Going wild doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Here are all the best accommodation options in and around Kakadu.
Kakadu National Park sings with natural beauty and Bininj/Mungguy culture. When it comes to Kakadu accommodation, there’s something for every style of traveller. Options range from luxury stays nestled in awe-inspiring nature to comfortable caravan parks loaded with amenities. Discover everything you need to know about Kakadu National Park before you go, then follow our guide on where to stay.
1. Cooinda Lodge
Each glamping retreat opens out to a private terrace. (Credit: Tourism NT/Kakadu Tourism)
Best for: Every style of stay – luxury, budget, caravans, camping or glamping.
Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge is an Indigenous-owned property that’s popular with locals. Sitting pretty on the banks of Yellow Water Billabong (Ngurrungurrudjba), the lodge offers a comfortable place to unwind with its tropical lagoon pool and top-notch bistro.
Accommodation offerings run the gamut here, ranging from no-frills campsites to spacious glamping-style tents, affordable lodges and luxury villas. Located in the heart of Kakadu, Cooinda Lodge is in a prime position for exploring some of the park’s stunning waterfalls and the ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr. If you’re looking for activities to fill your itinerary, explore our guide on things to do in Kakadu.
Cooinda Lodge’s Yellow Water Villas are its luxury offering. An oasis surrounded by paperbark and pandanus, the villas evoke eco-luxe with well-appointed rooms decorated with local Indigenous designs. The more low-key twin and queen lodges offer comfort at affordable prices, with ensuite bathrooms and an outdoor dining area.
Cooinda’s Outback Retreats are breezy glamping tents where visitors can feel immersed in nature while also retaining the comforts of air conditioning and plush bedding. Here, you’ll have a private and spacious room to get some R&R, with access to a shared toilet/shower block and cooking facilities.
The shady Yellow Water campground next to Yellow Water Billabong on the grounds of Cooinda Lodge is bound to ensure a slew of happy campers looking for low key Kakadu accommodation. There are powered and unpowered sites offering a picturesque place to park up a caravan or pitch a tent.
Campers can access all lodge facilities, including a shower and toilet block, shared kitchen, laundry, bar and pool to cool off during the heat of the day.
Bed down in an all-inclusive wilderness camp. (Credit: Tourism NT/Charlie Bliss)
The wildlife-rich floodplains at Bamurru. (Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)
Best for: Luxury
Bamarru Plains offers all-inclusive luxury accommodation on the edge of Kakadu National Park. It offers the wildness of a remote bush camping trip with all the comforts of a luxury getaway. It’s located in the Mary River Wetlands on a 300-square-kilometre working buffalo station, just on the edge of Kakadu National Park.
The resort echoes an African wilderness camp; within minutes of arrival, you could be viewing wild brumbies, agile wallabies and what seems like an entire field guide of Australian birds. Meals and drinks are included in your stay, so you can lay back and leave your worries at the door.
Guests can immerse themselves in the bush, gaze out at feeding wildlife, sip champagne by the pool, and choose from an array of guided activities included in their stay, like wilderness safaris and crocodile-spotting river cruises. This Kakadu accommodation allows you to experience the landscape in its entirety; there are no telephones, TVs, or internet to distract you.
Address: Bamurru Plains, Swim Creek Station, Kakadu NT 0836
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3. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
The croc-shaped Mercure Kakadu pays homage to the national park’s famous inhabitant, the saltwater crocodile. (Credit: Tourism NT/Salty Wings)
Best for: Budget
The famous crocodile hotel, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, is not nearly as kitsch as the exterior would lead you to believe. The iconic salty-shaped inn is a very comfortable four-star Indigenous-owned Kakadu accommodation option with all the mod cons, tasteful decor, a relaxing swimming pool, a great restaurant, and a collection of quality Indigenous art.
The hotel is also in a prime location in the township of Jabiru. Jabiru is a gateway to the northern end of Kakadu and is home to a few must-see cultural attractions. For example, Marrawuddi Arts and Culture Centre is just a croc’s waddle away, the perfect place for a cuppa and a glimpse at some exquisite local art. It’s also just a 30-minute drive to Ubirr and the popular crocodile-spotting location, Cahills Crossing. At the time of publishing this hotel is up for sale.
With self-contained cabin offerings, Anbinik Kakadu Resort is the perfect retreat for families, groups and budget-savvy travellers. There are different styles of accommodation, ranging from ultra-basic rooms with shared bathrooms to suites with a touch of luxe, including ensuite outdoor showers. The two-bedroom suites are great for families travelling with teens, sleeping up to five in total.
The accommodation is rustic but breezy, clean, and comfortable. It is conveniently located in Jabiru town near shops and attractions. There’s a local IGA, but visitors might want to consider shopping before arrival. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant serving Asian cuisine—the outdoor seating under tropical palms will make you feel truly relaxed. Alternatively, guests can cook up a storm in the camp kitchen or communal BBQ.
A stay at Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park puts you in the middle of the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Best for: Budget, caravan and camping
Surrounded by tropical, landscaped gardens, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park is a tranquil oasis. With a lagoon-style pool and poolside bar, Aurora is the perfect Kakadu accommodation to kick back and cool off in the afternoon. Located in Jabiru town, it’s also a convenient base from which to venture out into Kakadu National Park. Along with peaceful outdoor spaces, Aurora offers powered and unpowered sites for campers and self-contained lodges. The two-bedroom cabins sleep up to seven people, perfect for larger families or groups.
If you’re camping or caravanning, the park doesn’t take reservations, but with 100 unpowered campsites and 186 powered caravans and campsites, there’s always plenty of space available.
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6. Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge
Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge is nestled within a restricted area of Kakadu National Park. (Credit: Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge)
Experiencing Kakadu National Park by staying in a remote, restricted area is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime event that should be on your bucket list. Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge is Kakadu accommodation that makes that happen in both a culturally and environmentally sensitive fashion.
Situated in Cannon Hill, a stay at the lodge is part of a three-day adventure with Kakadu Cultural Tours that includes two nights accommodation in tented cabins, two sunset tours, one 4WD day tour and a Guluyambi cruise, plus meals.
Cabins offer all the mod cons needed like ensuites and a beautiful deck to while away the afternoon hours. Transfers to the lodge are included.
The unique experience will have you seeing the park in a way that many visitors don’t have access to, and is a great opportunity to escape the beaten track.
Camping in Kakadu is best for unplugging and unwinding. (Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)
For lovers of the outdoors, there is perhaps no better way to experience Kakadu than at a campsite. For those who prefer the adventure of pitching a tent or pulling up to an unpowered spot, we’ve collated the best places to camp around Kakadu.
In terms of amenities, some sites just have little more than a composting toilet. They’re ultra-basic, but they’re free!
Some campsites such as Merl, Muirella Park, Mardugal and Gunlom have flush toilets and solar-powered showers and cost around $15 per night.
If you’re camping, it’s important to be prepared and bring enough drinking water. For more information, consult the Parks Australia website.
Originally written by Elizabeth Whitehead with updates by Melissa Mason
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.
If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.
As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.
1. Under a Desert Moon dinner
Watch the stars come out over five courses.
Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.
It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.
Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.
2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)
The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.
On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.
3. Kungkas Can Cook
Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)
The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.
Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.
4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.
Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.
5. Pudakul
Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)
Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.
This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.
6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)
Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.
Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.
7. Aboriginal Bush Traders
Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)
A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.
Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.
8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.
On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.
