How Big is Kakadu National Park?

Kakadu National Park lies smack bang in Australia’s Northern Territory.

It is a nature reserve bursting with spectacular landscapes and is a haven for a diverse range of beautiful wildlife. With an abundance of cascading waterfalls, native animals, lush bushland, and Aboriginal history.

The proposal to make the area a national park came in 1965. It took a decade to establish a fair agreement with the local Indigenous community. Afterwards, came the announcement the area was Kakadu National Park. They used the name Kakadu to recognise Gagudju, an Indigenous language used throughout the park.

How Big Is the Kakadu National Park?

It is Australia’s largest national park, over nineteen thousand kilometres square. This is around half the size of Switzerland. It has over two thousand different plant species, with a huge number of native animals, including over two hundred bird species.

What to do in Kakadu National Park?

• Salt Water Crocodile spotting

  Welcome to croc country! These massive, ancient beasts are aplenty in the Northern Territory, with around eighty thousand swimming around. They are the largest living reptile in the world, growing to seven metres long. You can see these remarkable creatures safely by going on a Jumping crocodile cruise. Come face to face with the enormous crocs in their natural habitat.

• Aboriginal Rock Art

  As the Kakadu National Parkland has a long history with the Aboriginal people, there are many historic artefacts from past ancestors. Aboriginal Rock Art is one example as it covers the area in incredibly preserved art, done on the walls of caves or rocks. Some paintings are up to twenty thousand years old, making it one of the longest historical records of people on Earth.

• Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

  If that’s not enough, why not visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre? Here you can learn even more about the history of the land, with indigenous artefacts and stories of the community’s ancestors. Developed by the traditional owners of the land, this facility aims to give a better understanding of the aboriginal culture.

• Yellow Water Billabong

  In the heart of Kakadu National Park lies the Yellow Water Billabong. Set off on the adventure aboard a cruise boat, and marvel at the amazing scenery. Discover the beautiful Australian native plant life as well as the countless animals such as birds and crocs. A must-do activity for anyone travelling to Northern Territory.

• Gunlom Falls

  At Waterfall Creek, Gunlom falls is a cascading Waterfall with a plunge pool attached. This combination makes it an incredible spot for a swim, with adjoining picnic areas. Take the dive into the crystal-clear water, drying off in the sun as you tuck into some lunch. Make sure you bring your camera as Gunlom has been voted as one of the best views in Australia.

Related article: How did Kakadu get its name?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.