Ultimate Guide To Motorhome Travel In Kakadu

Whether you’re team ‘Kaka-do’ or team ‘Kaka-don’t’, travelling through Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory is one of those bucket-list adventures you just have to experience for yourself. With sprawling landscapes, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and a diverse array of wildlife, Kakadu offers a little something for everyone.

We hope you’re ready! It’s time for some essential travel tips, the best things to see, top camping grounds, and our recommendation for how long you should spend in Kakadu.

Kakadu Southern Entrance, Shay C

Travel Tips for Kakadu Motorhome Adventure

1. Plan Your Route: Kakadu is vast, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres. To get the most out of your trip, start by mapping out key destinations. The main roads, such as the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway, are sealed, but some attractions like West Alligator Head, Twin Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Maguk, and Jarrangbarnmi are unsuitable for driving a motorhome on and will require a 4WD vehicle.
2. Fuel Up: Petrol stations are few and  far apart, so always top up when you have the chance. Jabiru, Cooinda, and Pine Creek are your best bets for refuelling.
3. Weather Watch: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit. Roads are more accessible, and the weather is more manageable for hiking. The wet season (November to April) can lead to road closures and limited accessibility due to flooding.
4. Permits: Don’t forget to purchase your park pass online or at Bowali Visitor Centre. This pass is essential for entry and helps with park maintenance. It’s easy to obtain and is your contribution to the management and preservation of Kakadu.
5. Stock Up: Supplies can be pricey and sparse in remote areas like this, so you’ll want to stock up on groceries and essentials before entering the park. Depending on which direction you’re entering the park from, Darwin and Katherine are both good spots to do your grocery shop.

Mamukala Wetlands, Shay C

Best Things to See in Kakadu

1. Ubirr Rock: Famous for its rock art, Ubirr offers panoramic views of the Nadab Floodplain. The art here is considered some of the best in Australia, depicting everything from animals and spirits to early European settlers. If you have clear skies, we absolutely recommend hiking up to see the famous sunset!
2. Nourlangie (Burrunggui): This is one of the park’s most famous rock art sites, showcasing Aboriginal history and culture. A short walk around the site is full of hand paintings dating back thousands of years.
3. Mamukala Wetlands: For a taste of something different, the wetlands offer a quaint viewing platform with stunning views over lilypad-infested waters. You’ll uncover a peaceful environment and plenty of bird-watching opportunities here, and there’s an easy woodland walking trail that is one of the highlights of the area.                                                                            Keep an eye out for local wildlife, with wild pigs and Agile wallabies known to frequent the area!
4. Yellow Water Billabong: Take a cruise to witness Kakadu’s wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and a variety of bird species! This area is teeming with life, and a guided tour will give you fascinating insights into the ecosystem. To really experience the area, you can even take two cruises – day and night.

Bukbuk Lookout, Shay C

Prime Camping Grounds

1. Cooinda Campground & Caravan Park: A well-equipped site with amenities like a toilets, showers, drinking water, and powered sites. It’s a great base for exploring the Yellow Water region.
2. Jabiru Lake Park: Located near the town of Jabiru, this site offers powered sites and is close to shops and restaurants. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of urban comfort while exploring the wilderness.
3. Merl Campground: Perfect for those visiting Ubirr, this is a basic yet comfortable site with showers and toilets. The proximity to Ubirr makes it the best spot for catching that sunset over the floodplains.
4. Mardugal Campground: A quieter spot with fewer amenities but close to many natural attractions. It’s a good choice for those looking for a more rustic, back-to-nature experience.

Jim Jim Creek from the highway, Shay C

How Long to Spend in Kakadu

Even if you’re just here for a quick look around, you’ll still want to plan for at least a few days to explore Kakadu thoroughly. Here's our suggested itinerary if you’re travelling from Darwin to Kakadu:

• Day 1: Book your Yellow Water Billabong cruise and spend the morning out on the river before picking up some memorabilia and seeing the exhibition at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. These first two days allow you to ease into the natural beauty and rich culture of Kakadu.
• Day 2: Move to Jabiru Lake Park and explore the little town – make sure you stop by Marrawudi Arts and Culture for a coffee and a browse at the local First Nations people’s artwork. Visit Ubirr Rock and take a scenic flight over Kakadu. The aerial perspective provides an unparalleled view of the park's vastness and diversity. You can head back to Jabiru or stick around for the sunset.
• Day 3: Head over to Nourlangie early in the morning to learn about the Aboriginal rock art. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the Anbangbang Billabong before making your way down to Katherine for the next leg of your road trip.

This condensed trip will give you the chance to see the major highlights without rushing. However, if you fall in love with Kakadu an extended stay will let you immerse yourself more deeply in the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage!

Slap On The Sunscreen And Grab Your Hat!

Kakadu National Park has plenty of highlights waiting to be explored, but it’ll take a lot of patience and driving between attractions. Luckily, travelling by motorhome will give you the freedom to experience it at your own pace. With careful planning, a genuine curiosity for knowledge, and respect for the natural environment, your trip to Kakadu will be something to remember.

So pack your bags, fuel up your motorhome, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most incredible national parks! Start your adventure today and call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!