Kakadu National Park

There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre. Kakadu is within the Top End.

It's summer from November to April with magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours. Summer rains may impact access to Kakadu so it’s best to check ahead about any road closures.

From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit during the Dry to experience all of the attractions within Kakadu when they are accessible and at their absolute best.Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.

By air - Kakadu is approximately three hours drive from Darwin, which is the international gateway to the Northern Territory. Darwin’s well-equipped airport hub is the arrival point for most visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.

By road - Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and cities in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT, explore these driving routes around the Territory.

By bus - Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs in the NT and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

Because of Kakadu’s geographical layout, the only real way to get around is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car. Additionally you can join a guided tour to visit the park’s sites and attractions. There are no public buses or taxi services in Kakadu.

Beyond Kakadu, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at Darwin Airport then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.

There are many ways to learn about and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures with many opportunities to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture in Kakadu.

Take a locally-guided multi-day tour from Darwin or book a day trip once you are at Kakadu. Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru is a good starting point for planning your Kakadu explorations. The park has been home to the Bininj/Mungguy people for more than 60,000 years and there are more than 5,000 documented Aboriginal art sites. Many are accessible to visitors and have interpretive signage.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.

There are many ways to learn about and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures with many opportunities to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture in Kakadu.

Take a locally-guided multi-day tour from Darwin or book a day trip once you are at Kakadu. Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru is a good starting point for planning your Kakadu explorations. The park has been home to the Bininj/Mungguy people for more than 60,000 years and there are more than 5,000 documented Aboriginal art sites. Many are accessible to visitors and have interpretive signage.

The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.

Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.

Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.

While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Kakadu National Park is well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors, including actively monitoring waterways for crocodiles. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.

A park pass is required to visit Kakadu National Park. Passes can be purchased online from Parks Australia with options of either a three-day or an annual pass. Additional permits may be required from NT Parks and Wildlife for activities such as fishing and camping in the park.