A Must-Read Guide On Camping In Kakadu

Camping in Kakadu National Park is guaranteed to be a thousand-star experience.

Visiting Kakadu National Park is a nature lover’s dream. To truly immerse yourself among the World-Heritage surroundings, make tracks with a tent in tow to discover campsites that provide a gateway to the great outdoors.

Kakadu National Park, which spans nearly twenty thousand square kilometres of Bininj/Mungguy Country, is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. We’ve rounded up the best places to camp in Kakadu, whether you’re looking for hiking trails, swimming spots or just a great base to pitch up and hang out.

Before setting out to camp in Kakadu, it’s important to be adequately prepared with information and supplies and check the Parks Australia Kakadu National Park website in advance for closures. Keep in mind what facilities are available, road conditions and 4WD access. But without further ado, here’s our list of the best places to camp in Kakadu.

Mardukal campground

This managed campground is an ideal base for holidaymakers looking to explore Kakadu National Park. The campground is located near Cooinda Lodge, just a stone’s throw from Cooinda’s Barra Bar and Mimi’s Restaurant.

the Kakadu's wetlands — Venture through Kakadu’s wetlands. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

It’s also convenient if you’re interested in taking one of Kakadu’s most popular tours, the Yellow Water Billabong cruise, which also runs out of Cooinda Lodge. With creature comforts in close reach and a short drive to some of the park’s main attractions, this campsite is perfect for a leisurely camping stay.

the Yellow Water Billabong cruise in Kakadu — Join the Yellow Water Billabong cruise for an unforgettable experience. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: No

Merl campground

Merl campground is the best place to camp in Kakadu if you’re drawn to the park’s exquisite rock art. The campground is situated in the north of Kakadu, just three kilometres from the rock art site of Ubirr. Not only is Ubirr one of the best things to do in Kakadu, but it’s also an incredible spot to watch the sunset.

two people admiring the sunset from Ubirr, Kakadu — Take in incredible sunset views at Ubirr. (Image: Tourism NT)

Catch a glimpse of one of Kakadu’s most photogenic views, before heading back to camp to gather around a fire pit. If you’re a keen hiker, you’ll enjoy tramping along the trails threaded throughout the East Alligator Region, too.

a man standing on top of Nawurlandja Lookout — Hike up the Nawurlandja Lookout for breathtaking views across Kakadu. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: No

Karnamarr campground

If you’re keen to pay a visit to Kakadu’s famous waterfalls, then you’ll be in prime position at Karnamarr campground .

a helicopter hovering above Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park — Kakadu National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. (Image: Tourism NT; Che Chorley)

The campsite is located a short drive between Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls – two waterfalls that are not only miraculously beautiful, but sites of deep spiritual significance for the Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners. The campground is named for the red-tailed black cockatoo, a common sight to behold around the area.

an aerial view of Kakadu falls — Admire Kakadu’s rugged beauty from above. (Image: Tourism NT; Sean Scott)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: Yes

Maguk campground

If a refreshing soak in emerald waters beneath cascading waterfalls sounds pleasant to you, then make a beeline for Maguk campground .

a woman floating on a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls in Maguk — Float in picture-perfect emerald waters. (Image: Tourism NT; Adriana Alvarado)

This campground is a little more on the wild side than the mainstream sites, but the rewards are certainly well worth it. Campers will be a stone’s throw from Maguk’s beautiful plunge pools, located just a short walk away through a lush rainforest canopy.

a cascading waterfalls in Maguk — Follow the scenic route to the cascading waterfalls near Maguk. (Image: Tourism NT)

Take a dip before moseying back to camp in the evening for a feed and some stargazing. When swimming or travelling near bodies of water, it’s important to be CrocWise . National Parks remove crocodiles each year, but it’s vital to exercise caution and follow local advice.

a woman swimming in Maguk — Take a refreshing dip. (Image: Tourism NT; @helloemilie)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

Kambolgie campground

Ditch the crowds and carve out a pocket of peace at Kambolgie campground . If you’re looking for a quiet place to camp in Kakadu, Kambolgie might just fit the bill. This charming spot is close to a lot of Stone Country highlights, such as the Yurmikmik walks which wind around creeks and waterfalls. The campground is also just a little more than 10 minutes from the Kakadu Highway, making it a convenient base to explore the rest of the park.

two people standing on the side of a rock formation at Motor Car Falls, Kakadu — Plunge into the cold waterfalls. (Image: adeshfr on Flickr)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Recommended

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) campground

For those looking to get off the beaten track, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) is a gorgeous place to base yourself in the south of Kakadu. It’s a bit of an effort to drive in, but it will be well worth the sweat. You’ll be surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ridges and close to the start of the stunning Jarrangbarnm (Koolpin Gorge) walk. It’s important to note that you need a permit to camp and bushwalk here. There are also sacred Indigenous sites that are off-limits to visitors, so keep informed and stay aware of local signage.

a woman surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ridges at Koolpin Gorge — Be surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ridges at Koolpin Gorge. (Image: Mattfrancey-on-Flickr)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal)

Keen fishermen will be as happy as Larry at West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal), one of the best places to camp in Kakadu if you’re hoping to reel in some barramundi.

an aerial view of West Alligator Head, Kakadu — Explore the remote landscapes of West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal).

Located at the very north of the park facing the sea, West Alligator Head is one of Kakadu’s more unexplored corners. You’ll find mainly local fishos here, but if you’re a traveller with a penchant for adventure, West Alligator Head is a blissfully remote escape.

view of the West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal) — The remote beauty of the landscape will stay with you.

Cost: $6 per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

Glamping in Kakadu National Park

Want to feel close to nature, but still crave small luxuries? Glamping combines the best of both worlds. We’ve rounded up the best glamping spots in Kakadu and the rest of the Northern Territory, where you can feel all the perks of the great outdoors – from the comfort of a cosy bed. Rather go the more conventional accommodation route? We’ve got you covered with our accommodation guide to Kakadu.

camping with Offroad Dreaming, Kakadu — Go glamping to feel closer to nature. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

The best time to camp in Kakadu

The most popular time to camp is during the drier months between May and October. However, if you don’t mind the rain and your gear is up to scratch, visitors can experience Kakadu in every season. We’ve gone into depth into the different seasons to visit Kakadu as well as the six Indigenous seasons of Kakadu National Park. If you’re combining your Kakadu visit with a road trip, we’ve also compiled some of the best campsites from Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine, too.

a tent on the grounds of Kakadu — The best time to camp in Kakadu is between May and October. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

Can I camp for free in Kakadu?

Yes! If you’re after the ultimate wilderness experience, there are some sites where you can pitch a tent free of charge. Check out Alligator Billabong, Four Mile Hole and Bucket Billabong, for instance. Free campsites tend to have minimal facilities and be 4WD accessible only, so make sure you have all the key information before heading out.

people hanging out in a Billabong Safari tent Kakadu — Get cosy in a Billabong Safari tent. (Image: Tourism NT; Helen Orr)

Kakadu National Park pass & permits

All visitors require a park pass to access Kakadu, although passes are free for Northern Territory residents. Cost varies depending on the season and passes are available either online or at select venues within the park. Some campgrounds, such as Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) campground, require specific permits. Consult Parks Australia for more information.

Want to know more about staying and playing in Kakadu? We’ve got your ultimate guide to Kakadu National Park right here.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Camping in Kakadu – here’s where to have a thousand star experience