Kakadu National Park: Hiking, Aboriginal rock art galleries and a yellow water cruise

Trip to the Northern Territory. We first visited Kakadu National Park and viewed the Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries. In addition, we went hiking in the beautiful Litchfield National Park and Edith Falls.

Darwin

Darwin, population of 140000, is the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia. It is a vibrant city with a blend of cultures and a rich indigenous culture. Known as the “Gateway to the Top End.”

Before driving our motorhome into the Northern Territory for a hike, we visited the Darwin Waterfront. It is just a five-minute walk from the CBD. This area includes restaurants, bars, a wave pool, and a man-made beach. Stokes Hill Wharf is located a little further away. It is also a great spot for a sunset dinner at one of the outdoor cafes or casual restaurants.

Then, we walked the Esplanade, which is a popular path with plenty of shade, refreshing sea breezes, and stunning views of Darwin’s coastline. It is also very close to the CBD.

When in Darwin, don’t miss the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. As you stroll around, you’ll discover artwork, delicious food, and various services, including jewelers, masseurs, tarot readers, and more.

Tourists leave the market and head to the beach just in time to catch the beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a vast wilderness in the Northern Territory. It is Australia’s largest national park, with nearly 20,000 square kilometres. The park is famous for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage

After spending two nights in Darwin, we hit the road to Kakadu National Park. Our first stops were at the Fogg Dam and the Window on the Wetlands. We then spent our first night in our motorhome at Mary River Resort.

The next day, we drove to Ubirr and saw the famous Aboriginal rock art gallery. The Mabuyus hunter painting, which dates back 2,000 years, depicts a fisherman whose catch has been stolen and seeks vengeance.

Although the sunset from the viewpoint is said to be the most beautiful, we were unable to make it in time.

We took a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise in the afternoon along the East Alligator River. During the boat trip, our helpful and skilled Aboriginal guide explained their culture and how they use plants and animals.

We spotted this big crocodile on the riverbed near the Cahills Crossing.

We spotted another crocodile in the East Alligator River, but this time it was a much smaller freshwater one.

It’s beautiful by the river, but swimming or sunbathing is not safe due to the high number of crocodiles in the area.

While cruising down the river, we saw many amazing rock formations.

After a long day of hiking and driving, we reached the Merl camping ground and luckily found an ideal spot to spend the night.

We had an amazing time at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park and then continued to Nourlangie, the next stunning gallery of rock art paintings.

We climbed to the Kunwarddewardde outlook, with a breathtaking view of the sandstone cliffs and savannah woodlands.

Yellow Water Billabong

Yellow Water. Billabong is located near the little village of Cooinda. It is a beautiful wetland with an array of fauna and flora, which have been used for thousands of years for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

The next day, we went on a two-hour Yellow Water sunset cruise. The cruise took us through the Yellow Water Billabong, which was full with waterbirds, eagles, and crocodiles. If you plan on booking a sunset cruise, make sure to bring along some mosquito repellent

Lotus flowers cover the waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong. They are an important food source for Aboriginal people as the roots and seeds can be eaten raw, boiled, or turned into bread.

Boating through the waterways is fantastic. Moreover, the diverse wildlife and flora make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts.

As our boat went through the waterways, the crocodile followed us. Waited for someone to trip and fall in. It was both exciting and a reminder to be careful in this wildlife-rich area

Sunset, time to apply insect repellent, or you will be eaten by mosquitos.

Finally, as our cruise finished, the sunset was stunning. Furthermore, the changing hues of the sky created a breathtaking display of colours.

We saw amazing termite mounds as we drove from Kakadu National Park to Katherine Gorge. Furthermore, these unique structures added to the scenic beauty of the trip.

Aboriginal park rangers do back burning in Kakadu National Park during the early dry season, which lasts from April to July. They start small patchy grass fires to prevent larger, more devastating flames from starting.

Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park – Katherine Gorge in the Northern Territory is a stunning National Park. On the Katherine River, there are 13 wonderful gorges. A guided boat cruise gives an insight in the rich Aboriginal culture and wildlife of the area.

We took the “two gorge cruises” from Katherine through the beautiful Katherine Gorge. During the trip, our guide talked about dreamtime stories and Aboriginal culture. His speech helped us understand the gorge’s rich history and showed us its place in indigenous culture.

In addition, the abundant plant life along the riverbank offers a secure habitat for wildlife.

This is the cliff from which half-caste Joe and his Aboriginal daughter Jedda jumped to their deaths in the 1955 film “Jedda”.

During our cruise, we discovered several fantastic caves along the cliff.

Then, we saw some freshwater crocodiles basking in the sun.

We left Katherine and went to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where we spent a few days at the little campground. It was quiet and peaceful, perfect for swimming and hiking. The camping ground has tables, gas grills, showers, and a restroom; however, no power generators are permitted.

The Leliyn Trail is a delightful one-hour walk with a beautiful view of the Edith River.

The Sweetwater Pool Trail is a challenging hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough with us. Enjoy the view from the upper Edith Falls pool.

After making a detour to Douglas Daly, we spent one night at the Douglas Daly Holiday Park. Before driving to Litchfield National Park, we hiked along the Douglas River Esplanade (The Arches).

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is one and a half hours drive from Darwin; it has stunning waterfalls, clear swimming holes, and unique rock formations. It’s a fantastic place for hiking and enjoying the waterfalls.

The Magnetic Termite Mounds in Litchfield National Park are like magnetic compasses. Their thin edges point north-south, while their backs face east-west.

The Cathedral termite mound in Litchfield National Park is huge.

A pleasant morning hike in Litchfield National Park.

We went for a swim at Wangi Falls, which is one of the most popular swimming holes in Litchfield National Park.

The Shady Creek and Florence Creek Walks in Litchfield National Park are beautiful hiking trails. The waterfall in Florence is absolutely stunning.

Before our flight home, we swam at the Berry Springs hot springs, another highlight of our trip to the Northern Territory.

At Barry Springs, we said goodbye to the fascinating fish.

More from Northern Territory: Red Centre