Best Things to Do in Kakadu with Kids

TL;DR

Kakadu works well for families. Rock art sites at Ubirr and Nourlangie are short walks with genuine educational value. A wildlife cruise at Corroboree Billabong is hard to beat for kids of most ages. Bowali Visitors Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre are free, air-conditioned, and more engaging than a typical museum. Swimming holes are a highlight when the right precautions are taken. Stick to the dry season (May to October), pack for heat, and keep the itinerary manageable.

Kakadu tends to surprise families who haven’t been before. The map makes it look overwhelming and the heat puts some people off, but the park delivers the kinds of things kids actually remember: ancient rock paintings, a crocodile sliding past the boat at close range, a clear swimming hole at the end of a bush track. This post covers the best activities for families with children, with practical notes on what to expect and how to make each one work.

Rock Art at Ubirr and Nourlangie

Kakadu has some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. Two sites are ideal for families: Ubirr, near the East Alligator River, and Nourlangie, further south in the park. Both have short, well-maintained walking tracks to viewing platforms where you can see the art up close.

The paintings include X-ray style depictions of fish, animals, and ancestral figures, some estimated to be tens of thousands of years old. Kids who aren’t normally interested in history tend to find this more engaging than expected. The scale of the artwork and the stories behind it tend to hold attention.

Ubirr also has a lookout with panoramic views over the floodplains, best at dusk. Getting there before sunset requires a bit of planning, but it’s one of the better views in the park.

• Ubirr is about 40 km north-east of Jabiru on a sealed road. Nourlangie is around 20 km south of Jabiru, also sealed. No 4WD required for either.
• Walking distances are under 2 km return at both sites. Toilets available at both.
• No shade at the rock art panels. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat.

Wildlife Cruise at Corroboree Billabong

A wildlife cruise is probably the most reliably impressive activity in Kakadu for kids of most ages. Corroboree Billabong, on the Mary River system near the park’s western boundary, hosts large numbers of waterbirds and saltwater crocodiles. Seeing a 4-metre saltwater crocodile slide past the boat at close range is the kind of thing children talk about long after the trip.

Most cruises run at dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active. Guides are skilled at spotting animals that most visitors would miss entirely, and the commentary is generally accessible across different ages.

• Cruises typically run 90 minutes to two hours.
• The boat is open, so bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a light jacket for early morning trips.
• No strict minimum age. Book in advance as departures are limited and fill up in peak season.

Bowali Visitors Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre

These two centres deserve a proper visit, not just a quick stop.
Bowali Visitors Centre, near Jabiru, covers the natural environment of Kakadu: its geology, wildlife, and landscape. The displays are well put together and informative without feeling like a lecture.

Warradjan Cultural Centre, about 50 km south near Cooinda, focuses on Bininj/Mungguy culture and history. Dioramas, storytelling displays, and cultural artefacts make it more engaging for children than a standard exhibition. Kids tend to stay longer here than parents expect.

Both are free. Both are air-conditioned, which matters when it’s 35 degrees outside and you have tired children. Toilets and parking at both sites.

• Bowali is open daily from around 8am to 5pm.
• Warradjan has similar hours, though it’s worth confirming directly as times vary by season.

Swimming Holes

Kakadu’s swimming holes are a highlight of any family trip to the park. A few are well-suited for children.

Gunlom Falls, in the southern part of the park, has a large, shallow pool at the base of the falls and a natural infinity pool at the top of the escarpment, reached by a 40-minute uphill walk. Even if younger children don’t make the climb, the base pool is worth the trip.

Maguk Gorge has a calm, clear pool at the end of a short bushwalk, with small cascades and a sheltered gorge setting that’s good on a hot day.

• Designated swimming areas are checked by rangers and cleared of saltwater crocodiles. Always read the current signage at each site before anyone gets in.
• Supervise children closely near water at all times. Keep them away from the water’s edge at non-designated areas.
• Best visited between May and September. Most access roads close during the wet season.

Tips for Families Travelling in Kakadu

A bit of planning makes a significant difference.

• Keep the daily itinerary short. Distances between sites add up quickly, and two or three activities per day is usually enough with younger children.
• Start early. Most activities are better in the morning before the heat peaks. By early afternoon, a rest tends to be needed.
• Pack well for the conditions: hats, SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent, and more water than you think you need.
• Prioritise sealed-road sites if you don’t have a 4WD. Ubirr, Nourlangie, Bowali, and Warradjan are all accessible without one.
• Take crocodile signage seriously near any water in the park, without exception.
• Give kids something specific to look for at each site, like a particular bird species or an animal in the rock art. It keeps them focused and makes the experience more memorable.

Kid-Friendly Accommodation in Kakadu

Two options stand out for families.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru is one of the more distinctive places to stay in the Northern Territory. The building is shaped like a crocodile (visible from above), which tends to go over well with children. Family rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and proximity to Bowali Visitors Centre make it a practical base for the northern sites.

Cooinda Lodge, near Yellow Water Billabong, sits in the southern part of the park. It offers rooms, a camping area, and direct access to Yellow Water cruises. A good base if you’re focusing on the southern sites: Gunlom, Maguk, and Warradjan Cultural Centre.

Both properties book out during peak season. Reserve well in advance.

Planning Your Kakadu Family Trip

Kakadu rewards families who plan well and don’t try to do everything at once. The rock art gives kids a reference point for thinking about deep history in a way few other places can. The wildlife cruise almost guarantees at least one moment worth talking about. The swimming holes make the drive worthwhile on a hot day.

Three or four well-chosen activities done properly is better than rushing through ten. If you want help putting together a family itinerary, explore more attractions and things to do, or check out our holiday packages.

FAQ

Is Kakadu a suitable travel destination for children?

Yes. The park offers a range of activities that work well for families, including accessible rock art walks, guided wildlife cruises, free visitor centres, and safe designated swimming areas. The main consideration is the heat, so plan activities for early morning and carry plenty of water.

What is the best time of year to visit Kakadu with kids?

May to September, during the dry season. Roads are accessible, activities are running, and temperatures are more manageable than the wet season. The peak wet season (December to March) closes many roads and makes numerous activities unavailable.

What activities are recommended for kids in Kakadu?

Rock art walks at Ubirr and Nourlangie, a wildlife cruise at Corroboree Billabong or Yellow Water, visits to Bowali Visitors Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre, and swimming at designated spots such as Gunlom Falls or Maguk Gorge.

Is it safe for children to swim in Kakadu’s swimming holes?

Designated swimming areas are checked by rangers and cleared of saltwater crocodiles. Always read the current signage before entering the water and supervise children closely at all times. Stick to designated areas only.

Are there family-friendly accommodations in Kakadu?

Yes. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru and Cooinda Lodge near Yellow Water both offer family-friendly facilities and convenient access to the park’s main attractions.