The Kakadu National Park is amazing. It was truly the highlight of my Australia trip and even though it was not even on my original plan, my only regret is not having planned in more time there. I visited in August, which is dry season and very nice 32 degrees (especially coming from rather cold Sydney, this time of the year). I will probably use this site as a reference in the future, whenever I have to explain what WHS and OUV is about to friends and family.

At Darwin airport I rented a car from Alice Car Rental, as they give you a comparably generous 250km per day and a good rate for extra km. It’s family owned and very friendly. Inside the park we spent the night at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile in Jabiru. A hotel shaped like a crocodile. There are no cheap accommodation options within the park, except camping.

In the morning we visited the beautiful Ubirr Rock Art site. This alone would be an excellent WHS. Entry is free and there is interpretation of some of the drawings. Close to Ubirr you can find Cahills Crossing, where cars need to cross the river by driving through it. From the viewing platform we spotted several Crocodiles. Probably hoping for someone being stupid enough to try and cross by foot.

Another stop was the Mirray lookout, where you can hike the forest to a platform, that gives you a nice view over the park.

The nature highlight was our Yellow Water boat tour. We saw a crazy amount of animals, like Crocodiles in all sizes, Water Buffalos and a variety of birds, from the huge Jabiru to the tiny Kingfisher. I highly recommend booking such a tour, while you are in the park.

I will be back one day, to cover sites I missed this time, like the Jim Jim Falls.