To not miss any shot of the many waterfalls, natural water pools, and rock paintings, we have prepared a decalogue on the 10 most beautiful spots. Get your pass at the Bowali Visitor Centre and set off to discover these postcard-perfect places.
1. Gunlom Pool
Gunlom Pool is one of the most spectacular natural infinity pools in all of Australia. Here you can cool off and take spectacular photos of the lush Kakadu 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. And to make this excursion even more special, there is also a camping area nearby to sleep under the starry sky.
2. Ubirr
Considered the rock star of Kakadu, the Ubirr site houses some of the oldest and best-preserved rock paintings in the country, from which you can learn a lot about Aboriginal traditions. A must is the climb to the viewpoint, perhaps at sunset, to gaze over the vast floodplain. Ubirr is accessible via Oenpelli Road.
3. Yellow Water Billabong
Iconic billabong, Yellow Water owes its name to the colors that the water takes on at dawn and dusk. The best way to venture into the billabong and admire the different wildlife that inhabit it, such as wild horses, buffalo, various bird species, and saltwater crocodiles, is through a river cruise organized by Yellow Water Cruises. Yellow Water Billabong is located not far from Cooinda, in the heart of the Park.
4. Maguk Gorge
An hour’s drive in a 4×4 from Cooinda, plus a 1 km walk, leads to a true hidden gem: Maguk Gorge. It is a waterfall ending in a natural pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by the green vegetation of Kakadu. The ideal place to swim and cool off in complete tranquility.
5. Motor Car Falls
Natural water pool and waterfalls form the backdrop at Motor Car Falls. Less known and off the beaten path, it is perfect for those seeking tranquility and postcard panoramas.
6. Jim Jim Falls
A trip to Kakadu is not truly 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 waterfalls! Nestled among the rocks of Kakadu National Park, these two waterfalls flow side by side creating a natural water pool surrounded by sand that will make 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 on which to tell their millennial 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 to Gunwarddehwardde Lookout to enjoy one of the best views of Kakadu Park, perfect for an unforgettable photograph.
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 it can only be visited by 40 people at a time to guarantee a truly unique experience in its natural pools.
10. Scenic Flight
And to beautifully close a trip to the Northern Territory, a flight over Kakadu National Park by helicopter or small scenic plane is a must to admire all the park’s wonders from above. Among the operators offering these tours, The Scenic Flight Company has rates starting from about €90 per person for a 30-minute flight.
