Visit Kakadu National Park with Kids

Throughout the year, Kakadu’s landscapes undergo spectacular changes. Bininj/Mungguy recognise six different seasons, as well as subtle variations that signpost the transition from one season to another. This knowledge of nature is fundamental to the culture of Kakadu and its people. Bininj/Mungguy have lived with the changing landscape for tens of thousands of years, adapting and using the land for food, shelter and general well-being.

No matter what time of year you visit Kakadu, there is always something to see and do.

The ‘Dry’ season runs from May to October and this is the most popular time to visit, with most visitor sites open at this time. It’s wise to book your accommodation in advance, as the hotels get busy at this time of year. This is a great time to visit our majestic waterfall sites, such as Jim Jim and Twin Falls.

‘Tropical summer’ runs from November to April and brings vivid green landscapes, electrifying afternoon storms and the chance to explore with fewer visitors. Most of the attractions remain accessible, especially areas such as Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), Yellow Water and the Maguk rock pools. Scenic flights are ideal for seeing thundering waterfalls in full flow, and special wet-season-only tours are available.

Kakadu National Park has many memorable must do kid-friendly activities. If children are old enough, a helicopter or fixed wing flight over Kakadu is truly memorable, while on the ground visiting one of the waterfalls and swimming holes is perfect for most children. Seeing crocodiles in the wild on a Yellow Water Cruise will be memorable for kids.

Animal Tracks provides an incredible opportunity to spend time with one of Kakadu’s most respected traditional elders, Patsy Raglan, learning about life and survival in the bush. The safari has exclusive access to wildlife-rich wetlands and tropical savannah woodland within Kakadu National Park. The highlight is a sunset dinner where tour members prepare the cooking and then taste Kakadu dishes including crocodile, buffalo, kangaroo and other delicacies.

Children love the experience and will get to see buffalo, wallaby, crocodile, goanna, snakes, turtle, dingo, wild pigs, various nocturnal animals and many bird species in their natural habitat, with interpretation provided from a local Aboriginal perspective. The tours run seasonally from June to September. If you’re keen to learn more about this activity, here’s all the animal track details.

Our top family-friendly hotels when visiting Kakadu with kids:

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel – The region’s largest hotel, better known as The Croc locally, is ideal for families. Located in Jabiru, the hotel is built as a 250-metre long, 30-metre wide giant crocodile. The circular parking areas represent crocodile eggs; the hotel entrance is its gaping jaws with menacing teeth. Ventilation units are housed within the crocodile’s slatted yellow eyes, which glow red at night. The head section of the hotel incorporates reception, an expansive marble foyer – a cool green oasis – the Escarpment Restaurant and Bar, gift shop, internet kiosk and the renowned Ochre Aboriginal art gallery.

Following the natural curve of the crocodile’s body, all 110 guest rooms are located in the belly section overlooking the internal courtyard. The pool area is set in bush gardens covered by shade cloth symbolising the heart, the walkway through the courtyard represents the spine and the flowing billabong is the crocodile’s alimentary canal.

This hotel also offers family rooms with a queen size bed and two single beds. Rooms boast distinctive Kakadu design features and are individually air-conditioned, have WiFi and internet connectivity, flat-screen TVs, work desk, fridges, iron and ironing board, tea/coffee making provisions and high-quality bedding. Daily housekeeping is provided along with room service.

The aim of the hotel is to embody the Kakadu adventure experience. In the lobby, an exhibit features two of the major symbols of Kakadu – the crocodile and barramundi – along with a sculpture of a giant termite mound, accompanied by a continuous video stream providing guests with an introduction and insight into the region, highlighting the history, culture and primary attractions.

Art is central to the Kakadu experience, with the in-hotel art gallery, Ochre, and the hotel hallways showcasing Indigenous art and craft that supports local community artists. Special exhibitions, workshops and activities for children are staged in the gallery, with the hotel developing an ‘Artist in Residence’ program to provide greater opportunities for visitors to interact with Kakadu’s Indigenous artists.

Check out the full details for your stay at the Mercure Crocodile Hotel.

Cooinda Lodge – This is the other major hotel in Kakadu and it provides the ultimate base to explore Kakadu.

The village-style property is located beneath a canopy of trees beside Yellow Water Billabong, home to world-renowned Yellow Water Cruises, where crocodiles and birds can be seen on guided Yellow Water Cruises.

With its oasis style atmosphere, Cooinda Lodge offers two inviting shaded swimming pools, bistro-style dining, bars, petrol station and a store that offers locally-made crafts as well a wide range of essentials for touring.

Accommodation is available in 4-star Lodge rooms, air-conditioned glamping tents (including family tents with adjoining double bunks), and camping and caravan facilities.

The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is just five minutes from Cooinda and many local attractions are within easy travelling distance.Guided tours of Kakadu operate from Cooinda on a daily basis.

Check out the full details for your stay at Cooinda Lodge with kids.