5 Highlights Of A Yellow Water Cruise In Kakadu National Park

Updated 21/4/2020

Australia’s Kakadu National Park, is home to about one third of Australia’s bird species, and a staggering 60 different species can be found in the Wetlands. Together with the stunning scenery, the area is best viewed and savoured by taking a Yellow Water Cruise.

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TAKING A YELLOW WATER CRUISE IN KAKADU, AUSTRALIA

 

Yellow Water Billabong is teeming with birdlife and considered a fantastic wildlife viewing experience. Fancy drifting slowly along the calm waters, spotting Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese?

This post takes you on a journey into the wetlands, so hop on board, and discover one of Kakadu’s natural wonders.


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KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

 

Kakadu, Australia’s biggest national park is a 3 hour drive from Darwin, and covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres.

In 1992, the entire park was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition of both it’s cultural and natural values.

One of Kakadu’s most popular landmarks, is Yellow Water Billabong.

Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, Yellow Water Billabong flows into the South Alligator River, which is made up of swamps, floodplains and river channels.

The landlocked billabong of Yellow Water, or “Ngurrungurrudjba,” is positioned near the small settlement of Cooinda and is approximately 304 km from Darwin, via the small town of Jibiru.

The wetland is a wildlife viewers delight, with the chance to see crocodiles, eagles, magpie geese and jabiru among others.

The best way to spot the park’s abundant wildlife, is to join a cruise and journey along the calm waters of the wetlands.


YELLOW WATER CRUISE OPTIONS

 

Yellow Water Cruises, an Indigenous owned Company, has exclusive use of Yellow Water Billabong and operate all year with up to 6 cruises a day of varying lengths.

Each of the cruises guides you slowly along the calm waters, through distinct ecosystems of the Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River.

Different seasons on the water, together with different cruise times, will reveal ever-changing vistas.

So, how do you decide which cruise time is best? Read on for some tips:

1. SUNRISE CRUISE (2 hours)

 

Kakadu’s wetlands come alive in the early hours, which means that you will have first bragging and viewing rights. Another bonus is that you will see an incredible sunrise, as you slowly drift along the water. Plus the temperatures will be cooler.

Wildlife spotting will be a huge bonus and the reason, if you need one, to set the alarm early. Yes, this first cruise of the day, departs at 6.45am, but will be worth it, when you count your amazing photos.

And if you are wondering how you will settle any hunger pangs, don’t worry. Included in the price of the cruise, is a cooked breakfast when you return!

Details / Cruise leaves 06.45 AM / Adult $99, Child $65


2. DAYTIME CRUISE (1.5 hours)

 

If you are not an early riser, or would prefer to do something active first, such as a hike in the early morning, this cruise could be ideal.

Although, most wildlife will be enjoying the shade at this time of the day, there are still viewings to be seen. The strong daylight will heighten the lush green flora colours of the wetlands.

Details / Adult $78, Child $54

  • 9 AM Cruise – 2 hours in length
  • 11.30 AM Cruise – 1.5 hours in length
  • 1.15 PM Cruise – 1.5 hours in length
  • 2.45 PM Cruise – 1.5 hours in length

3. SUNSET CRUISE (2 hours)

 

After the harsh heat of the day, wildlife is making a grand appearance once again. Kakadu National Park is renowned for it’s spectacular sunsets, so this is an added bonus.

With animals and birds to spot, as the sun sets across open skies, this is a great option for photographers.

Details / Cruise leaves 4.30 PM / Adult $99, Child $65


So which cruise should you choose? All cruises are fantastic and offer different views of Yellow Water and the wetlands.

Different seasons bring a multitude of colours along the shoreline, and animals move around at different times of the day.

If you are an avid bird-watcher, I suggest the Sunrise Cruise, as the birds are quite prolific in the morning. You can hear their songs in the coolness of morning.

If you fancy spotting more saltwater crocodiles, plus love watching sunsets, I suggest the Sunset Cruise.

Many people actually take more than one cruise during their stay, to get a different perspective. Obviously time and budget are playing factors here!

The sunrise and sunset cruise are very popular and advance bookings are highly recommended!


WHERE DOES THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE DEPART FROM

 
Gagudja-lodge
Dockside

Tickets for the yellow water cruise can be purchased from Gagudju Lodge, Cooinda.

Take the turn-off for Cooinda from the Kakadu Highway, and follow the road to the end where you will arrive at Cooinda Lodge. The main office is the tour pick up point.

You will be transported to the departure point, by a shuttle bus, and returned here after your cruise.

This is where you will enjoy your breakfast following the sunrise cruise.


HIGHLIGHTS OF A YELLOW WATER SUNRISE CRUISE

 

We were on a pretty tight road trip schedule, so decided to choose the Sunrise Cruise, which we cannot recommend enough.

Below, are my top 5 sights that you will experience during the cruise.

1. SPECTACULAR SUNRISE

 

Watching as the sun started rising, heralding the start of a new day was amazing. The early morning mist gently lifted and made way for the brilliant orange and golden hues of the sun to make its grand entrance.

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2. REFLECTING WATER

 

The light was just right to reflect the trees onto the still water, which I always find stunning. It was akin to looking at a true mirror image, so you were able to appreciate the tree form twice!

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3. DRAMATIC SCENERY

 

The ever-changing landscape and dramatic scenery of Yellow Water billabong was continuous.

Each corner that you turned offered a different view, and the water’s edge was teeming with fresh water mangroves and lush native flora and fauna.

The surface of the billabong, has striking waterlilies, in stunning shades of pink and white, across which little birds hopped.

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4. MYRIAD OF BIRDLIFE

 

The dawn chorus was enthralling to hear, as the Billabong is brimming with an abundance of bird species.

Our guide stopped every time he saw a different bird to point out and the colours of their feathers and bodies were vibrant.

I have to admit that I have never been into bird spotting, but I really enjoyed seeing so many different species. TIP / A good zoom lens is ideal, which unfortunately, I didn’t take with me!!

Resident birds to look out for include, jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese, kingfisher, brolga and whistling ducks.

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5. SALTWATER CROCODILES

 

Cruising Yellow Water gives visitors a great opportunity to view Saltwater Crocodiles in their natural habitat, from the safety of a boat. The ones we saw were reasonably small and didn’t approach the boat.

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OTHER THINGS TO DO IN KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

 

Kakadu National Park is renowned for its outstanding natural and cultural attractions. If you have extra time here, there are some great things to do in the area. Here are some not to be missed sights!

1.UBIRR ROCK ART SITE & LOOKOUT

 

This is one of three rock art sites within Kakadu National Park, that are open to the public. A short walk through stone escarpments, will lead to a large rock overhang you will find the main gallery.

Here you will find paintings of animals and fish, illustrating the abundance of food available to Aboriginals in the area. Look out for the Tasmanian Tiger, Rainbow Serpent and a White Fella.

Then continue your walk, climbing to Ubirr Lookout, where you will have a fantastic 360 degree view over the Nadab Floodplain and East Alligator River.

Try and time your visit to sit and watch a stunning sunset!

Location / Off Oenpelli Road, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru,


2. BURRUNGKUY ROCK ART SITE (NOURLANGIE)

 

Take the 1 km return walk through rock shelters, discovering through art, the way of life for Bininj. Under the Anbangbang rock shelter on the southern side of Nourlangie rock, you will find the main gallery.

Look out for Namarrgon, the Lightning Man and Namondjok, the creation ancestor. The wonderful rock art depicts the social and enviromental changes in the area, for local Aboriginal people.

Location / Nourlangie Trail, off Kakadu Hwy


3. BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE

 

This is a great place to start your visit to Kakadu, with a walk-through display showcasing the landscape and wildlife in the National Park. Staff can help with any queries and help you plan any activities.

Location / Kakadu Highway, Jabiru / Open 8am-5pm / Website


4. WARRADJAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE

 

This is a great place to spend a couple of hours. Extensive and very interesting exhibits include stories by traditional owners, of their upbringing in Kakadu. You gain a great insight into the complicated kinship laws of Aboriginal people who have lived in this region for up to 50,000 years.

The centre has a unique circular design which represents a pig-nosed turtle (Warradjan). Again, this is a great place to start your discovery of Kakadu.

Location / 2 km from Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu / Open 9am-5pm / Website


KAKADU NATIONAL PARK ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

 

There are accommodation options to suit all budgets, from camping sites up to 4 star hotels. These are the pick of the bunch!

Booking.com  

MERCURE KAKADU CROCODILE HOTEL

 

With it’s unique shape of a crocodile overlooking a central shaded courtyard and swimming pool, this is a great choice of hotel.

Bedrooms are spacious and air conditioned, and come with tea/coffee making facilities, minibar, cable/satellite TV and safe. As all the rooms open up to the central courtyard, you have easy access to the wonderful pool.

The hotel has a great location, friendly helpful staff, an Indigenous art gallery plus a great restaurant.


COOINDA LODGE

 

The location is fantastic, as this is where you the cruise pick up point is located, in the main office.

Sitting among trees, beside Yellow Water Billabong, the recently renovated lodge rooms are clean and cosy, air-conditioned, with a private courtyard.

Two swimming pools, a bar and restaurant complete the deal!


KAKADU LODGE

 

The lodge has a convenient location and is great value for money. Rooms are clean, air-conditioned, with the bonus of a fridge, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

You have a lovely lagoon style pool, bar and restaurant to enjoy after a day of sight-seeing.


I hope this post helps you to plan your own visit to Kakadu National Park, and Yellow Water Billabong. If you have any questions or tips about Yellow Water Cruises, please share in the comments.


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2 thoughts on “5 Highlights Of A Yellow Water Cruise In Kakadu National Park”

  1. Your photos are stunning! What gorgeous views. I’ve always wanted to go to Kakadu, and I love boats, so this seems like a winner. All except for the salties – I could happily go without seeing one of those. It’s going on the ever-growing list of things I’d love to do when I go back to Australia!

    Reply
    • Hi Rachel,
      Many thanks! You would love Kakadu …seriously underrated. The cruise was incredible with beautiful scenery and very ethereal. You will have to put a jumping crocodile cruise on your list too!! Cheers 🙂

      Reply

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