Kakadu National Park, Australia

Anbangbang Billabong, an isolated pond within Kakadu National Park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anbangbang_Billabong_Australia.jpg
Author: Thomas Schoch


Kakadu National Park is a national park in the Northern Territory of Australia. The name is derived from the name of an aboriginal language, Gagudju. Kakadu National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 5th session of the World Heritage Committee, which met in Sydney, Australia, on 26-30 October, 1981. It is the largest national park in Australia, covering an area of 1,980,400 hectares, roughly 200 km from north to south and over 100 km from east to west - about one third the size of Tasmania.

What to See in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a place to view Australian wildlife. The diversity of wildlife at Kakadu is simply remarkable. There are 280 bird species, 60 mammal species, 1600 plant species and over 10,000 insect species here. It is also home to the Aboriginal people whose ancestors have been living here for at least 20,000 years.

Twin Falls, a waterfall in Kakadu National Park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Twin_Falls.jpg
Author: Tdc

Location of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is on the northern part of Australia, 171 km to the east of the city of Darwin.

Kakadu National Park World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: S 12 50 E 132 50
Inscription Year: 1981
Type of Site: Mixed
Inscription Criteria: I, VI, VII, IX, X Aboriginal Rock Art found at Anbangbang Rock Shelter in Kakadu National Park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aboriginal_Art_Australia%281%29.jpg
Author: Thomas Schoch

Visiting Kakadu National Park

The city of Darwin should form your base for visiting this World Heritage Site. From your hotel there, you can make the arrangement. Considering the distance involved, a day-trip would not be sufficient. Check with the travel agencies at your hotel or within the city for recommendations. Here's a list of hotels in Darwin which you can book online. Read through the details of the hotels you are interested in before making the booking. Booking is provided by HostelBookers, so there is no booking fee involved.

How to go to Kakadu National Park

If you are travelling on your own, you should head from Darwin to Jabiru on the Arnheim Highway (Route 36). If you are coming from the south, use the Kakadu Highway (Route 21). Be sure you know what you are doing if you are doing to make the trip independently. Pack a healthy supply of food and water - getting stuck in the outback can be a deadly nightmare.

List of World Heritage Sites in Australia and World Heritage Sites in the World

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