We're traveling to Darwin for the first, and, I suppose likely, last time in our lives, at the end of August. We plan to spend a couple of days in Darwin itself and in between visit Kakadu. We are traveling with kids (young teens), and want to self tour in a rental car. Thinking we will stick to the 2WD roads, take some hikes short hikes (1-2 hours max), perhaps the Yellow Water tour, cultural center, visitor center, border store... Anything not to be missed? I've heard about a Stone Country festival but can't find anything about it online. Can the park be done in 2-3 days? Will we miss out on the great stuff by not ponying up the money for a tour? Is the Yellow Water tour worth doing twice (sunrise and sunset) given our short time? Is it really any different In Arnhemland or is scenery much the same? Any advice appreciated.
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You ought to make use of a site like http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/map/kakadu.html to plan your trip and you will be limited with where you can get to with just 2wd, Ubirr near the Border Store worth a look and then the Nourlangie area has a bit of walking but they are about the extent of where you can get to. Yellow Water tour is a bit passive and extent of birdlife will depend on just what rainfall has been and subsequent water level, you also able to get an idea and possibly spot some crocs from using the walkway.
For water falls and waterholes, you could consider doing a loop trip and then dropping into Litchfield NP on your return to Darwin.
As for Arnhem Land, I've not been but when you have a look from Ubirr you will get an impression of the vastness of it, and the feel of just how much of a wilderness it is more so than Kakadu. I know when sucking in those views I did feel as if I was certainly somewhere different, much more so than anywhere else in Kakadu, maybe it the rock carvings and paintings that bring up some of the indigenous spirits for the land or at least you get a feeling of just how some indigenous people may feel about the region.
Ubirr Rock and Nourlangie are certainly on my list as well. The major attractions not reached by car are Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls - you need to take a tour. Litchfield Park (as recommended above) will be welcomed by the teenagers - lots of adventurous swimming available (croc free).
I agree that the Yellow Waters cruise has a passivity about it, but by the end of August the water levels are down, and more crocodiles are usually visible on the mud banks. The parks warrants three nights, giving you two full days plus the afternoon of the day you arrive.
Arnhem Land is permit only (being Aboriginal freehold land), and generally not available for unescorted tourism.
On your return to Darwin (if you don't head via Litchfield NP) you can call into Window on the Wetlands and Fogg Dam briefly ... they are interesting stops.
Take your sunhat, sunscreen, and insect repellent ... even at the end of August, the heat can be considerable in the Park.
With 3 days you can do a good circuit with a normal 2WD car.
While in Darwin go to the central tourist info office and get your Kakadu entry pass. You need it to travel through Kakadu and the accompanying guide has lots of good info on what to see and do.
Day one drive from Darwin to Jabiru stopping off at the spectacular jumping crocodiles http://jumpingcrocodile.com.au/index.html#_=_
Day 2 look around Kakadu. We found the free ranger talks at the various sites very good, especially the ones with indigenous rangers – all the info is in the Kakadu booklet that comes with the entry pass – http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/tours.html
Day 3 head off for Lichfield Park for the swimming holes at Wangi Falls or Florence Falls and back to Darwin.
From Jabiru you can do a day trip into Gunbulanya in Arnhem Land across the Alligator River. It would need an extra day needs to be done with an organised day tour from Jabiru. You can get a aboriginal lands pass and do it your self but takes time to organise and needs a 4WD drive and skill and timing to cross the Alligator River.
For 3 days I’d stick with a 2WD and do the above.
http://www.kakaduculturaltours.com.au/arnhemlander-4wd-cultural-tour
Hi guys here is a link to the Arnhemland Tour, this is owned by the Aboriginal people of the this region so is a good one to choose for supporting the community
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