Your guide to visiting Kakadu in Tropical Summer

Your guide to visiting Kakadu in tropical summer

Tropical summer in Kakadu National Park

Contrary to popular belief, the tropical summer season from November to April might just be the best time to visit Kakadu National Park. When the rains arrive, the land becomes lush and green, waterfalls and waterholes are at their most spectacular and the park is brimming with wildlife.

There’s also a misconception that it rains all the time during tropical summer. Unless there’s a monsoon, you’ll often only get a shower or two in the afternoon so there’s still plenty of time to explore.

Tropical summer also means less tourists, so you can enjoy taking in the beauty of Kakadu without the crowds of people.

Here’s our local tips on what to do and where to stay in Kakadu during tropical summer.

Experiences and things to do in Kakadu

Take a scenic flight over Kakadu

Seeing Kakadu from the air is one of the best ways to experience the park during tropical summer. Popular Jim Jim Falls is inaccessible by road during this season, so seeing this 200 metre waterfall from the air when water roars over the top is truly spectacular. You’ll also fly over the top of rainforest, stone country and other water holes such as Twin Falls.

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There is a waterfall in the middle of a canyon surrounded by trees.

A small plane is flying over a cliff with trees on it

Cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong

Discover the beauty of the wetlands onboard the Yellow Waters Cruise. Spot crocodiles and learn about the diversity of this river ecosystem. Tropical summer is also the best time to see birds and other wildlife. We recommend the dusk cruise which is one of the most magical times of day on the billabong.

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The sun is setting over a foggy lake with trees in the background.

A boat is docked in the middle of a river at sunset.

Watch the sunset from Ubirr

Take a short walk to the top of Ubirr Rock for incredible views across the flood plains. Take some drinks, nibbles and a picnic blanket and settle in to watch the sunset (many locals will argue that wet season sunsets are in fact better than the dry). Also be sure to check out the rock art sites on the walk up.

A group of people are standing on top of a hill at sunset.

There is a painting of a fish on the wall of a cave.

Two men are walking on a beach at sunset.

Do the Yurmikmik walks

This series of interconnected walks are best done during tropical summer when the water holes are full with fresh water and ready for you to swim in. Traverse through monsoonal rainforests and stone country before cooling off in a creek or plunge pool. You can opt to do a shorted 30 minute walk (2km), or venture further to Yurmikmik Lookout, Motor Car Falls or Kurrundie Falls.

A river surrounded by trees and rocks in a lush green forest.

Two people are swimming in a river surrounded by rocks.

A group of people standing on top of a rock next to a body of water.

Photo credit: Andrew Bain

Where to stay in Kakadu

Cooinda Lodge

This village-style accomodation is set amongst the trees, right next to Yellow Water Billabong. Choose from Lodge Rooms for cabin-style accomodation, or one of the Outback Retreat rooms for a glamping experience.

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Corroboree Houseboats

If you’re looking for a unique stay in Kakadu, cruise down the Mary River on your very own houseboat. Fully equipped with a kitchen, fridge, BBQ and bathroom, staying on a houseboat gives you the chance to really experience the beauty of this pristine river system.

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Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Sleep in the belly of a croc at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. This iconic stay is located in the township of Jabiru and is the perfect base for exploring Kakadu. Enjoy air conditioned hotel rooms, a restaurant, bar and pool.

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A tent with a wooden deck and stairs is lit up at night.

A houseboat is floating on top of a body of water.

An aerial view of a building in the shape of a crocodile

Find flights to Darwin to visit Kakadu National Park

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Discover more of Kakadu

There's so much to see and do in Kakadu National Park. Book unique experience, see local trips and find out what not to miss in this tropical paradise.

Learn more: Things to do in Kakadu

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