Backpacking in Kakadu UNESCO World Heritage site 🏆 Top pick national park ranked #2 By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated July 19, 2026 ✨ Why go? Ranked #2 national park in Australia Reasons people choose to explore here 💡 Highlights Don't-miss highlights and experiences Ubirr — Ancient Aboriginal rock art panels and short walks clinging to the Arnhem Land escarpment. Climb the lookout at sunset for a sweeping view over the floodplains and a real sense of scale; the art and panorama make it one of the park’s signature experiences. Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Wetlands — A slow boat cruise through classic Kakadu billabongs where saltwater crocodiles, jabiru, kingfishers and thousands of waterbirds are almost guaranteed. It’s intimate wildlife viewing without having to bushwhack, and the light at dawn or dusk is terrific. Jim Jim Falls — Dramatic, high-drop waterfall into a deep plunge pool framed by sheer sandstone walls. Getting there often involves a corrugated 4WD track and a steeper walk, but the reward is a spectacular swim in a wild setting (seasonal Ubirr — Ancient Aboriginal rock art panels and short walks clinging to the Arnhem Land escarpment. Climb the lookout at sunset for a sweeping view over the floodplains and a real sense of scale; the art and panorama make it one of the park’s signature experiences. Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Wetlands — A slow boat cruise through classic Kakadu billabongs where saltwater crocodiles, jabiru, kingfishers and thousands of waterbirds are almost guaranteed. It’s intimate wildlife viewing without having to bushwhack, and the light at dawn or dusk is terrific. Jim Jim Falls — Dramatic, high-drop waterfall into a deep plunge pool framed by sheer sandstone walls. Getting there often involves a corrugated 4WD track and a steeper walk, but the reward is a spectacular swim in a wild setting (seasonal access, so check before you go). Twin Falls — Hidden-canyon vibes: narrow gorge, cascading water and rainforest pockets. You usually access it by boat shuttle and then a boardwalk/walkway; the canyon walls and secluded pools make for excellent photography and cool swims. Nourlangie (Burrungkuy) — Rich rock art sites and interpretive walks that connect culture to country. Short trails lead to lookouts over the escarpment and flatlands; you get both the history and a good hit of landscape in one stop. Gunlom Falls — Natural infinity pool perched above a waterfall with panoramic views over the floodplain. The steep but manageable climb to the top is worth it for the refreshing swim and the iconic pool edge — great for a late-afternoon chill. Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) — A quieter gorge with a lovely plunge pool at the base of a waterfall, set in a pretty pocket of monsoon forest. Short walks and calm swimming make it an excellent alternative if Jim Jim or Twin are crowded or closed. Things to do around Kakadu 3 Day Kakadu & Litchfield 4WD Expedition 3 Day 4WD Kakadu Adventure 5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure 5 Day 4WD Kakadu Koolpin Safari Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield Adventure 2 Day Kakadu Highlights Tour Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you. 🌤️ When to go? Choosing the right time of year Topic: Weather – Kakadu’s climate swings between a hot, wet season (November to April) and a cooler, dry season (May to October). The wet season brings heavy rains and flooding, making many trails and roads impassable. The dry season offers clear skies and accessible terrain, ideal for backpacking. Topic: Temperature – During the dry season, daytime highs hover around 30-33°C (86-91°F), with cooler nights dropping to 15-20°C (59-68°F). The wet season is hotter and more humid, often exceeding 35°C (95°F), which can sap your energy quickly. Topic: Daylight Hours – Daylight remains fairly consistent year-round, roughly 11 to 13 hours per day. However, the dry season’s clear skies mean you get more usable daylight for hiking and exploring without the interruption of afternoon storms. Topic: Weather – Kakadu’s climate swings between a hot, wet season (November to April) and a cooler, dry season (May to October). The wet season brings heavy rains and flooding, making many trails and roads impassable. The dry season offers clear skies and accessible terrain, ideal for backpacking.

Topic: Temperature – During the dry season, daytime highs hover around 30-33°C (86-91°F), with cooler nights dropping to 15-20°C (59-68°F). The wet season is hotter and more humid, often exceeding 35°C (95°F), which can sap your energy quickly. Topic: Daylight Hours – Daylight remains fairly consistent year-round, roughly 11 to 13 hours per day. However, the dry season’s clear skies mean you get more usable daylight for hiking and exploring without the interruption of afternoon storms. Topic: Crowds – The dry season attracts the bulk of visitors, especially July and August. If you want fewer people, aim for the shoulder months of May or September, when conditions are still good but the park is less crowded. Topic: Seasonal Activities – The dry season is prime for wildlife spotting, hiking, and visiting waterfalls that are flowing but not flooded. The wet season transforms the park into a lush, flooded landscape, great for birdwatching and boat tours but less so for trekking. Topic: Price Fluctuations – Accommodation and tours peak in price during the dry season due to demand. Booking in shoulder months can save money without sacrificing much in terms of weather or access. ✈️ The backpacker research shortcut Australia Travel Guide 🛏️ Where to stay? Where staying makes the most sense 👛 Costs (as of 20 June 2026) Travel costs and budget guide for Kakadu 🥾 Trails Trail guide for Kakadu national park Estimated Duration: 1 hour Estimated Duration: 1 hour Difficulty Level: Easy Key Features: Rock art sites, stunning views of the escarpment, and diverse flora. Terrain: Well-maintained paths with some rocky sections. Estimated Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty Level: Moderate Key Features: Scenic waterfalls, natural infinity pools, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Terrain: Steep sections with some scrambling required. 🛡️ Safety Safety Tips and Common Scams in Kakadu Other Australian national parks near Kakadu Nitmiluk National Park —sandstone gorges, Aboriginal rock art, river cruises | 111 km away Purnululu National Park —beehive domes, striped sandstone, remote gorges | 652 km away Uluru-Kata Tjuta —monoliths, red desert, sacred sites | 1370 km away We 💚 feedback Parting advice and final tips 👋 Meet the founder Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?