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Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn This NT icon is a 250 m crocodile-shaped building that really only resembles a crocodile from the air. The entrance (the mouth of the crocodile) leads to a cool marble reception area, designed to represent a billabong, and accommodation is in the belly of the beast. The design was approved by the Gagudju people, to whom the crocodile is a totem, and was a finalist at the prestigious Quaternario Architectural Awards in Venice. Flinders St.Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park: accommodation laid out in traditional Aboriginal circular motif; Jabiru Dr; (08) 8979 2422.

Kakadu National Park A World Heritage site listed for both its natural value and cultural significance, Kakadu is a place of rare beauty and grand landscapes, abundant flora and fauna, impressive rock art and ancient mythology. The largest national park in Australia, it encompasses the flood plain of the South Alligator River system and is bordered to the east by the massive escarpment of the Arnhem Land Plateau. The wide-ranging habitats, from arid sandstone hills, savannah woodlands and monsoon forests to freshwater flood plains and tidal mudflats, support an immense variety of wildlife, some rare, endangered or endemic. There are over 50 species of mammal, including kangaroos, wallabies, quolls, bandicoots, bats and dugong, as well as a plethora of reptiles and birdlife. With around 5000 rock-art sites, the park has the world's largest and possibly oldest collection of rock art, which reveals the complex culture of the Aboriginal people since the Creation Time, when their ancestors are believed to have created all landforms and living things. Nourlangie Rock is one of Kakadu’s main Aboriginal rock-art areas. The Nourlangie Art Site walk takes visitors through a variety of rock-art styles, including prime examples of Kakadu X-ray art, which shows the anatomy of humans and animals in rich detail. The Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetland area  is a spectacular wetland area with prolific birdlife, especially in the dry season. Boat tours give visitors a close-up view of the birdlife and the Territory’s crocodiles. Other highlights of the park include Jim  Jim Jim Falls (Barrkmalam) and Twin Falls (Gungkurdul), reached via a four-wheel-drive track off the Kakadu Highway. An incredible volume of water cascades over Jim Jim Falls in the wet season, when the falls can only be seen from the air. Not to be missed is sunset at Ubirr rock, with free ranger tours at 5pm each day from May–Nov. Aboriginal people once camped in the rock shelters here, leaving the legacy of a spectacular rock-art site. A 1-kilometre circuit covers the main natural galleries, which feature portrayals of extinct animals and animated figures in motion. Another highlight is a shorter side track that climbs steeply to Nardab Lookout, a rocky vantage point with sensational views. Also stop in at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Cooinda, which features educational displays and exhibitions. Travellers note: Kakadu is a special place. It is important to respect the land and its people and refrain from entering restricted areas such as sacred sites, ceremonial sites and burial grounds. For more information contact (08) 8938 1120.

Tourist walk: 1.5 km stroll from town centre through bush to Bowali Visitor Centre, which features an audiovisual presentation and interpretive displays on Kakadu. Scenic flights: over Kakadu parklands to see inaccessible sandstone formations standing 300 m above vast flood plains, seasonal waterfalls, wetland wilderness, remote beaches and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites; 6 km E. Ranger Uranium Mine: open-cut mine with educational tours available; bookings through tours office, 1800 089 113; 9 km E. Aboriginal cultural tours: day tours and cruises; contact Bowali Visitor Centre (08) 8938 1120.  Note that a permit is required to enter Kakadu National Park.  Details from the visitor centre.

East Alligator River 33 km

One of the prime rivers in Kakadu is the East Alligator, which is at the eastern boundary of Kakadu. Access to the East Alligator is at Cahills Crossing. Turn left on to the Oenpelli road about 5 km before Jabiru. The... Find out more

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South Alligator River 47 km

Adventure is what the NT is about. Be prepared to go home with more than fishing memories. The flora and fauna are full of unexpected excitement too. In this raw environment, anything that swims, walks or flies –... Find out more

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Wildman River 92 km

In an untamed land, the name Wildman River is enough to stir the cockles of any adventure- loving angler. Being told the river is inaccessible by road and that it will take about two hours fast running in a boat to get... Find out more

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Swim Creek 111 km

After a long, hot day fishing for barramundi, the bar and dining area at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, just north of Mary River National Park, is a magnet for anglers. Thirsts are quenched, meals eaten and fish tales... Find out more

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Shady Camp 123 km

This barrage separates fresh and salt water and is a famous land-based fishing spot. It consists of a free camping area with a reasonably clean toilet block. There is no worry about dogs and cats getting into rubbish... Find out more

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Chambers Bay 123 km

The Mary River system is about three hours’ drive east of Darwin. The Mary River breaks up into a system of billabongs and creeks that would be called rivers in southern Australia. Two of the largest waterways are... Find out more

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Tommycut Graveyard 127 km

After seeing so many healthy wetlands in the Territory, Tommycut Graveyard is a shock to the system. In the 1970s this was a thriving freshwater wetland system similar to Kakadu. However, it was all but destroyed by... Find out more

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Junction Bay 143 km

A week before Cyclone Monica passed over Maningrida in April 2006, I flew back to Victoria from the NT. I’d been fishing in Arnhem Land for a week. My memories consisted of dense green, mangrove-lined rivers,... Find out more

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Mann River 145 km

The road from Cahills Crossing on the East Alligator River through to Maningrida in Arnhemland is impassable during the wet season. Rivers swell and vast areas become floodplains. Water can rise 3 m or more in areas... Find out more

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Liverpool River 159 km

The Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation at Maningrida in Arnhem Land is a progressive organization that maintains control of its greatest asset – its heritage, including the land and the fishing. It constructed a... Find out more

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Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve 218 km

This incredible site 70 kilometres east of Darwin is believed to have the highest known biomass of predators and prey of any ecosystem on earth, and is teeming with water pythons and their primary food of choice, dusky... Find out more

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Cycling around Darwin 218 km

Although the humidity might prevent you from wanting to do any exercise at all, the advantage of cycling is that you get a cool breeze as you go, and Darwin is relatively flat. Join a relaxing, guided three-hour cycle... Find out more

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Escarpment Restaurant

Escarpment is the best restaurant in Jabiru, and an absolute oasis if you have been walking all day through Kakadu National Park. The bar serves a large range of beers and cocktails, while the restaurant is open early... Find out more

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Jabiru Golf Club

A short walk from the centre of town, the golf club serves excellent steaks and has a convivial atmosphere. The reasonably priced venue is popular with Jabiru residents, and the club welcomes travelling golfers –... Find out more

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Jabiru Sports & Social Club

On Lakeside Drive, a short walk from the centre of town, this sports club is a genial place to eat. Unless you are up on the Arnhem Land escarpment in Kakadu National Park, there isn’t a better place to be at... Find out more

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The Bark Hut Inn

Close to the entrance of Kakadu National Park, on the Arnhem Highway, this classic roadhouse is a popular stop for tour buses. The kitchen supplies good pub fare – if you are passing through, the homemade muffins... Find out more

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The Wetlands Restaurant

At the Aurora Kakadu tourist resort, The Wetlands opens from May to October, during the dry season. It’s a relaxing place to enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast or dinner. The food is fresh and inviting, and the... Find out more

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Saffron 218 km

This Indian restaurant in Parap uses biodegradable plates and bowls made from sugarcane fibres, and buys nearly all ingredients locally.... Find out more

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Malabanjbanidju camping area 13 km

This site has an area suitable for tents only, with a small carry-in from the carpark to campsites, and another area that’s suitable for camper trailers and caravans. There is signposted access off the Kakadu Hwy,... Find out more

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Burdulba camping area 14 km

There is no caravan access to this site, and some sites have a short carry in, so are suitable for tents only. You will need to bring drinking water. Look for the sign 15 km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. This... Find out more

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Muirella Park camping area 21 km

One of the largest camping areas in Kakadu, this campground has showers and drinking water, and generators are permitted in some areas. It’s about 6 km off the Kakadu Hwy, 26 km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre.... Find out more

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Sandy Billabong camping area 26 km

There is great birdwatching and just a handful of sites at this 4WD camping site set by a billabong, a further 6 km on from Muirella Park.... Find out more

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Merl camping area 31 km

Make the most of the good facilities at this large camping area. Take the Arnhem Rd, 36 km north of Jabiru, then turn onto the Ubirr/Oenpelli Rd. This camping area is close to the Ubirr rock-art site. There are great... Find out more

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Jim Jim Billabong camping area 42 km

You will need to bring firewood and drinking water to this camping area. To get here, take the signposted access off Kakadu Hwy, 47 km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre, and drive for about 5 km.... Find out more

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Mardugal camping area 42 km

This large campsite has separate areas for tents and caravans/camper trailers with generators. It has showers but you’ll need to bring or boil drinking water. Follow the signpost off the Kakadu Hwy, 50 km south of... Find out more

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Red Lily Billabong camping area 43 km

Popular with anglers with a tinnie, this site has no toilets or drinking water and is 20 km off the Arnhem Hwy. Take the signposted turn-off, 90 km east of Bark Hut.... Find out more

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Bucket Billabong camping area 45 km

No toilets or drinking water are available at this site, just 2 km past Red Lily Billabong camping area. You will need a 4WD.... Find out more

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Alligator Billabong (bush camping) 49 km

Reached via Red Lily Billabong by 4WD, 26 km south of the Arnhem Hwy, there are no facilities, toilets or drinking water at this bush-camping site.... Find out more

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Kakadu Lodge 1 km

This large, well-maintained park has a great central pool and bistro complex. It is an ideal base from which to explore Kakadu.... Find out more

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Gagudju Lodge Cooinda Caravan Park 42 km

Located close to the famous Yellow Water billabong, this park is just off the Kakadu Highway, 54 km south of Jabiru. It is a great choice, especially if you are planning a cruise on Yellow Water, as the cruise bus... Find out more

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The Bark Hut Inn 128 km

This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out more

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Edith Falls Camp Ground 180 km

This is a good camping area within Nitmiluk National Park. It is reached along a 19-km sealed road; turn off the Stuart Highway 42 km north-west of Katherine. The base of the falls is a short walk from the camping... Find out more

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Mount Bundy Station 194 km

This is a unique riverfront farmstay camping area, 3 km from Adelaide River, with basic but good amenities. The station raises water buffaloes for export. The camping area is grassy and well shaded.... Find out more

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Coolalinga Caravan Park 195 km

On the outskirts of Darwin, this is a very convenient park, especially if you are travelling with your dog. Hidden from view behind a service station, it adjoins a shopping precinct and is within easy walking distance of... Find out more

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Howard Springs Holiday Park 196 km

The popular park is 23 km from central Darwin, in a quiet position off the main highway. It is close to Palmerston shopping centre and is an easy drive into Darwin. The park is a popular tourist destination and a good... Find out more

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Batchelor Caravillage 200 km

The park is 500 metres from the Batchelor town centre and a good base from which to explore nearby Litchfield National Park. The park has good facilities including a hotel and fuel station, and a minigolf course.... Find out more

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Shady Lane Tourist Park 202 km

This park is in a quite rural setting 6 km from Katherine. It has large shade trees and very good amenities. There is plenty of space for larger rigs. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Darwin FreeSpirit Resort 204 km

Located on the Stuart Highway 19 km from Darwin, this is a large park with good facilities and a quality licensed restaurant. We find it a good base for exploring Darwin and the surrounding areas. We also had less... Find out more

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Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn

In the centre of Jabiru, this unique hotel is shaped like a saltwater crocodile, an important local Aboriginal totem. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and several bars, and the walls of the lobby are adorned with... Find out more

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Aurora Kakadu

Just before the South Alligator River and two and a half hours east of Darwin, Aurora Kakadu is a relaxing resort with a good restaurant and coffee shop. The tropical landscaped gardens and inviting, shaded swimming pool... Find out more

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Cape Don Lighthouse

Situated on the north-west tip of Cobourg Peninsula, this lighthouse is on the foreshore of an absolutely stunning marine park. Accommodation is in the renovated lighthouse keeper’s residence, with rustic and... Find out more

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Gagudju Lodge Cooinda

Nestled among trees near Yellow Water billabong, the most famous waterway in Kakadu National Park, there is a range of accommodation here, from camping sites to lodge rooms. On-site there are restaurants, a cafe, two... Find out more

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Mount Borradaile Safari Camp

Mount Borradaile has some of the best Aboriginal cultural sites and wilderness in northern Australia. Located in north-west Arnhem Land, a 40-minute flight from Darwin, the safari camp here is operated by Max and... Find out more

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Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge

Luxury and wilderness combine perfectly at this exclusive resort. A 45-minute flight from Darwin, on Cobourg Peninsula, the resort sits atop a cliff overlooking the Arafura Sea. Dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and schools... Find out more

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Kakadu Culture Camp 21 km

This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated camp in the heart of Kakadu is 100 per cent solarpowered, including the bore pump. It has solar hot water and 40 solar panels providing electricity. From May to November you can stay in... Find out more

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Feathers Sanctuary 215 km

The owners of this quiet B&B, 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, are wildlife carers and often have injured birds such as jabirus on site. Their dug-out lagoon is also home to a wide range of birds, including... Find out more

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Darwin Central 218 km

One of the first things you may notice about Darwin Central in comparison to other nearby hotels is its surprisingly small windows – part of its energy-efficient design. It was recently declared one of... Find out more

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Malabanbandju Camp Area 13 km

T/O 194 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 20 km SW of Jabiru (R) Secluded area 300 metres off the highway in the scrub in Kakadu National Park. Good shade. GPS: S12 46.069 E132 45.326 ... Find out more

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Muirella Park Camp Area 22 km

T/O 182 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 32 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large campground surrounded by scrub 6 kilometres east of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S12 51.395 E132 45.380... Find out more

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South Alligator River Rest Area 36 km

40 km W of Jabiru (R) or 175 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area well off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S12 39.657 E132 30.293... Find out more

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Jim Jim Billabong Camp Area 42 km

T/O 162 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 52 km SW of Jabiru (L) Secluded campground in the scrub on the edge of the billabong, 6 kilometres east of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more

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Mardugal Camp Area 42 km

T/O 158 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 56 km SW of Jabiru (R) Large area just off the highway in Kakadu National Park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S12 55.757 E132 32.305... Find out more

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West Alligator Rest Area 78 km

85 km W of Jabiru (R) or 130 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S12 48.062 E132 07.718... Find out more

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Gungurul Camp Area 87 km

T/O 109 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 105 km SW of Jabiru (R) Small campground surrounded by scrub 1 kilometre west of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S13 17.401 E132 20.195... Find out more

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Mary River Park Area 131 km

141 km W of Jabiru (L) or 74 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. NOTE: No sign. GPS: S12 54.489 E131 38.707... Find out more

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Harriet Creek Rest Area 144 km

28 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 186 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S13 40.799 E131 59.138... Find out more

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