Kakadu Virtual Tour

Kakadu Virtual Tour

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 05/29/2020

Reading time: 5 mins

Get ready to explore Australia’s largest national park via our virtual tour.

Welcome to Kakadu. This incredible area south of Darwin covers close to 20,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of Wales. Here you will find breathtaking natural scenery, astonishing biodiversity and fascinating insights into the oldest continuing culture in the world. The cultural and natural importance of the park was recognised in 1992 when it became UNESCO World Heritage Listed.

It’s believed the local Bininj/Mungguy people have been living here for at least 40,000 years, with some people saying it could be as long as 65,000 years. Evidence of their presence can be seen in the roughly 5000 rock art sites that dot the park. Even now, Aboriginal people continue to live on the land, even if their lifestyle has changed since the arrival of European settlers. Half of the park is owned by traditional owners, which is then leased to be managed as a national park.

As you explore Kakadu’s snaking waterways and rocky landscapes, you can enjoy unique opportunities to observe native animals in their natural habitat. From the crocodiles that lurk on the riverbanks to the 280 species of birds inhabiting the park, the variety of animals that call the park home are part of the reason the area is so notable. Bring your goggles to find freshwater fish, turtles and sea snakes as you snorkel the waterholes or take a seat at sunset to admire the mammals that come out to play as night-time falls.

So, while you might not be able to explore Kakadu in person at the moment, you can enjoy a quick virtual tour for a taste of what this astounding national park has to offer.

  • Ubirr Rock

    This picturesque spot offers exceptional views over the floodplains of the East Alligator River and is the location of some truly remarkable rock art. Traditionally, people would camp under the natural rock shelters of Ubirr Rock and use the plants and animals of the surrounding area for food, medicine and tools. Animals featured in the rock paintings such as fish, turtles, wallabies and possums were usually hunted for food. A painting of the Tasmanian Tiger in one of the galleries, an animal which has been extinct from mainland Australia for 2000 years, demonstrates the antiquity of the impressive artworks.

    After you have wandered the rock art galleries, take a seat and soak up the view! The outlook here is particularly impressive at sunset, as the descending sun bathes the wetlands in a golden glow. During the wet season, thunderous storm clouds roll over the area and the resulting electrical storms are an impressive sight. As the sun sets, animals leave their cool daytime shelters. Enjoy the opportunity to observe rock wallabies hop about in search of food and kookaburras announce their presence with their loud call.

  • Waterfalls

    Kakadu is home to an impressive number of waterfalls and swimming holes. While offering an invigorating respite from the heat in the dry season, many become violent torrents with the wet season rains.

    • Jim Jim Falls

      Kakadu’s largest waterfall is the towering Jim Jim Falls, with water crashing over a 200-metre-high cliff face. During the wet season, the falls are a thundering torrent, inaccessible by road and only visible by air. But as the water recedes in the dry season, Jim Jim Falls is reduced to a trickle and the plunge pool below is a great spot for a refreshing swim. The pool is easily reached via a short 900-metre-walk through the monsoon forest. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the pool or laze about on the boulders or sandy beach.

      The name Jim Jim comes from the local Kundjeyhmi people’s word for the water pandanas, andjimdjim, that line the water edge. The local Aboriginal name for the area is Barrkmalam. As you wander the anbinik forest, keep your eyes peeled for white-lined honey eaters and peregrine falcons.

    • Maguk/Barramundi Gorge

      One of the few waterfalls in Kakadu that flows year-round is Maguk. The water flow may be reduced during the dry season, but still offers a powerful enough cascade for a relaxing shoulder massage if you sit underneath! Water cascades into the deep pool below, perfect for swimming and home to several freshwater fish species.

    • Gunlom Falls

      One of Kakadu’s most popular swimming holes and best photo spots is Gunlom Falls. Here you can admire the remarkable views of the southern Kakadu National Park as you relax in the natural infinity pool. Snorkelling around the water edge offers the opportunity to spot the rainbow fish and turtles that inhabit the waters, and there are numerous walking trails to follow and explore the surrounding area. Crocodile Dundee fans may recognise the area as the location where Mick Dundee spears a barramundi.

  • Wetlands Cruise

    The Kakadu wetlands are home to a myriad of birds and animals, and there is no better way to experience this incredibly rich ecosystem than with a boat cruise. Climb aboard as we glide down the Yellow Water Billabong, keeping an eye out for the numerous animals that call the area home. Good news for twitchers – a third of Australia’s bird species can be found in Kakadu so look out for magpie geese, jabirus, brolgas and five different kingfisher species. Crocodiles can also be found lurking in the waters, while wild buffalo can be spotted roaming the floodplains.

Related article: How to get to Kakadu National Park?

Cameron Ward
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.