If you really want to experience native Australian Wildlife then you really must visit Kakadu National Park.
Kakadu National Park is located in the wet-dry tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia just 490 miles east of Darwin. It covers approximately 40,000 square miles within the Alligator River region. It extends from the coast in the north to the southern hills and basins about 290 to the south and 230 miles through wooded savannas to its western boundary, from the Arnhem Land.
Travellers who tour Kakadu National Park can enjoy the conservation efforts of plants and animals. Kakadu is one of the few places in Australia where there are very little extinction of plants and animals over the last 200 years. You can travel the park by foot, boat, or car.
Kakadu National Park Wildlife
The Park actively protects the habitats of animals lively in the Kakadu/Arnhem Land region. The animals of Kakadu have strongly evolved to the climate, responding to the extreme heat and humid weather. Some animals have developed physical and behavioural patterns to adapt and are seen at different times of the day and night compared to other animals around the world.
While touring Kakadu expect to see crocodiles, wallabies 26 different species of bats, black wallaroo, black-footed tree rats, brown bandicoots, dingos, dugongs, flying foxes, pythons, geckos and many other reptiles. The park is also home to 280 different species of bird, such as the white throated grass wren and chestnut-quilled rock pigeon. There also have been sightings of feral horses, pigs and water buffalo.
Kakadu National Park Activities
For a real experience of the park go on a ranger-guided tour, you can also go on seven different walks around the park. For those who are more adventurous try flightseeing or even night safaris.
For a cultural experience Kakadu has one of the largest volumes of rock art sites around the world. There is more than 5000 recorded sites with another 10000 thought to exist. You can find the rock art sites along the escarpment, in the gorges, and on the rock outliers. The rock art ranges from 24000 years old to modern times. The art represents one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the entire world.
Best Time to Visit
The Park is open all year round however visit the park from April to September as the humidity is low and this is when the wildlife are most active.
Cost
The entrance to the park is free. If you want to campout at the park it is $5 per night (kids are free).
Park Amenities
There are picnic areas, 18 campgrounds, restrooms and showers throughout the whole park. If you choose to tour Kakadu National Park you have a choice of flightseeing, boat and 4-wheel-drive tours.
Important Notes
The crocodiles are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu. For your own safety it is advised you look out for crocodile signs, obey all swimming rules, dont leave rubbish lying around your campsite and clean fish away from the waters edge. Never ever approach or go near a crocodile. Feral pig and buffalo can also be dangerous, it is important to always keep a safe distance away from the animals.
Always pack insect repellent and sunscreen with you and dont forget your camera and binoculars.
If you choose to camp stay within the designated areas, if you choose to camp outside the designated area you will need a permit. You can obtain the permit from the Park headquarters.
