kakadu cultural tours review

9 immersive Kakadu tours you must experience

Elizabeth Whitehead

Writer & Producer

09 February 2024

Kakadu is not only steeped in natural beauty – it also holds 65,000 years of Indigenous history.

Choosing which tours to do in Kakadu National Park can be bamboozling, so we’ve taken the hard work out with this list of the best tours in Kakadu.

The Traditional Owners are the Bininj in the north of Kakadu and the Mungguy in the south. The landscape heaves with life, both cultural and natural, and contains a multitude of spiritual sites.

There are plenty of tours in Kakadu that offer incredible insights into the land and local culture. Where possible, it’s a great idea to seek out  Indigenous-owned businesses  and tour guides, as Aboriginal people hold the knowledge, stories and culture of the region and have done so for many millennia.

It’s worth noting that to enter Kakadu, you’ll need to purchase a Parks Pass , which can be organised online, or bought at one of the locations listed on Parks Australia’s website. Once you’ve got that sorted, here are the best tours in Kakadu to explore.

1. Yellow Water Cruises

Best for: Families and wildlife lovers

The  Yellow Water Cruise  is one of the most iconic tours in Kakadu and operates year-round out of Cooinda Lodge (one of  Kakadu’s most popular accommodation offerings ). The landscape is ever-changing depending on the season, so no two cruises will be the same.

Take the Yellow Water Cruise at sunset.

The wetlands are truly spectacular, and you’ll spot birdlife in abundance. Kakadu is home to around one-third of Australia’s bird species, and on the Yellow Water Billabong is a great place to witness jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and egrets. Take the tour at dawn or dusk when the wildlife is more active.

Magpie Goose resides in the wetlands of Kakadu. (Image: Gillian McLaughlin)

Price: Starting from $105 per person for a 1.5-hour cruise

2. Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

Best for: Travellers seeking a cultural experience

From a small dock not far from Ubirr, you will venture to the  Arnhem Land  side of the East Alligator River on a  small covered boat cruise.  This is an intimate tour where an Aboriginal guide will share local culture, stories and mythology.

Expect to see a crocodile up close. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

This Aboriginal reserve is otherwise inaccessible to tourists unless you have a permit. However, as guests of the Traditional Owners on this tour, you can venture where most cannot. Expect to see some impressively large crocodiles, sandy beaches, ancient rock art and a spear-throwing demonstration.

This intimate tour is with an Aboriginal guide who will share local culture, stories and mythology. (Image: Helen Orr)

Price: $84 for a one-hour and 45-minute cruise

3. Rock art tours

Best for: Families and travellers curious about Indigenous history and spirituality.

Kakadu holds thousands of  rock art sites , which are some of the oldest records of any group of people in the world. The two most famous rock art sites in Kakadu are Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Here, you’ll find enigmatic depictions of animals, spirits and Indigenous Creation Ancestors.

Find mystic creatures illustrated on the Burrungkuy Rock Art.

If you’re interested in learning about local Indigenous culture, a taking tour of Kakadu’s rock art is one of the best things to do in the national park.

The local Bininj guides of  Yibekka Rock Art Tours  lead tours to Burrungkuy, sharing the incredible stories behind the rock art as well as the Dreaming stories held within the landscape.

Yibekka Rock Art Tours lead tours to Burrungkuy. (Image: Namarrkon adeshfr)

For groups looking to enrich their experience in Kakadu, take a cultural tour of Ubirr and/or Burrungkuy with  Ayal Aboriginal Tours , where your knowledgeable guide will interpret the landscape and images you’re witnessing.

Tour Kakadu bushlands with Ayal Aboriginal Tours’ local guide Victor Cooper.

Price: For Yibekka Tours, enquire about pricing on their website. For Ayal Aboriginal Tours, a private guide for 90 minutes starts at $550 for groups of up to 15 people.

4. Ranger-guided walks, talks and workshops

Best for: Families and travellers curious about Indigenous history and spirituality

One of the best things about Kakadu is that its most popular walking trails are staffed by park rangers who, during the dry season, give guided tours for free. The tours are part of Kakadu’s interpretive program, which includes guided walks, slideshows in certain campgrounds, art site talks and cultural demonstrations like pandanus weaving and Indigenous painting techniques.

The program schedule changes each dry season, so stay up to date with The Parks’  schedule of ranger-guided activities . Attending is free, although you do need to book online in advance.

See spectacular views of Kakadu from the Nawurlandja Lookout.

Price: Free

5. Wildlife safari

Best for: Immersing in Aboriginal culture

Animal Tracks  is a seven-hour wildlife safari and fascinating Aboriginal cultural tour in a 4WD bus that runs in the dry season.

You’ll hunt and forage ingredients for your dinner, then cook them to eat while watching the sunset over a billabong alive with bird life. Animal Tracks has exclusive access to some areas of wetlands and woodlands, with a maximum of 18 guests and led by an expert Aboriginal guide.

Hunt, forage and cook ingredients for your dinner with Animal Tracks Safari. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Price: From $220

6. Scenic flights

Best for: Travellers with an adventurous streak

A helicopter flight in Kakadu is an unforgettable experience. Get a new perspective of the floodplains and escarpments from the air, especially in the wet season. Feel like you’re in an action movie as you soar over savanna woodlands in a doorless helicopter, whizzing past magnificent waterfalls and darting through canyons.

Hop on a scenic flight over Twin Falls, Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Kakadu Air Services  offer scenic flight options that last between 20 minutes and an hour. If you’re short on time, Kakadu Air Services also offer a Darwin to Kakadu day trip via helicopter that takes in a few of the key attractions, as well as unparalleled vistas of the landscape. The tour returns to Darwin at 4pm on the same day.

Be mesmerised by the jagged rock formations up above.

The Scenic Flight Company is another local operator with 14 years of experience in aviation tourism. Visitors can truly kick back and take in the landscape with a one-hour and 45-minute scenic helicopter tour.

Kakadu has the most magnificent waterfalls.

Price: From $150 for a half-hour fixed-wing flight with Kakadu Air Services.  Enquire here  for pricing for The Scenic Flight Company.

7. 4WD tours

Best for: Travellers looking to get off the beaten path (literally).

A four-wheel-drive tour of Kakadu allows visitors to get right into the heart of the National Park, and access areas way off the beaten track.

For a full day of activity, hop in a 4WD with the Indigenous-owned Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tour  that departs from Cooinda Lodge. In the dry season, you’ll head for Jim Jim and Twin Falls, which plunge off the escarpment, making them two of the most spectacular sights in Kakadu.

Hover above the spectacular waterfalls in Kakadu.

If you’re looking for unique cultural insights, the Traditional Owners that run  Kakadu Cultural Tours  have access to exclusive sites in Northern Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Arnhemlander is an exceptional day tour into Western Arnhem Land.

Immerse in the wilderness with Kakadu Cultural Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Or perhaps you’d like to a few days with Sab Lord – a legend in the Northern Territory known as a classic outback character. Sab’s Lords Safaris take day and multi-day tours into Kakadu. His family owned and operated the last pastoral land that later became part of Kakadu National Park and Sab has maintained his connection to the land.

Price: The Spirit of Kakadu starts from $380 and The Arnhemlander starts from $289.  Enquire here  for Lord’s Safari’s multi-day tour pricing.

8. Fishing trips

Best for: Fishing fanatics

The wet season displaces millions of litres of water, making Kakadu a  fishing hotspot . After the wet season, barramundi (alongside other fish) collect in certain areas, including Yellow Water, South and East Alligator River, Sandy Billabong, and Two- and Four-Mile Holes.

Fishing in Kakadu requires a licence, but if you don’t have one (or don’t want the hassle of hiring your boat and 4WD), you can join a local fishing tour. Some operators like  Kakadu Fishing Tours  run day tours from Darwin to Kakadu.

Otherwise, there are a few options if you’d like to add some fishing to your itinerary while in the park. Kakadu Fishing Tours also runs a charter service that can go anywhere you like.

Cooinda Lodge offers  Yellow Water Fishing Tours  on the beautiful Yellow Water Billabong.  Bamurru Lodge , a luxury property nearby Kakadu, turns exclusively into a dedicated barramundi fishing lodge during the run-off.

Watch the birds flock to Yellow Water Billabong. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Price: Yellow Water Fishing Tours are from $250 per person including all fishing gear and cold drinks. Half-day fishing tours are from $250 per person with Kakadu Fishing Tours.

9. Day trips from Darwin

Best for: Travellers short on time, travellers without a car, or travellers who want to kick back and let someone else take care of the planning.

Take away the stress of organising your visit to Kakadu with either a day trip or a multi-day tour from Darwin. We recommend more than one day to truly take in all the region has to offer, but if time is a luxury you don’t have, then there are a few options.

A scenic  flight tour of Kakadu from Darwin  will save you the most time, stopping off at a few key attractions before returning to Darwin in the afternoon.

Or, set out bright and early for a day tour of Kakadu from Darwin via coach with  AAT Kings . If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, then  Intrepid Tours  offers a four-day Darwin to Kakadu tour that takes in the very best the Top End has to offer.

There’s just more to discover in the Top End.

Price: Day tours via air start at $849 with Kakadu Air Services. A day tour via coach starts at $365 with AAT Kings. A four-day trip is from $1484 with Intrepid.

Elizabeth Whitehead has been a travel writer since she realised the most interesting stories are the ones about the world we live in. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her baking focaccia, birdwatching or exploring in her campervan.

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Kakadu Cultural Tours

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Kakadu Cultural Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Pick Up in Jabiru Packages
• Kakadu Your Way

Getting to Kakadu

• Seasons Of Kakadu
• Kakadu National Park Information
• Cultural Information
• Jabiru Info
• Rock Art Chronology
• Safety in the Park

Kakadu Cultural Tours

Cultural tours and cruises in kakadu national park.

Anbinik Kakadu Resort

Best value accommodation in kakadu national park.

Arnhemlander 4wd Cultural & Heritage Day Tour

Into kakadu national park & arnhem land.

Do Kakadu Your Way

Personalised tours to suit all budgets.

Ubirr Combo Tour

2022 ubirr combo tour 15th feb to 15th april 2022, latest 2023 operational update.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River will recommence operating seven days a week from the 1 st May 2023. There will be four departures per day at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Arnhemlander 4wd Tour departures will recommence on 1 st May 2023

For Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge booking informatiion please contact  [email protected] .

Booking Enquiries

It is preferable that all booking enquiries are emailed to  [email protected]

All our products are open for bookings in 2023. 

Cultural tours & cruises in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land

Guluyambi cultural cruise.

Our highly acclaimed unique boat cruise on Kakadu’s scenically spectacular East Alligator River!

Cruise Information!

Arnhemlander 4WD Cultural & Heritage Day Tours

Day Tours into Kakadu National Park & Arnhem Land

Tour Information

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge

Unique accommodation on aboriginal land in Kakadu National Park.

More Information!

Choose from our carefully planned tour and accommodation packages

The best value accommodation in Kakadu National Park!

Anbinik suites.

The new Anbinik Suites with Balinese inspired indoor outdoor bathrooms are without question the nicest rooms in the Kakadu.

2 Bedroom Self Contained Cabins

Spacious – with the choice of air-conditioning and/or natural ventilation via cedar louvres and ceiling fans!

6 Packs: Double Rooms

6 Rooms In The One Building – Double or Twin with air-conditioning or natural ventilation via cedar louvres & ceiling fans

Bush Bungalows

Safari style structure with high step at entry for up to 4 people: Double bed & 1 set single size double decker bunks

EnSuite Powered  Van & Camping Sites

Suit caravan, camper van or tents with private en-suite toilet and shower facilities, slab sites, power & water connections

   Aboriginal Owned & Operated

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Contact KCT

Freecall: 1800 525 238

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Trip Advisor

Kakadu Cultural Tours and Anbinik Kakadu Resort are owned and operated by Djabulukgu Association representing the Traditional Owners of Northern Kakadu and parts of Western Arnhem Land.

You will enjoy exclusive access to country and sites specialising in Aboriginal cultural & nature based cruises, tours & wilderness lodge accommodation in this World Heritage Area.

Guests travel in small groups by comfortable 4WD vehicles & boats, escorted by expert guides, predominantly Aboriginal, ensuring high standards of service & a unique cultural experience.

• Visitor Information

Kakadu Seasons

Jabiru information, kakadu safety, aboriginal culture, aboriginal rock art, kakadu info, djabulukgu association.

Read about the Djabulukgu Association members, programs & history.

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Kakadu Tours and Travel

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KAKADU TOURS AND TRAVEL (Jabiru) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

THE 5 BEST Kakadu National Park Cultural Tours

Cultural tours in kakadu national park.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Private Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Kakadu Wilderness Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise - Day Trip from Darwin

2. Jabiru 30 minute Scenic Flight

3. 5 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure

4. Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Jabiru

5. 4 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge with Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

6. Kakadu National Park Cultural Experience

7. 3 Days Kakadu Cultural Rock Art Experience

What travellers are saying.

• Karin B 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best adventure Was an amazing day. All the team members were absolutely fantastic. Danni was so knowledgeable. All of our group would have loved to sit round a camp and listen to her stories well done to Danni and your team. You will not be disappointed with this adventure. I will be back to take more stories in. Read more Review of: Kakadu Wilderness Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise - Day Trip from Darwin Written 29 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Kakadu Wilderness Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise - Day Trip from Darwin
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3 Days Kakadu Cultural Rock Art Experience

‘Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.’

As the sun rises over the ancient landscapes of Kakadu, travelers find themselves immersed in a world where time seems to stand still, and the stories of the past come alive through intricate rock art.

This 3-day cultural experience offers more than just a glimpse into history; it provides a doorway into a realm where art, nature , and tradition converge to create an unforgettable journey.

But what secrets do these ancient paintings hold? What hidden meanings await those who venture into the heart of Kakadu’s cultural heritage?

• Rich indigenous history and artistic heritage preserved in Kakadu.
• Cultural significance with stories and traditions showcased.
• Efforts in place for art preservation and education.
• Indigenous heritage encapsulated in significant rock art sites.

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• Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu
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Overview of Kakadu Cultural Rock Art

Nestled within the stunning Kakadu National Park, the Kakadu Cultural Rock Art offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich indigenous history and artistic heritage of the region.

The rock art holds immense cultural significance as it showcases stories, traditions , and beliefs passed down through generations. Each painting or engraving is a window into the spiritual and everyday lives of the indigenous peoples who’ve inhabited this land for thousands of years.

Art preservation is a top priority, with efforts in place to protect these ancient artworks from natural elements and human interference. Through guided tours and educational programs, visitors can learn about the techniques used by the artists and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness encapsulated in these rock art sites.

Daily Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy the Kakadu Cultural Rock Art Experience with a detailed daily itinerary that promises unique insights into the ancient indigenous heritage preserved within Kakadu National Park.

The day begins with a captivating Rock Art Interpretation session led by knowledgeable guides, delving into the stories and meanings behind the ancient rock art.

Visitors then embark on an Aboriginal Cultural Immersion experience, participating in traditional activities like spear throwing and bush tucker tasting.

Lunch is a delicious spread of local cuisine enjoyed amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, a guided tour to significant rock art sites offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

The day concludes with a reflection on the day’s learnings, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for Kakadu’s cultural legacy.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

For an unforgettable experience during the Kakadu Cultural Rock Art tour, visitors are encouraged to engage actively with the rich indigenous heritage showcased in Kakadu National Park.

Packing Essentials

• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen , and insect repellent.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Consider packing a camera to capture the stunning rock art sites.

Local Cuisine

• Taste traditional bush tucker like kangaroo, barramundi , and bush tomatoes.
• Explore the local markets for unique Indigenous-inspired dishes.
• Try damper, a traditional Australian soda bread, cooked over a campfire.
• Sample Kakadu plum, a superfood rich in Vitamin C, from the region.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Top End Safari Camp Day Tour
• Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise
• Sunset 3-Hour Cruise From Darwin With Dinner and Sparkling Wine
• 9-Day Kimberley Offroad Adventure From Darwin to Broome
• Darwin Sunset Cruise Including Fish N Chips
• The Croc Bus to the Famous Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Common questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participating in the Kakadu Cultural Rock Art Experience?

Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for participating in the Kakadu cultural rock art experience. This cultural experience is suitable for participants of all ages, making it a family-friendly activity that offers insights into indigenous art and traditions.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Recording During the Tour?

Photography restrictions and recording rules apply during the tour. Visitors must adhere to guidelines for capturing images or videos. These regulations aim to preserve the cultural integrity of the experience and respect the Indigenous heritage.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour, or Are Meals Provided?

Travelers are welcome to bring snacks on the tour, but it’s advisable to check for any dietary restrictions . Meals are typically provided, but having some personal snacks can be convenient. Enjoy the experience!

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather or Extreme Conditions During the Tour?

If bad weather or extreme conditions occur during the tour, alternative activities may be offered. Refunds may vary based on the cancellation policy. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific details on how they handle such situations.

Is There an Option for Private Tours or Customizing the Experience for a Special Occasion?

Private tours are available for those seeking a more personalized experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or a desire for exclusivity, these tours offer tailored itineraries and opportunities to customize the adventure to meet individual preferences.

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Embark on the 3-day Kakadu Cultural Rock Art Experience for an immersive journey into Australia’s indigenous heritage.

Explore the ancient stories and traditions of Kakadu through guided tours, cultural performances , and hands-on activities.

With a deep connection to the land and its art, this experience promises to be unforgettable.

Don’t miss out on this transformative encounter with Kakadu’s cultural treasures. Book your adventure now for an enriching and educational experience like no other.

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• Kakadu National Park
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Arnhemlander Cultural and Heritage 4WD Tour

Arnhemlander Kakadu Cultural Tours. Photo: David Haigh

Cannon Hill Billabong sunset. Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen

An exceptional Aboriginal cultural and heritage 4WD day tour into Arnhem Land and Northern Kakadu, with an experienced guide. 

Guests will be collected from their accommodation in Jabiru and head north, where they’ll journey across Cahills Crossing on the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land.

Meet Aboriginal artists at Injalak Arts and Crafts Centre in Oenpelli. Guests have time to watch Aboriginal people painting and to see the women weaving pandanus baskets. Travel into the Mikkinj valley with its stunning scenery of billabongs, wildlife and towering escarpments. Enjoy lunch beside the Inkiyu Billabong.

Travelling in comfortable 4WDs with forward-facing seats, guests will experience the region’s world-famous landscapes consisting of sandstone escarpment outcrops, rock art sites, forests, floodplains and billabongs with bird life. Arnhem Land permits, refreshments and lunch are included. When Injalak Arts is not open the tour may spend the afternoon out at Cannon Hill, a beautiful and otherwise restricted area of northern Kakadu.

Tours run between May and November each year. Owned and managed by Kakadu Cultural Tours and the Traditional Owners of the clan estates it visits.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Kakadu Cultural Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Kakadu Cultural Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Visiting Tips (2024)

• Ubirr Combo Inquiry
• Booking Inquiry
• Arnhemlander
• Hawk Dreaming
• Ubirr Combo Tour
• Anbinik Kakadu Resort
• Safety in the Park
• Seasons of Kakadu
• Getting to Kakadu
• Cultural Information
• Jabiru Information

Book Now - Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

Our highly acclaimed unique boat cruise on Kakadu’s scenically spectacular East Alligator River!

Book Now - Arnhemlander Cultural & Heritage Day Tour

Aboriginal cultural and heritage day tour into Arnhem Land and Northern Kakadu.

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge

Inquire Now - Unique accommodation on Aboriginal Land in Kakadu National Park.

Learn traditional survival skills

Visit injalak art centre, exclusive guided tours, kakadu national park safety information, anbinik kakadu resort accommodation, aboriginal weaving experience, notice for guests.

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River operates daily departures at 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm from May to Nov 2024. Please visit the Guluyambi page to make an online booking.

Arnhemlander 4wd Day Tour operates daily May to the end of Oct 2024. Please visit the Arnhemlander 4wd Day Tour page to process a secure online booking. Apart from payment we require the names of everybody travelling, dietary requirements and a nominated Jabiru pick up location.

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge HDWL2TC Packages operate from mid-May to mid-Sept 2024. All enquires or booking requests need to be emailed to [email protected]   The 2024 dates that the 2-night HDWL2TC packages are available for are;

• May 2024         11 th to 13 th , 13 th to 15 th , 15 th to 17 th , 19 th to 21 st , 21 st to 23 rd & 23 rd to 25 th
• June 2024         1 st to 3 rd , 8 th to 10 th , 15 th to 17 th , 22 nd to 24 th , 26 th to 28 th & 30 th of June to 2 nd of July
• July 2024          4 th to 6 th , 6 th to 8 th , 12 th to 14 th , 17 th to 19 th , 20 th to 22 nd & 24 th to 26 th
• August 2024    1 st to 3 rd , 7 th to 9 th , 12 th to 14 th , 15 th to 17 th , 21 st to 23 rd , 25 th to 27 th , 27 th to 29 th & 29 th to 31 st
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Contact Details

(emails preferred), kakadu cultural tours, e: [email protected], freecall: 1800 525 238, anbinik kakadu resort:, e: [email protected], p: 61 8 89793144.

Kakadu National Park 17+

The official companion app, director of national parks, designed for iphone, iphone screenshots, description.

Experience the splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park with the official visitor app as your guide. Plan your visit to Kakadu National Park with our free maps and visitor guides. Learn about the local Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginal people and their connection to Country and culture, as well as the plants and animals found in the national park. Explore: Plan your trip with information about tours, walks, events, camping and itineraries Save: Access your favourites offline at the touch of a button Maps: Featuring walking tracks and facilities Learn: Connect with Country and learn about local Aboriginal culture, and animals and plants found in the national park Visitor Information: Opening hours, park pass and safety information Birdwatching: A special birdwatching function lets you listen to bird calls and find common birdwatching spots. This official app was created by people who know and love Kakadu National Park. Notes: Download the app to your phone before you visit to access information and maps offline.

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The developer, Director of National Parks , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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A Fast Tour of Japan's Car Culture

We leave it up to the chef on a tour of car culture in Japan, and we're not disappointed.

From the May/June issue of Car and Driver.

Of all the things I expected to learn in Japan, the size of the spiders wasn't on the list. "Really big," warned photographer Mike Shaffer, an American expat living in Tokyo, as we boarded a train headed for Fuji Speedway. "I'm afraid of spiders," he added. Three train rides and one bus trip later, I regret to inform arachnophobes that Shaffer's assessment is true. On the walk to the speedway entrance, we saw some creatures bigger than a Honda N-Box. The walk of horror was worth it, though, because once we got to the paddock, we were rewarded with hundreds of Nissan GT-Rs, Japan's most coveted car.

We were there for R's Meeting, an annual gathering of the Nissan muscle cars. There were Skylines visible to the skyline, including long-forbidden '90s models, unavailable to U.S. collectors until recently due to import laws. At home, it's rare to see a mid-'90s fourth-generation Skyline GT-R R33 or a turn-of-the-century fifth-gen R34. At R's Meeting, that's just the overflow parking lot. Inside were even rarer cars: GT-Rs turned to artworks, with anime wraps, candy paint jobs over etched metal, and bare carbon fiber, or thrumming with track focus, like NISMO models with full race tunes and intricate aftermarket bodywork. An R34 in a color-changing hue shifted from pomegranate to gloaming blue as we walked by. Owners personalize their cars—we saw rhinestone badges, louvered hoods, and even a glued-on plastic surfer on a carbon-fiber wheel spat—and let the mods speak for them. Nobody was hanging around their vehicle. Instead, they were strolling the midway, admiring the extreme customizations from well-known tuners or stocking up on beer and fried snacks like takoyaki and gyoza on their way to the grandstands to watch racing with the dramatic backdrop of snowcapped Mount Fuji.

R's Meeting is not an official Nissan event, but there was plenty of factory presence. Nissan's senior vice president of global design, Alfonso Albaisa, attended with his family but took time to talk about how much he enjoys seeing the way fans have tweaked and tuned the GT-R over its 55-year life span (longer if you start from the Prince Skyline of the 1950s). For a designer, "the freeing thing about the GT-R is that it doesn't have to be beautiful," he said, pointing out the car's chunky angles and seemingly unrelated influences. "The side view is Japan; the roof is London; the rear, California. Normally, a designer would say that's confusing, but we're not chasing beauty. We're chasing presence. Each GT-R is different. It has to have a little of the brick-shaped sedan that led Porsche in the 1964 Japanese Grand Prix, but otherwise, there's nothing saying, 'This is what a GT-R is.'"

For Hiroshi Tamura, who is considered the father of the modern GT-R for his work on the R34 and the 370Z (he's known by the honorific Tamurasan even in English-speaking circles) and now serves as a brand ambassador for Nissan, the GT-R is an escape from the dull parts of daily life. "For fundamental transport, get a kei car," he said. "Nothing wrong with a kei car. Get a minivan. It's okay to be efficient. But life is not only an efficiency story. We need emotion." Tamura doesn't just speak; he acts out the story as he tells it. He hunches over, curling his arms around an imaginary steering wheel when he describes the GT-R as a mechanical suit that allows the driver to be a commander, at one with the machine, yet requires so much concentration that there's no room for the boring thoughts of everyday life. "You know the difference between humans and animals?" he asked. "Animals can't drive. To drive makes us human."

If R's Meeting represents some of the best of Japan's automaking history, then late-night scenes in Tokyo showcase the diversity of its contemporary car culture. A visit to Japan for a car enthusiast is like a trip to the Galápagos for a birder. You will see things you never knew existed, tripling your life-list entries in a single day.

Or maybe you'll encounter something familiar in an unfamiliar place, like an American muscle car lit by the orange glow of Tokyo Tower. It arrived first as a low thump, then bubbled up into the choppy burps of a pushrod V-8. The empty parking lot lit up as a '70 Plymouth 'Cuda, as tangerine as the tower above, pulled in and came to a squeaky, wet-braked halt. "Hi," said the driver, Ishii "Mitsu" Mitsubishi, as he leaned over to unlock the passenger's door. We'd never met, but a friend of a friend of a friend had connected us after I said I wanted to explore the Tokyo car community. When Mitsu mentioned classic cars, I pictured a Nissan Fairlady Z or an early-'70s Toyota Celica. I was not imagining an American muscle machine with a 440-cubic-inch V-8 and a six-pack. "I went to school in the States, so I bought an American car," Mitsu told me as Shaffer and I squeezed into the Plymouth. "That was in the '90s. I'm 56 now," he added. "Buy an American car. It keeps you younger." Then we were on the road, roaring through tunnels, flashing past the glassy buildings alongside the overpasses, living out the Tokyo Expressway Music Rally from the Gran Turismo 7 video game—which I swore I wouldn't reference in this story, but how could I not when it was exactly like that?

Since long before this visit, I've admired Japanese art, the way the classical painters captured movement and texture with watered brush-strokes and the evolution of that stop-motion action in modern manga and anime. Then I got to Japan, and the landscape really does roll away in washes of blue and lavender. Persimmons pop like little flames against ink-black branches. The light in the city streaks and freezes like a panel out of the automotive-themed manga Shakotan Boogie . I'd thought Japanese artists were impressionists, but they're photorealists.

I could have happily watched the city blur through the windshield all night, but we had places to be. Our destination was the Daikoku Parking Area under the Shuto Expressway. Of all of Tokyo's automotive hubs, Daikoku is the most famous. Most evenings and weekend mornings, the lot fills with cars of every description. Exotics bedazzled with rhinestones, ground-scraping kaido racers with splitters like snowplow blades, classic Hondas, modded sport compacts—makes and models come together like wildlife around a watering hole. The challenge of attending Daikoku is that it borders a police station, so every night, the officers eventually lose patience with the crowds and send everyone home. This could happen hours into the meet or minutes, depending on the mood of the Man, so a Daikoku night is a fragile social proposition. It's fine if you drove in with your crew, because you all can just head to the next destination, but if you've somehow managed to convince a cabby to drop you off, you'll find it much harder to get one to pick you up. Daikoku's popularity might be its undoing, as stranded and ill-behaved tourists bring unwanted attention to the formerly under-the-radar meeting spot. Like influencers in a field of wildflowers, we must be respectful lest we crush what we love.

Because one never knows how long a Daikoku meet might last, the experienced gather ahead of time so they can cruise in together, park together, and get kicked out together. "Plus, you look cooler in a group," said Mitsu. We met his party at a truck stop bordering the expressway, where Kazuyoshi "Kazu" Yoshida in a 1970 Challenger and Toshiya "Toshi" Suzuki in a '71 'Cuda waited for us. A few minutes later, Ayaka Hidaka pulled up in a blacked-out '72 'Cuda; she told us it was her husband's car but looked every bit the badass behind the wheel. "Now we go to Daikoku," said Mitsu, waving his fish into a school and leading us back to the highway.

More tunnels, more lighting strobing over the long hoods and chrome trim. Our V-8 choir got a soprano addition as a Ferrari 458 blasted past. A group of little vans outlined in neon rolled by like a handful of tossed dice. The freeway split, and they headed to the right as we crossed a bridge that took us over Tokyo Bay and onto the Daikoku parking island.

There's this sound I associate with good car shows. It's not the boom and whistle of revved exhausts. It's a human sound, a belly-deep exhale encompassing admiration and respect. It means the same thing wherever you hear it: "Hot damn, look at that car!" As we rumbled into the parking lot, we heard it almost constantly. Even in Detroit, four perfect E-bodies would be a no-table lineup. In Tokyo, it was like entering a rodeo on a giraffe. Mitsu guessed there might be a hundred Challengers and Barracudas in Japan, and it felt like they were all on display that night. But ours weren't the only American cars there or the most unusual. There was a row of modern pony cars—all dropped so low you'd need a feeler gauge to measure their clearance. A red Lancia Delta Integrale sat next to a matte-blue R35 GT-R with a wing you could host a banquet on. Kazu pointed out a row of lowered Toyota s edans. "Very popular for drifting," he said. "Rear-wheel drive." The Ferrari from the tunnel drove by and threw us a rev of recognition. "The enemy," said Mitsu, without real heat.

Somehow, we managed to park all four Mopars and even find space to squeeze in a straggler, Aihara "Mori" Morihiro, in another 1970 'Cuda. Dapper in a pinstriped suit, he eyed a row of Porsche GT3s in the corner. "His day job," said Mitsu. "He sells Porsches." I never had a chance to find out how a Porsche salesman ended up in a Plymouth because the loudspeakers came on with the official police announcement: closing up, time to go. Engines fired up, scissor doors lowered, and air springs hissed as everyone politely, if not exactly hurriedly, prepared to leave. If the 'Cuda crew spun some tire on the exit, I blame the rain.

Since Daikoku often closes early, it's common practice to reconvene with your pals at a second location. For us, that was the hip neighborhood of Shibuya on the west side of Tokyo. There, we added another muscle car to our parade, this time a native: a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-X belonging to Shinji, whose full name I never caught over the sound of muscle-car exhaust. (For the record, Shinji also owns a 'Cuda.) The Skyline fit in just fine with the school of Barracudas, balancing the latter's low boom with sassy down-shift exhaust pops.

Shibuya is all hills and narrow alleys, teenagers on scooters, and showoffs in supercars. It's a serious test of any classic car, and I was impressed that there were no issues with overheating, slipping clutches, or stumbling carbs as we sat in traffic. Car ownership of any kind is a big commitment in Japan. The expressways are all toll roads, the inspections are draconian, registration fees go up with engine displacement and a car's age, and an owner must prove they have space to park a new vehicle to register it. Add in twisty streets and busy intersections, and it's even more amazing that so many people take on the challenge of maneuvering their machines around town. The payoff is the neon wash of Yokohama in your rearview mirror as you leave Daikoku or the blur of underglow from your fellow racers as you turn the city to light trails with a push of the pedal.

Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn’t know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver’s license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2."  In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club.  

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