Kakadu National Park

Located in Northern Australia, the Kakadu National Park covers an expanse of 19,804 square kilometers. It is home to all kinds of wildlife - including 50 freshwater species, 60 mammal species, 280 bird species, 1,600 plant species and 10,000 insect species. Six popular landforms such as floodplains, tidal flats, estuaries, lowlands, basins, southern hills, Stone Country and outliers may be found within the National Park. Set in the eastern part of Darwin, Kakadu also boasts of four major rivers, the East Alligator River, the Wildman River, the West Alligator River and the South Alligator River.

Straddling between 12 and 14 south of the Equator, the Kakadu National Park has a monsoonal climate with two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season usually occurs during the months of January to April, when rain is expected and the temperature is warm. The dry season falls on the months of April to September, when easterly and dry southerly trade winds blow. There is low humidity and less chance of rain during this season.

Kakadu is Nature's Haven

With several land forms and bodies of water located in Kakadu, it attracts a diverse spectrum of fauna. A few of Kakadu's animals are endangered, rare or endemic. They are active at certain times of the day because of the extreme climate. There are over 60 species of mammals, ranging from placental mammals to marsupials. They may be found in woodlands and open forests, but some are difficult to sight because of their nocturnal nature. Kangaroos and wallabies can be spotted easily during times when the temperature is cooler. Aside from mammals, over 280 species of birds live in Kakadu and constitute over one-third of Australia's avian species.

Freshwater fish are also abundant in the waters of Kakadu like the Magela Creek, where 32 species are said to inhabit. There are also 10,000 species of insects in Kakadu, but a majority of them are often ignored by visitors. Insect groups in Kakadu are comprised of beetles, grasshoppers, flies, butterflies, termites, bees, moths, ants, wasps, damselflies, dragonflies, caddis flies, mayflies and non-biting midges. This wide array of insects resulted from the Park's comparatively high temperatures during a year. Among all insect groups, the termites are considered most striking because of their creative and well-structured mounds. The Leichhardts grasshopper, with its spectacular orange, black and blue colors, is also eye-catching. This can be located in Gregory National Park and on Arnhem Land plateau.

Now, there are 117 reptile species in Kakadu, which depend on the Park's dry climate to help them regulate body temperatures. But this does not mean that reptiles move only in daytime because some snakes can take the noon time heat and still be active during nightfall. The two crocodile species, the Saltwater Crocodile and the Freshwater Crocodile, are usually seen in Kakadu. Tourists can tell them apart through the difference in their scutes (the four large bony humps on their heads), sizes and snouts. The Freshwater Crocodile is smaller, has a broader snout and lacks scutes.

In Northern Australia, Kakadu has the most number of plant species. The park's habitat diversity and geological characteristics supported the growth of over 1,600 plant groups. Each geographical location in Kakadu is known for its own plant species. The basins and southern hills are where Eucalyptus Koolpinensis can be found, while resurrection grasses are located in Stone Country despite its extreme heat. Grasses such as sedges, wildflowers and spear grass are usually found in the Park's lowland areas. Floodplains are where freshwater mangroves, paper bark trees, water lilies and pandanus species are to be found, while banyan fig trees and kapok trees are located in monsoon forests.

Kakadu and the Aboriginal Culture

Found in a bounty of nature, the Kakadu National Park also emanates with the cultural richness behind its Aboriginal heritage. Actually, its name was derived from a mispronounced term, "Gagadju", which was the spoken language in the northern areas of the Park. The Aboriginal people lived in Kakadu for over 40,000 years and over 5,000 Aboriginal art sites have been discovered. The discovery of this rich cultural value led to Kakadu National Park's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage List.

Together with the Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Parks Australia and the Kakadu Board of Management, the Aboriginal residents of Kakadu help in ensuring that the Park's traditional and cultural identity is kept. Even though the Aboriginal people have lived different lifestyles in recent years, their beliefs and customs are still practiced today.

Places to visit in Kakadu/Tours

To get to Kakadu, visitors take a three-hour drive along Arnhem Highway, while for those who want to experience a different way to explore, they can try Kakadu tours through 4WD safaris and camping tours. Crocodiles, dingos, goannas, wallabies and different kinds of birds may be spotted. The flora's magnificent changes, which occur between the tropical wet to dry season, are a sight to behold. Taking pictures beside towering termite mounds found alongside the roads is popular.

Kakadu tours also include trips to several areas within the Park such as the Warradjen Cultural Centre, Aurora Kakadu Resort, Nourlangie Rock, Ubirr Rock, Twin Falls and the Jim Jim Falls. Nature trippers enjoy Kakadu's scenic beauty through biking, trekking, swimming, and even cruising. A Kakadu trip won't be complete without sampling sumptuous Australian dishes such as barbecued buffalo, barramundi or kangaroo. Most tourists who come to Kakadu stay at the Bark Hutt Inn and the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn. Visitors who would like to go on the Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise should ideally be accommodated at the Gagudju Cooinda Lodge, where the passengers are to board.

Scenic flights offer a birds eye view of the vast, ancient and varied landscape, flying over wetlands, waterfalls and the immense landscape, a blanket of color to the horizon in every direction.

With so many activities to do and so many sights to see, a trip to the Kakadu National Park is definitely an experience blessed by Aboriginal culture and Mother Nature. Aside from getting a glimpse of nature's diversity, a Kakadu tour reminds visitors that there can still be coexistence between man and nature.

Contact

• Address:  
  Kakadu National Park 
  Bowali Visitor Centre 
  P.O. Box 71, Jabiru 0886 N.T
• Phone:
  08 8938 1120
• Fax:
  08 8938 1123
• Email: kakadunationalpark@deh.gov.au
• Website: www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu

 Fees

• There are no longer entrance fees to be paid by the public to enter the park
• Other fees such as for camping are still payable

 Facilities

• The visitor centre there are toilets with wheel chair access
• Some tracks are wheel chair suitable

Clothing and Supplies

• Outside
  Clothing should be comfortable, light and suitably protective from the sun. This may mean long sleeved shirts. At the least a hat to provide you shade, a high UV protective sunscreen (preferably waterproof so you can have something you can trust in the water) and comfortable walking shoes for potentially longs walks and protection from the terrain.
• Inside
  The climate and lifestyle of the NT does result in a very casual dress but keep in mind that many venues that you would expect to have a dress code in any other city will have the same here. To be sure, check the dress code of any venues or dress appropriately before you attend.
• Water
  The climate of the NT requires you to remain hydrated and this means you may drink a lot more water then you ordinarily would. Carry plenty of water particularly for long drives and walks. Worn hydration packs are popular amongst visitors and a very good idea. 
• Fuel
  > Opportunities to fill up your vehicle with fuel are far and few between so take the opportunity to do so when you get a chance
  > Same goes for food and other provisions

 How to Get There

• Northern entrance:
  > 150km East of Darwin via Arnhem Highway (a sealed road)
  > This is the most common route taken
  > 2-3 hour drive
• Southern entrance:
  > To pine creek
      + From Darwin, take the Stuart Highway (230km)
      + 90km From Katherine
  > From pine creek take Kakadu highway another 60km to the entrance

When to Go

Seasons dictate the transformation of Kakadu park resulting in diverse environments and experiences.

• Dry Season
  > April to September
  > The most popular time to go
  > Weather is dry and most comfortable
  > The park is at its most accessible
  > Many wildlife popular to view are concentrated in the wetlands
• Build up
  > October to November
  > Less people in accommodation, using facilities etc
  > Weather can be hot, humid and uncomfortable outside during certain times of the day
  > Best time to see wildlife such as crocodiles and birds in the wetlands
• Wet Season
  > December to March
  > Off-peak, far less people then any other time of the year
  > Monsoon rains, high heat and humidity can be very uncomfortable and restrict many areas that would otherwise be accessible and popular to visitors

Kakadu National Park Photos