Kakadu National Park in Photos
Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory has been on my “to do list” for many years.
I still remember the words from the old television commercials as I was growing up promoting the Northern Territory and Kakadu as a must visit destination.
The tag line went:
“You’ll never never know if you never never go”
Well, I did go recently and now I know what they have been banging on about.
My 6 day photo safari took me right into the heart of Kakadu National Park where I experienced its dramatic landscape, Aboriginal cultural significance, and abundant wildlife.
Kakadu, one of the few places UNESCO World Heritage Listed for both its cultural and natural values, is located within the Alligator Rivers Region and covers an area of 20,000 square kilometres.
It has been called a living cultural landscape, as Aboriginal people have occupied the area continuously for at least 40 000 years.
Yellow Water Cruise
Kakadu is one of the world’s richest wildlife parks, and one of the best ways to experience it is to tour its wetlands on a cruise.
We took a two hour cruise through the famous Yellow Water Kakadu wetland. This tributary of the South Alligator River contains an impressive concentration of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Below is a collection of my photos through the lens of my Canon EOS 650D
Morning Light and Mist
Sunrise
The sun rising over the wetlands was a spectacular moment and one to put on your world sunrise bucket list.
Reflections
The still waters of the billabong made the reflections of the trees stand out. I loved it.
Saltwater Crocodiles
Large saltwater crocodiles are commonplace in Kakadu and all over the Top End. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat was awesome. Just stay in your boat because they snap when hungry.
The Landscape
The Bird Life
Incredibly, the park is home to more than one third of Australia’s bird species.
The Facts
Where is it?
Kakadu National Park is 171 km southeast of Darwin. A popular drive is via the Nature’s Way tourism drive which is a loop from Darwin to Jabiru then onto Katherine and back to Darwin covering approximately 900km.
Where to stay?
- We camped at Kakadu Lodge which not only offers camping/caravan options, but also cottages and lodges.
- For more comfort consider the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn
The Cruise:
Yellow Water Cruises operates year round and provides up to six cruises a day of 90 or 120 minute duration.
More info:
For more information on a visit to kakadu, check out the official Northern Territory Travel website.
Next time you think of visiting Australia, think of Kakadu in the Northern Territory and remember “You’ll never never now if you never never go!”
Would you like to visit Kakadu National Park?
My trip to kakadu was hosted by Tourism NT and Canon Australia
Craig
Craig Makepeace is the co-founder of yTravel Blog and has been traveling and living around the world since 2002, first with his wife Caz, and now with his two daughters Kalyra and Savannah. Don't miss his 9 best tips to help you travel more. Follow him on Google+
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25 comments on “Kakadu National Park in Photos”
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Congratulations on your 6 day photo safari in the heart of Kakadu National Park. Great shots especially the first photo for the landscape and reflection photos. Do you have tips on how to take photos?
Thanks Prue,
It was amazing. Some basic photo tips would be shoot early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. Think about composition. Learn how to use all the functions of your camera. And here is an article to help you: http://www.ytravelblog.com/how-to-improve-your-travel-photography-part-1/
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
There’s something about the top end of Australia! I’m always confused why some people call it ‘kaka don’t’ as I think it is the most amazing area- so beautiful, especially Yellow Waters. You obviously had a great time with the new camera- the photos are stunning.
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..What to do in New York
Hey Jenny,
I agree, the Top End is a MUST visit and can’t wait to take the whole family on a road trip! It’s just so different and much less crowded to the normal east coast trip.
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Great pics. I love crocodiles. I could watch those guys for hours.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Photo Essay: 88 Images from Alaska
G’day Scott,
Cheers. And if you love crocs I can’t think of a better place to see them in the flesh than the Top End. Hope you make it there!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Wow, what a great place to visit! Looks like wildlife watching opportunities are amazing. Great photos, too (especially the crocs).
Jane recently posted..My favorite photos: Wild Mushrooms
Hi Jayne,
Yes, the wildlife is plentiful. And the landscapes are amazing too
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Amazing pictures! I love the one of the tree over the billabong. Going to have to add this to my list of places to go!
Gina recently posted..Longtail Boat Ride to Ko Phi Phi Leh
Thanks Gina!
Definitely add it to your list, you won’t regret it!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
I love Kakadu National Park and have been there twice – once on a four-wheel drive trip and the second time by mountain bike, which was awesome! I can also recommend the Yellow Waters cruise – such beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. Love your photographs; they really capture it well.
Karen Graham recently posted..Above the clouds
Wow Karen, by mountain bike would be very cool. Yes the Yellow Water cruise is awesome isn’t it. Thanks
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Stunning shots, wow!
What beautiful shots of Kakadu.
ALL of the NT is on my list of places to go, and these photos just make me want to get there sooner. I especially enjoyed the photos of the crocodiles – even though they are incredibly scary creature, its great to be able to capture them with your lens in their habitat.
Annie @ Go Camping Australia recently posted..Favourite Piece of Camping Equipment
Hey Annie,
Glad you’re inspired to visit NT. And don’t worry, as long as you don’t swim where you’re not supposed to crocs won’t be an issue
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Great photos of this magical place. You did especially well with the birds. I’ve been to Kakadu twice and could go many, many more times. Both trips made a big impact (emotional, cultural too) and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
Seana Smith recently posted..Rouse Hill Playground – Sydney’s Best Playgrounds
Thanks Seana,
I’m looking forward to returning sometime soon and exploring more! What else do you recommend in the Top End?
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Berlin
Wonderful shots Craig and what a fun camera to be working with. Sign me up for that trip. I just wish it wouldn’t take 36 hours of hard travel to get there.
Leigh recently posted..A Visit to Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park in the Chilcotin
Thank you Leigh,
Love the Camera and NT and kakadu is an amzing place for photography. Hope you make it some day!
Craig Makepeace recently posted..Five Experiences Egypt Has To Offer Different Travel Tastes
Somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. So much of my own country I haven’t seen yet. The photos are great, Craig – love the misty morning ones and the crocs!
Cherina recently posted..Travel and Adventure: How to be a More Adventurous Traveller
Hi Cherina,
Hope you make it to Kakadu sometime soon. It’s a special place. Glad you liked the photos.
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Brisbane
Wonderful place, but so far from Europe. I must make much more money to visit it
But who now? Some time Australia can take place in my travel list too.
Victor Tribunsky recently posted..Petar I and His Baroque Church
Hey Victor,
Happy to hear you are inspired to visit Kakadu and Australia. See you down here sometime
Craig Makepeace recently posted..What to Do in Brisbane
These are great shots. I almost had a heart attack on one of your photos.
I think you which one it was.
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