Best Things To Do in Kakadu with Kids
Explore the ancient national park with its 20,000 year rock art, embark on bush trail walks, discover bush tucker delights, spot crocs, take a dip in natural water holes and learn about the oldest indigenous culture in the world.
Ranger Guided Activities
Parks Australia provides Ranger Guided Activities at select times throughout the year. The program may change each year however families can generally expect to spend time with local artists learning how to paint and join Park Rangers down by the beautiful billabongs as they explain Kakadu’s diverse habitats and foods. Explore ancient rock art sites while learning about the history of one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
Kakadu Rock Art Tours
On this intimate tour offered by James Morgan from Yibekka, your family will receive a personal and first hand account of the history of the Bininj people who have lived in Kakadu for thousands of years. With direct family connections to Kakadu, James shares his knowledge and passion for the park and brings to life the family stories of the last great rock art painter in Kakadu. This 90 minute tour operates Tuesday to Sunday and is located at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock).
Bush Trail Walks
Holidaying in a National Park that spans almost 20,000 square kilometers means you are sure to find a bush walk nearby, and one that suits all fitness levels and children's ages. One of the Park's most popular walks is the Ubirr walk. Located in the East Alligator region, it is famous for its combination of ancient rock art and stunning lookout over the Nadab floodplain. It is a loop track with a 1km distance, graded easy to moderate with a suggested walk time of 1 hour. Read more about the extensive bush trail walks here. Note, seasonal closures may apply for the various walking trails.
Rock Climbing
We all know that kids love to climb and Kakadu will keep those active climbers happy with some unique sites that they can explore. One that we hear the kids talking about a lot is the 1.5km Nourlangie Rock Art site. It will take you past an ancient Aboriginal shelter and several incredible art sites. For our more adventurous rock climbing kids, there is also a moderately steep climb to Gunwarddehwardde lookout where you’ll be rewarded with impressive views of Kakadu's escarpment and Nourlangie Rock. While in the area you can also look to explore more of Kakadu’s walks and art sites including Anbangbang Billabong, the Nanguluwur art site, and Gubara Pools.
Swimming Holes
Get away from man made swimming pools to nature made swimming holes. Kakadu has a number of refreshing swimming spots that are suitable for kids of different ages. Some may require a hike to get them, such as bucketlist worthy Maguk and Jim Jim Falls plunge pool but we think you’ll find the walk more than worth it! Learn more about the spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes of Kakadu here.
Yellow Water Billabong
The award winning Yellow Water Billabong cruise is a must do for every family who visits Kakadu. It is a 2 hour remarkable ever-changing glide through the tranquil waters of Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Billabong. Get ready to be in awe of this incredible ecosystem that is abundant with wildlife, a vast range of native birds, saltwater crocodiles (quite often seen chomping down a snack of barra), wild buffalo, wallabies and wild horses. The waterway bursts with colourful water lilies throughout most of the year and is set amongst the backdrop of the paperbark forest and clear open blue skies.
Top Tip! Don’t forget to allow for travel time if you decide to book the sunrise cruise. From Jabiru to Cooinda - allow 50mins.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Kakadu kids love learning about the aboriginal culture and Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the perfect place for them to find out more. Learning is made fun with an interactive and educational experience that brings to life tens of thousands of years of human life in Kakadu. There is a range of handcrafted, authentic, local-made arts and crafts in the gift shop at the centre. Depending upon when you visit, you may also have the opportunity to watch a demonstration or join a weaving or damper making class. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, join in the free classes where you and the kids can sit with the traditional owners to hear about life in Kakadu, learning about how they catch and cook fish, how they use pandanus leaves for weaving and much more. Be sure to check with Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre for the latest on available classes
Family Accommodation at Kakadu National Park
Whether you plan to camp at Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground & Caravan Park or book accommodation to sleep in the belly of a croc at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or retreat to Cooinda Lodge, there is a style and budget for all families.
Kakadu National Park Family Pass
Visitors to the Park require a Park Pass which can be pre-purchased online here or upon arrival into the Park at Bowali Visitor Centre or Cooinda Lodge. A Kakadu National Park Family Pass is available for 2 Adults and 2 Children, or you can purchase individual passes. Passes are required for children 5 - 15 years and adults 16 years and older.
There’s no place like Kakadu
The spirit of Kakadu is like no other and it is difficult to put it into words but once you experience it, you and your kids will remember it for a lifetime. Is it time you and your kids do Kakadu?
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