Ultimate Kakadu accommodation guide

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia's largest parks and is easily accessible from Darwin. The Top End park has a wide selection of accommodation options. Choose from nature-based campsites through to luxury lodges and everything in between, in this ultimate guide to accommodation in Kakadu National Park.

Looking for wild-bush luxury accommodation or a romantic escape to Kakadu National Park? Maybe you are seeking a holiday with the family. Perhaps you're planning a solo or group adventure or a budget-conscious nature-based escape.

We’ve created this accommodation guide to Kakadu National Park for your Top End holiday adventure.

Luxury accommodation

Outback luxury lodges are exclusive by virtue of their remoteness, their special location or their boutique style and intimate size, such as at Bamurru Plains.

Bamurru Plains

Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary bush experience in Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains. Focusing on environmental sustainability anda luxurious experience, this wild luxury bush camp exudes elegance in a remote and beautiful region. Each safari bungalow blends seamlessly with the surrounding bush, allowing you to view wildlife from the comfort of your own bungalow.

Spend your days exploring Bamurru's landscape and your nights revelling in star spangled skies while dining on delicious Australian cuisine. Explore the wetlands by airboat and take a river cruise to view crocodiles and some of the birdlife that Kakadu is famous for.

Unique accommodation

Here's some excellent Kakadu accommodation options that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re holidaying with the family, needing a getaway with friends or a solo adventurer, these Kakadu accommodation options will ensure an unforgettable visit.

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge

Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge offers a unique experience within Kakadu National Park, allowing access to some very special sites which few people can access. The lodge is located in the Cannon Hill part of the park, where rock art sites overlook floodplains at the foot of an escarpment. Take a tour to West Arnhem Land via Cahills Crossing and visit Injalak Arts and Crafts at Gunbalanya, a boat cruise on the East Alligator River and relax with sunset drinks and canapes on a rocky outcrop with views to Cannon Hill .

Aurora Kakadu Lodge Camping and Caravan Park

Look for Kakadu's famed wildlife and birdlife roaming the spacious grounds from the comfort of this tropical property in the heart of Kakadu National Park. Aurora Kakadu Lodge Camping and Caravan Park is the perfect place to unwind and relax while enjoying the many attractions in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Aurora Kakadu is centrally located at Jabiru amidst tropical surroundings offering a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms and cabins to shady powered and unpowered camping sites.

Anbinik Kakadu Resort

Immerse yourself in unforgettable Kakadu from the tranquil tropical gardens at Anbinik Kakadu Resort. The resort is centrally located within the township of Jabiru, ensuring easy access to Jabiru Town Plaza along with most of Kakadu’s attractions. Accommodation options range from bush bungalows, cabins and Anbinik suites along with caravan and camping sites. On-site there's a swimming pool, BBQs, tour desk and a Thai restaurant with outdoor seating poolside.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Step inside the belly of Kakadu’s most famous inhabitant, the crocodile, at Aboriginal-owned Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is deluxe accommodation in Jabiru. It’s ideally located for visitors to explore Kakadu, including Ubirr, Cahills Crossing, Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. See Aboriginal art including paintings and didgeridoos in the hotel art gallery and on the lobby and interior walls.

Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

Aboriginal-owned Cooinda Lodge Kakadu is the closest accommodation to Yellow Water Billabong with its Yellow Water Cruises where you can view Kakadu National Park's wetlands and wildlife.Cooinda Lodge has a large variety of accommodation options. Choose from hotel-style lodge rooms, safari villas, glamping tents along with powered and unpowered campsites.

Caravan and camping sites in Kakadu

Get off the beaten track and experience Kakadu National Park's nature-based experiences.Kakadu National Park is home to some of the Top End’s most picturesque camping grounds

Kakadu National Park has campgrounds in seven regions across the park. Campground facilities vary across the locations, including toilets, showers, BBQs, picnic tables and firepits. There is no booking system to secure campsites - places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites are free while others attract a small fee.

All visitors to Kakadu require a Park pass, which can be obtained online. For camping outside of designated camping areas you’ll need a camping permit. Here is a small selection of camping sites within Kakadu National Park.

Alligator Billabong camping area

Reached via the track to Red Lily Billabong by 4WD, this campsite is 26km south of the Arnhem Hwy. There are no facilities, toilets or drinking water.

Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) camping area

You'll need a permit to use this basic bush campsite, which has no toilets or other facilities. The track in is suitable for experienced 4WD drivers only. The camping area is 44km south-east of the Kakadu Hwy, with access 73km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. Check that the campsite is open, as it may be closed to allow for cultural use by Aboriginal traditional owners.

Bucket Billabong camping area

Accessible by 4WD vehicle, Bucket Billabong is located 2km past Red Lily Billabong camping area. No toilets or drinking water are available - you'll need to be completely self-sufficient.

Burdulba camping area

This camping area is near the turn-off for Nourlangie Rock, which has a number of impressive rock-art sites. Various walks link these sites, and there’s also a track to the Nawurlandja Lookout, which gives good views over the surrounding countryside. There’s no caravan access to Burdulba, and some campsites have walk-in access, so are suitable for tents only. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water. Look for the sign 15km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Four Mile Hole camping area

This 4WD campsite may be inaccessible in the wet season (check with Bowali Visitor Centre) and has no toilets or drinking water. To get here, turn off the Arnhem Highway and continue past Two Mile Hole for another 22km.

Garnamarr (Jim Jim Falls) camping area

This is the closest campsite to the spectacular Jim Jim Falls. It can cater for 200 people and has showers and drinking water facilities. The campsite is only accessible in the dry season, and is accessed via a 60km journey by 4WD on gravel roads. Turn east off the Kakadu Hwy, 43km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle Spring) camping area

You’ll need a 4WD to reach this basic and remote campsite on the Old Jim Jim Rd, which links the Arnhem Hwy to the Kakadu Hwy. There are composting toilets but no drinking water.

Gungurul camping area

There’s year-round access for camping and caravans at Gungurul campsite. There are picnic tables and toilets but bring your own drinking water and firewood. Bird watching, walking trails and a lookout make this a popular spot. Access is signposted off the Kakadu Hwy, 47km north of the Mary River Roadhouse.

There are many other camping and caravan options within the park, and more information is available at Kakadu National Park.

Most visitors to Kakadu National Park choose to stay at least three nights in the park. Check out some more Kakadu accommodation options.