Kakadu National Park: Hiking, Aboriginal rock art galleries and a yellow water cruise
The first National Park we explored in the NT was Kakadu. To begin with, the Aboriginal rock art galleries we saw were stunning. Next, we cruised the East Alligator River and the Yellow Water Billabong. The wildlife we spotted along the way was unforgettable. Afterwards, camping and swimming at Edith Falls was magical. Finally, we loved hiking in Litchfield National Park and swimming under the waterfalls.
Darwin
Darwin is the main city in the Northern Territory. It is a vibrant city with a blend of cultures and a rich indigenous culture. Known as the “Gateway to the Top End”
We stayed at the Darwin’s waterfront which was a perfect location. Just a five-minute walk from the bustling CBD, it felt like a world away. We explored the restaurants and bars, relaxed by the wave pool and poolside beach, and found something to enjoy at every turn. A little further on, we headed to Stokes Hill Wharf—an ideal spot to end the day with a sunset dinner at one of the outdoor cafés or casual restaurants.
The Esplanade was a breath of fresh air. After exploring the city, it was wonderful to walk along the shaded path, feeling the cool sea breezes on our skin and taking in the stunning views of Darwin’s coastline. It was a peaceful escape, yet so close to the heart of the CBD.
We loved the Mindil Beach Sunset Market! To start with, it had such a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. We spent hours browsing through the stalls. From unique artwork to delicious street food, we enjoyed discovering all sorts of treasures. All in all, it’s a must-do in Darwin!
As the Mindil Beach Sunset Market winds down, tourists make their way to the shoreline. They watch the beautiful sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Kakadu National Park
The Kakadu national park is the largest park in Australia. It,s size is nearly 20,000 square kilometres. It is famous for its stunning landscapes, lush wetlands, and waterfalls. The park is also home to ancient Aboriginal rock art and a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 65,000 years.
After we left Darwin behind us, the real adventure began as we drove into the heart of Kakadu National Park. Undoubtedly, the Fogg Dam and the Window on the Wetlands were just the first hints of the natural wonders to come. We were fascinated by the landscapes and wildlife we saw. Our first night in Kakadu was at the Mary River Resort, in our motorhome close to the river.
Ubirr
Our next stop was Ubirr, where we explored an extraordinary site. This famous location, with its stunning rock paintings, proves that people have lived in the region from 20,000 years ago. Long before the first with European explorers arrived.
Although the sunset from the viewpoint is said to be the most beautiful, we were unable to make it in time.
In the afternoon, we went on a Cruise along the East Alligator River. During the cruise, our Aboriginal guide shared with us how they use native plants and animals for food, medicine, and tools.
Near Cahills Crossing, we saw a massive crocodile was basking on the riverbed.
Later on our cruise, we saw a freshwater crocodile. Its slender snout and smaller size were clear distinctions from its larger saltwater cousin.
The East Alligator River is beautiful, but don’t swim or walk on the river banks. The crocs are only waiting to feast on you.
We saw so many fantastic rock formations on our cruise! There was one that looked like a head it was amazing.
We finally made it to Merl campground after a long day of hiking and driving, and scored a sweet spot!
We enjoyed the rock art at Ubirr so much that we visited Nourlangie the next day. This famous site features stunning rock paintings dating back 20,000 years.
Following our the Anbangbang Gallery, we climbed to the Kunwarddewardde lookout. From there we had a stunning view of sandstone cliffs and savannah woodlands.
Yellow Water Billabong
Yellow Water Billabong, near the small village of Cooinda, is a stunning wetland full of diverse flora and fauna. In fact, it is one of the most remarkable natural habitats in the region. Moreover, for thousands of years, it has been used 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 of waterbirds, eagles, and crocodiles. If you plan on booking a sunset cruise, make sure to bring some mosquito repellent.
The waterways of the Yellow Water Billabong are covered with lotus flowers. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also a vital food source for Aboriginal people. In particular, their roots and seeds can be eaten raw, boiled, or ground into flour to make bread.
Cruising through the waterways was, as expected, a fantastic experience. We loved the rich variety of wildlife and plant life, making it a must-visit for any nature lover.
As our boat went through the waterways, a crocodile followed closely, waiting for someone to trip and fall in. It was both thrilling and a stark reminder to stay cautious in this wildlife-rich area.
As the sun sets, make sure you apply insect repellent, or the mosquitos will eat you up.
At the end of our cruise, we had a beautiful sunset. The sky changed into ever-shifting colours.
From Kakadu National Park we drove to Katherine Gorge. On the we were passed huge termite mounds. These fascinating structures only added to the beauty of the trip.
In the early dry season, which lasts from April to July, the Aboriginal rangers carry out back burning.They start small patches of grass fires to prevent larger and more devastating flames from starting.
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park, has two sections, the striking Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk Gorge) and the peaceful Leliyn (Edith Falls).We went to both. The gorge cruise was fantastic but camping and hiking at Edith Falls was one of the highlights of our trip.
Nitmiluk Gorge
The Katherine River is home to 13 stunning gorges, three of which can be explored by boat. To make the most of our visit, we took the ‘Two Gorge Cruise,’ travelling through the wonderful Katherine Gorge. During the cruise, our guide shared captivating Dreamtime stories. As a result, by the end of the trip, we had gained a deeper understanding of the gorge’s rich history and, moreover, its importance to Indigenous culture.
The cliff face along the river changes from solid rock to lush green vegetation, offering both shelter and food for the local wildlife.
This is the cliff where Half-Caste Joe and his Aboriginal daughter, Jedda, leapt to their deaths in the 1955 film Jedda.
During our cruise, we discovered several fantastic caves in the cliff.
Then, we saw some freshwater crocodiles basking in the sun.
Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Then, we left Katherine and went to Leliyn (Edith Falls), where we spent a few peaceful days at the small campground. Surrounded by nature, the campground was the perfect spot for swimming and hiking. We had all that we needed, tables, gas grills, showers, and restrooms. Power generators were not permitted, which made sure that it was quiet and tranquil.
The Leliyn Trail is a delightful one-hour walk with a beautiful view of the Edith River.
We tackled the challenging Sweetwater Pool Trail. From there, we had a stunning view of the upper Edith Falls pool.
We made a detour to Douglas Daly and spent one night at the local Holiday Park. Before driving to the Litchfield National Park, we hiked along the Douglas River. View of the famous “Arches”.
Litchfield National Park
The wonderful Litchfield National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Darwin and is a hidden gem. In fact, we enjoyed the park much more than the famous Kakadu National Park. The ancient landscape, shaped by water, is truly breathtaking. In addition to the great hiking trails, there are stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes. Most importantly, for us, it was awesome walking through an area where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years.
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 mounts warm up quickly in the morning sun and at the hottest time of the day face the thin part of the mount, to keep the temperatures cool. The termites are tiny but incredibly smart.
The Cathedral termite mound in Litchfield National Park is huge.
A pleasant morning hike in Litchfield National Park.
Wangi Falls is the most popular swimming hole in Litchfield National Park. The pool is large and deep. We loved to swim right up to the falls.
We hiked the Shady Creek and Florence Creek trail in Litchfield National Park. After walking through the picturesque landscapes, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the cascading Florence Falls.
After leaving Litchfield National Park, we drove to Darwin to catch our flight home. Along the way, we stopped halfway at Berry Springs Nature Park for a refreshing swim in the hot spring water. All in all, our trip to the Northern Territory was fantastic, and this was a perfect way to end it.
At Berry Springs, the fascinating fish gave us a little send-off as we swam.
More from Northern Territory: Red Centre