Art Tours lead tours to Burrungkuy. (Image: Namarrkon adeshfr)

For groups looking to enrich their experience in Kakadu, take a cultural tour of Ubirr and/or Burrungkuy with Ayal Aboriginal Tours , where your knowledgeable guide will interpret the landscape and images you’re witnessing.

Victor Cooper accompanying tourists during Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu — Tour Kakadu bushlands with Ayal Aboriginal Tours’ local guide Victor Cooper.

Price: For Yibekka Tours, enquire about pricing on their website. For Ayal Aboriginal Tours, a private guide for 90 minutes starts at $550 for groups of up to 12 people.

4. Ranger-guided walks, talks and workshops

Best for: Families and travellers curious about Indigenous history and spirituality

One of the best things about Kakadu is that its most popular walking trails are staffed by park rangers who, during the dry season, give guided tours for free. The tours are part of Kakadu’s interpretive program, which includes guided walks, slideshows in certain campgrounds, art site talks and cultural demonstrations like pandanus weaving and Indigenous painting techniques.

The program schedule changes each dry season, so stay up to date with The Parks’ schedule of ranger-guided activities . Attending is free, but you must book online. For more information, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre, which can be contacted on 08 8938 1120

two people sitting on a rock at Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu — See spectacular views of Kakadu from the Nawurlandja Lookout.

Price: Free

5. Wildlife safari

Best for: Immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture

Animal Tracks is a seven-hour wildlife safari and fascinating Aboriginal cultural tour in a 4WD bus that runs in the dry season.

You’ll hunt and forage ingredients for your dinner, then cook them to eat while watching the sunset over a billabong alive with bird life. Animal Tracks has exclusive access to some areas of wetlands and woodlands, with a maximum of 18 guests and led by an expert Aboriginal guide.

a couple at the Animal Tracks Safari in Kakadu — Hunt, forage and cook ingredients for your dinner with Animal Tracks Safari. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Price: From $240

6. Scenic flights

Best for: Travellers with an adventurous streak

A scenic flight in Kakadu is an unforgettable experience. Get a new perspective of the floodplains and escarpments from the air, especially in the wet season. Feel like you’re in an action movie as you soar over savanna woodlands in a doorless helicopter, whizzing past magnificent waterfalls and darting through canyons.

Hop on a scenic flight over Twin Falls, Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Kakadu Air Services offer scenic flights options (helicopter of fixed-wing aircrafts) that last between 20 minutes and an hour. Visitors can truly kick back and take in the landscape from the ultimate vantage point. If you’re short on time, Kakadu Air Services also offer a Darwin to Kakadu day trip via helicopter that takes in a few of the key attractions, as well as unparalleled vistas of the landscape. The tour returns to Darwin at 4pm on the same day.

an aerial view of Kakadu National Park — Be mesmerised by the jagged rock formations up above.

Price: From $159 for a half-hour fixed-wing flight.

7. 4WD tours

Best for: Travellers looking to get off the beaten path (literally).

A four-wheel-drive tour of Kakadu allows visitors to get right into the heart of the National Park, and access areas way off the beaten track.

If you’re looking for unique cultural insights, the Traditional Owners that run Kakadu Cultural Tours have access to exclusive sites in Northern Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Arnhemlander is an exceptional day tour into Western Arnhem Land.

people walking at sunset during Kakadu Cultural Tours — Immerse in the wilderness with Kakadu Cultural Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Or perhaps you’d like to a few days with Sab Lord – a legend in the Northern Territory known as a classic outback character. Sab’s Lords Safaris take day and multi-day tours into Kakadu. His family owned and operated the last pastoral land that later became part of Kakadu National Park and Sab has maintained his connection to the land.

Price: The Arnhemlander starts from $302. Enquire here for Lord’s Safari’s multi-day tour pricing.

8. Fishing trips

Best for: Fishing fanatics

The wet season displaces millions of litres of water, making Kakadu a fishing hotspot. After the wet season, barramundi (alongside other fish) collect in certain areas, including Yellow Water, South and East Alligator River, Sandy Billabong, and Two- and Four-Mile Holes.

Fishing in Kakadu requires a licence, but if you don’t have one (or don’t want the hassle of hiring your boat and 4WD), you can join a local fishing tour. Some operators like Kakadu Fishing Tours run day tours from Darwin to Kakadu.

Otherwise, there are a few options if you’d like to add some fishing to your itinerary while in the park. Kakadu Fishing Tours also runs a charter service that can go anywhere you like.

Cooinda Lodge offers Yellow Water Fishing Tours on the beautiful Yellow Water Billabong. Bamurru Lodge, a luxury property nearby Kakadu, turns exclusively into a dedicated barramundi fishing lodge during the run-off.

birds flying over Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu — Watch the birds flock to Yellow Water Billabong. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Price: Yellow Water Fishing Tours are from $260 per person including all fishing gear and cold drinks.

9. Day trips from Darwin

Best for: Travellers short on time, travellers without a car, or travellers who want to kick back and let someone else take care of the planning.

Take away the stress of organising your visit to Kakadu with either a day trip or a multi-day tour from Darwin. We recommend more than one day to truly take in all the region has to offer, but if time is a luxury you don’t have, then there are a few options.

A scenic flight tour of Kakadu from Darwin will save you the most time, stopping off at a few key attractions before returning to Darwin in the afternoon.

Or, set out bright and early for a day tour of Kakadu from Darwin via coach with AAT Kings . If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, then Intrepid Tours offer a multi-day Darwin to Kakadu tour that takes in the very best the Top End has to offer.

Price: Day tours via air start at $899 with Kakadu Air Services. A day tour via coach starts at $399 with AAT Kings. Check Intrepid for their schedule of tours and pricing .

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

9 immersive Kakadu tours you must experience