Kakadu photography: A professional shares where to get the best shots

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Northern Territory photographer Tracy Ryan has a knack of capturing the majesty of Kakadu, in all its seasons and moods. Here are her top photography spots in the 20,000 square kilometre national park.

Kakadu’s ancient wetlands, escarpment, outliers, woodlands, and monsoon rainforests – home to our earliest Australians for more than 50,000 years – are a photographic and cultural adventure.

The national park recognises the local indigenous calendar of six seasons, where throughout the year the landscapes undergo spectacular changes.

The favourite time of year for photography enthusiasts to visit the park is ‘Wurreng’, in June and July (height of the dry season and its coolest time of year).

Yet, all year round, in all of the seasons, there is always somewhere spectacular to photograph.

Here are my favourite spots and the best time to photograph them. Enjoy!

1. South Alligator Region: Mamukala Wetlands (Sunrise)

Dawn over the Mamukala Wetlands, Kakadu
Dawn Mamukala Wetlands, Kakadu (Photo: Tracy Ryan).

Make sure you get here early to photograph sunrise while waterbirds fly in for their first meal of the day. With the sun rising in a perfect spot opposite the well-covered observation platform, you will definitely be able to get that perfect shot.

The sun rises very fast in the Top End, so make sure you arrive before first light. Oh, and, cover up; the mosquitoes are huge, plentiful and are there for a morning meal as well.

Tips: Carry a tripod to keep your camera steady, set your ISO very high and use no flash. Also, a polarising filter can help to create vivid colours.

2. Nourlangie Region: Nawurlandja Lookout (Mid Morning)

Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu
Look carefully and see the couple – that will give you a better sense of the Nawurlandja Lookout, Kakadu (Photo: Tracy Ryan).

Nawurlandja Lookout is a sensational spot, very easy to access yet still quite a secret. Not many people venture past the well known spot at Nourlangie – it’s only about a 500m walk up a slope.

The well signposted spot affords spectacular, expansive views, taking in Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie and an escarpment in the distance. On a clear day, you can see forever!

Tips: Use a good wide angle lens and a polarising filter to help create vivid blues and greens. Even with a ‘point and shoot’ camera on automatic you’ll get a sensational shot.

3. Nourlangie Region: Anbangbang Billabong (Early Afternoon to Late Afternoon)

Anbangbang Billabong, Kakadu (Photo: Tracy Ryan).
Anbangbang Billabong, Kakadu (Photo: Tracy Ryan).

If you can get into Anbangbang Billabong (check access) it is well worth visiting after Nawurlandja Lookout.

In Wurreng, it is more likely that you will be able to access the circular walk around the billabong.

If not, access is open along the entrance and down near the picnic areas. Head towards the end, look back, and you will see Nourlangie forming a spectacular backdrop to the billabong, which teems with birdlife and lilies. Beware of crocodiles! As the day progresses, the colours here change dramatically; the later you stay the more spectacular.

Tips: A wide angle lens and tripod are recommended.

4. Jim Jim Falls & Twin Falls Region (Midday & Later)

Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu (Photo: Tracy Ryan).

Spectacular Jim Jim Falls is accessible only by 4WD (check access) and takes two hours one way, with soft sand prevalent in the last 10km of the track.

Then there is a 2km return walk to the falls through monsoon rainforest and over boulders (make sure you are fit, wear good shoes and take plenty of water!), taking you to a deep plunge pool where silica sand rests on the bottom, leftover from the ancient inland sea that once covered much of inland Australia.

Ensure you allow a day for this trip if you want to take your time to get some good shots. Crocodiles have been sighted in this area, so heed the information at the start of the walk. You will be able to capture amazing shots all along this walk, but the best opportunities are not too far from the car park, where you can capture the immensity of this ancient landscape and reflections in the water of the towering gorge.

Tips: Use a high ISO in low light, but a standard lens will suffice.

5. Yellow Water Region: Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari (Sunset)

Goose Camp, Kakadu
Animal Tracks Safari’s Goose Camp, Kakadu at sunset (Photo: Tracy Ryan).

 

To capture the most spectacular sunset shots in Kakadu, head to my favourite place, Goose Camp – only accessible on a half day, Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari .

This safari has access to wildlife-rich wetlands and tropical savannah woodland and includes an unforgettable, awe-inspiring bird gathering spectacle, where magpie geese, ducks, pelicans, kites, black-necked stork and brolga can be seen feeding and settling down for the night. Buffalo and crocodile may also feature.

Tips: Make sure you take your long lenses if you want to capture intimate shots of the birdlife and a wide angle lens for sunset shots. Under exposure and a high ISO will make colours more vivid.

Tracy Ryan photography tours

Tracy Ryan is an award-winning landscape and nature photographer from Darwin.  Aside from bespoke photography tours Tracy also offers a one-off  aerial photography tours. See tracyryanphotography.com  for more information.

For more information on Kakadu & things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com

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Gunlom Falls: popular Kakadu site reopens after 6-year closure

    Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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    One of Kakadu’s most renowned landmarks has reopened after being closed for nearly six years due to a legal battle.

    Gunlom Falls is the jewel in the crown of Kakadu National Park. This culturally significant and visually exquisite site has drawn locals and visitors for its cascading 85-metre-tall waterfall and breathtaking pools, which have historically been one of the most popular swimming spots in the region. The top natural infinity pool offers spectacular views across Kakadu National Park, while the bottom pool allows you to swim in the pristine water beneath the cascading waterfall, surrounded by a tranquil sandy beach.

    But in 2019, the site closed, and visitors hadn’t been able to take a dip in the pristine pools or take photos at the site featured in the 1986 cult classic Crocodile Dundee since. Until now. The magnificent falls reopened to the public on 4 July 2025. 

    Kakadu-born and owner of Lord Safaris , Sab Lord, has over 30 years of experience running private tours across Australia’s Top End. He collaborates with local Aboriginal guides and emphasises the importance of visiting the area for both locals and overseas visitors who want to explore its rich culture and natural beauty. “Normally, Gunlom Falls is always on my private itineraries because it’s such a beautiful location. It’s one of the most unique and exciting places to visit in Kakadu,” he said.

    It’s also an important cultural site for the local Jawoyn people. Ryan Barrowei, Senior Traditional Owner and Chair of Kakadu National Park Board of Management, highlighted the importance of the area, stating:

    “Gunlom is an important place for Jawoyn. This land holds stories about our culture, law, and our history. It is just as important for Jawoyn today as it was in Buwurr times (the Dreamtime). Our most powerful Ancestors, Bulajang, still reside on Jawoyn Country today. According to the Traditional Owners, Bulla – a spirit so powerful, they compare it to Armageddon – rests at Gunlom Falls, at the base of sickness country.”

    According to the Traditional Owners, Bulla – a spirit so powerful, they compare it to Armageddon – rests at Gunlom Falls, at the base of sickness country.

    Gunlom Falls Kakadu National Park
    Gunlom Falls is a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty. (Image: Lords Safaris)

    Why was Gunlom Falls closed?

    In 2019, construction was undertaken for a realignment of a walking track by Parks Australia. The track was designed to improve access and safety for visitors to the iconic top pools of Gunlom Falls, but in doing so, it exposed a sacred Jawoyn men’s site to the public and damaged the area. The area was closed at the request of the Traditional Owners.

    Plans for the walkway’s design deviated from what was approved by the Traditional Owners and were conducted without obtaining an authority certificate under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT) . The Act is integral for the protection of Aboriginal culture and heritage in the Northern Territory, which prohibits a “person” from carrying out work on or using a “sacred site” without authority.  The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) charged the Director of National Parks (DNP) with an offence under the Act, which resulted in the matter going to court. 

    Gunlom Falls Kakadu National Park
    The sunset reflected in the water of the top pool. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    In September 2022, the Full Court of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory rejected the case, ruling at the time that the DNP was immune from liability over sacred site damage. In 2023, the AAPA successfully appealed the decision in the High Court, and the current DNP pleaded guilty. The current DNP, Djungan man Ricky Archer, is the first Indigenous person to hold this position, and while the damage occurred before his tenure, he apologised to the Traditional Owners. In 2024, a unanimous decision by the Full Court of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory resulted in a $200,000 fine for the damage. 

    This case highlights the importance of acknowledging Aboriginal land rights and serves as a reminder to travellers to be respectful when visiting sacred sites. Matthew Ryan, NLC Chair, said in a powerful statement at last year’s hearing, “AAPA and the Traditional Owners have worked really hard over the last five years to recognise Gunlom as a sacred place. Now we can all look to the future of caring for this incredible place.”

    Gunlom Falls Kakadu National Park
    Enjoy refreshing dips and breathtaking views. (Image: Lords Safaris)

    When is the best time to visit Gunlom Falls?

    The best time to visit Gunlom Falls is in the dry season (May to October) when there are better hiking conditions, minimal flooding, and clear, calm waters. According to Sab, the area has very few mosquitoes and is slightly cooler due to its distance from the coastal region, with temperatures being a couple of degrees lower.

    Gunlom Falls Kakadu National Park
    Gunlom Falls is projected to reopen in the dry season. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    How to get to Gunlom Falls

    Visitors can drive from Darwin, which takes approximately three hours via the Stuart and Arnhem highways. If you prefer not to do a self-drive or would like a more immersive experience, tours like those created by Sab will be a great way to gain insight into the area and its history and cultural significance and hear directly from First Nations people. The nearest accommodation is approximately a two-hour drive away at Cooinda Lodge , so the spacious public campground equipped with hot showers and flushing toilets is a popular choice.