What should I wear to Kakadu?

Kakadu is one of Australia’s largest and most beautiful national parks. It’s where culture meets nature! Think waterfalls, wildlife, aboriginal rock art and so much more.

It can get quite hot in and around Kakadu. Especially in the wet season. So make sure to pack smart. You can bring a few different items of clothing with you when in Kakadu. It will depend on what you are planning to do when you’re here. Because you’re not going to want to wear the same thing going bushwalking as you do for leisure. And not to forget, it also depends on the season. The rainy season (November – April) is always going to be hotter.

Bushwalking

If you plan to do some bushwalking, we recommend long lightweight clothing. This will help protect you from the sun and mosquitos. This type of clothing will also dry more quickly than regular clothing. You will want some good walking shoes to help support you and to prevent injury. Wearing a hat is also recommended, like a broad-brimmed hat. If you want you could wear a mosquito head net too. There are many bushwalks you can do in Kakadu that are of different walking lengths. Some great walks are the Kingardun walk, Jim Jim plunge pool walk, and the Twin Falls plateau walk.

Leisure

If you’re planning a holiday to Kakadu, you would want comfortable clothing. If you’re here during the dry season, we recommend warmer clothing for cooler nights. Clothes like track pants and hoodies are ideal. During the day you might want something a bit lighter as it still can get warm. Other than relaxing, there are some other fun activities to do in Kakadu. Think of birdwatching, fishing, or a short walk to see some beautiful waterfalls. You can also enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water while enjoying dinner.

Camping

When camping you want to bring a bit of everything for clothing. Just as with bushwalking, it’s smart to wear clothes that keep you warm during the night and safe from mozzies and sun during the day. You can camp at Mardukal during the dry season. At the campground, there are toilets and showers to use. You’ll be about six kilometres from the Cooinda hub which has a general store, a bar, and a restaurant. It’s basically glamping!

Swimming

If you plan to do some swimming in Kakadu, it’s good to bring your bathing suit and a towel. Or maybe fast drying clothing. You can swim at Gunlom Falls and there are a few swimming holes at Koolpin Gorge too.

We recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, sturdy shoes and long lightweight clothing when you’re visiting the beautiful Kakadu national park. You can always wear shorts and a shirt, but the sun in the NT is strong. Ensure you wear sunscreen when outdoors and reapply every two hours. And don’t forget a water bottle!

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.