Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the road to Gunlom is the start of a series of interconnected walks leading first
through woodlands and monsoon forest to
Boulder Creek
(2km, 45 minutes), then on to
the
Lookout
(5km, 1½ to two hours), with views over rugged ridges, and
Motor Car
Falls
(7.5km, four hours).
8
Information
About 200,000 people visit Kakadu between April and October, so expect some tour-bus
action at sites like Ubirr and Yellow Water. Consider spending some time bushwalking
and camping in the south of the park − it's less visited but inimitably impressive.
Admission to the park is via a 14-day
Park Pass
(adult/child $25/free)
: pick one up
(along with the excellent
Visitor Guide
booklet) from Bowali visitor information centre,
Tourism Top End in Darwin, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda, Goymarr Tourist Resort, or Kath-
erine visitor information centre. Carry it with you at all times, as rangers conduct spot
checks (penalties apply for nonpayment). Fuel is available at Kakadu Resort, Cooinda,
Goymarr Tourist Resort and Jabiru. Jabiru has a shopping complex with a supermarket,
post office, a Westpac bank and newsagency.
Accommodation prices in Kakadu vary tremendously depending on the season − resort
rates can drop by as much as 50% during the Wet.
The first-rate
Bowali Visitor Information Centre
( 08-8938 1121;
www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/bowali_visitors_center.htm
;
Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru;
8am-5pm)
has walk-through displays that sweep you across the land, explaining Kakadu's
ecology from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal perspectives. The helpful staffed info booth
has details on walks and the plants and animals you might encounter along the way. The
'What's On' flier details where and when to catch a free and informative park ranger
talk. The centre is about 2.5km south of the Arnhem Hwy intersection; a 1km walking
track connects it with Jabiru.
The Northern Land Council issues permits (adult/child $16.50/free) to visit Gunbalan-
ya (Oenpelli), across the East Alligator River.
8
Getting There & Around
Many people choose to access Kakadu on a tour, which shuffles them around the major
sights with the minimum of hassles. But it's just as easy with your own wheels, if you
know what kinds of road conditions your trusty steed can handle (Jim Jim Falls and Twin
Falls, for example, are 4WD-access only).
Darwin to Cooinda ($89, 4½ hours) via Jabiru ($65, 3½ hours).
