100 Things To Do Before You Die #006 Go Back To Nature In Kakadu

Enter the unique World Heritage-listed landscapes, and discover outdoor galleries of ancient art (and a few interesting creepy crawlies). Swim under postcard-perfect waterfalls, hike through the deep red gorges, cruise the Yellow Water wetlands and learn from Indigenous people about how their ancestors related to this land

“This tropical national park is the best wetlands wilderness in the world and a World Heritage site.” Bill Peach

There are no towns, crowds or commercial centres in the middle of this semi-arid desert, so you’ll sleep under a perfectly clear, starry sky.

We recommend you take at least a week to discover Kakadu. This wondrous national park is the home base for more than 280 bird, 60 native mammal and thousands of insect species, 120-plus types of reptiles and, of course, crocodiles. It’s both beautiful and thrilling to see so many unique Australian animals in the wild.

The hardest decision is not about whether to visit, but when. The wet season brings vibrant, tropical vegetation but also rain, heat and humidity. The dry season gives you more access to explore a landscape of deep earthy colours and magnificent scenery that ranges from wetlands to stone country, chasms and coastal cliffs.

The traditional owners of Kakadu have occupied the land for over 40,000 years and today lease it to the government for the wider public to explore. Kakadu holds the largest collection of Indigenous rock art in the world, and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to visit one of its significant sites, a living gallery of rock art that ranges in age from about 20,000 to just ten years old.