To not miss any shot of the many waterfalls, natural pools, and rock paintings, we have prepared a ten-point guide on the 10 most beautiful spots. Get your pass at the Bowali Visitor Centre and set out to discover these postcard-perfect places.
1. Gunlom Pool
Gunlom Pool is among the most spectacular natural infinity pools in all of Australia. Here you can cool off and take spectacular photos of Kakadu’s lush green landscape, while at the base of the “pool” there is a waterfall and a shaded picnic area. Gunlom Pool is about 200km south of the town of Jabiru. To make this trip even more special, there is also a camping area nearby where you can sleep under the starry sky.
2. Ubirr
Known as the rock star of Kakadu, the Ubirr site hosts some of the oldest and best-preserved rock paintings in the country, through which you can learn a lot about Aboriginal traditions. A must is the climb to the viewpoint, preferably at sunset, to gaze over the vast floodplain. Ubirr is reachable via Oenpelli Road.
3. Yellow Water Billabong
An iconic billabong, Yellow Water gets its name from the colors the water takes on at dawn and dusk. The best way to enter the billabong and admire the various wild animals inhabiting it, such as wild horses, buffalo, several bird species, and saltwater crocodiles, is through a river cruise organized by Yellow Water Cruises. The Yellow Water Billabong is not far from Cooinda, in the heart of the park.
4. Maguk Gorge
An hour’s drive by 4×4 from Cooinda, plus a 1 km walk, will take you to a true hidden gem: Maguk Gorge. This is a waterfall that ends in a natural pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by Kakadu’s green vegetation. It’s the perfect spot to swim and cool off in complete tranquility.
5. Motor Car Falls
Natural pools and waterfalls form the backdrop at Motor Car Falls. Less known and off the classic routes, it’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and postcard views.
6. Jim Jim Falls
A trip to Kakadu isn’t really complete without a visit to Jim Jim Falls: a foaming and powerful waterfall during the wet season, and an inviting natural water pool during the dry season. The uniqueness of the nature surrounding this place makes it a hot spot not to be missed.
7. Twin Falls
What’s better than one waterfall? Two! Nestled among the rocks of Kakadu National Park flow side by side these two waterfalls that create a natural swimming pool surrounded by sand, making visitors feel like they are on a real beach.
8. Nourlangie Rock
The walls of Nourlangie were used by Aboriginal people as shelter but also as a canvas to tell their millennia-old history. Today we can learn about their traditions thanks to the rock paintings preserved on these ancient rocks. From here you can take a short and easy walk up to the Gunwarddehwardde Lookout to enjoy one of the best views over Kakadu Park, perfect for an unforgettable photo.
9. Koolpin Gorge
Koolpin Gorge, located in the southernmost part of the park, is also called the “jewel of Kakadu”: it is a natural site with limited capacity, as only 40 people can visit at a time to ensure a truly unique experience in its natural pools.
10. Scenic Flight
And to beautifully conclude a trip to the Northern Territory, a flight over Kakadu National Park by helicopter or with a small scenic plane is a must to admire all the park’s wonders from above. Among operators offering these tours, The Scenic Flight Company has rates starting at about €90 per person for a 30-minute flight.
