Our Kakadu Experience

Past Guests – Ben & Sue from Victoria, Australia

Kakadu has been on our ‘bucket list’ for many years, we thought what better way to begin summer holidays than to escape the cold weather and head to the Top End of Australia.

Arriving in Darwin and spending a few days exploring the history of the bombing of Darwin, Cyclone Tracey and Mindl Markets, the time had come to check Kakadu off our list!

A nice early start from Darwin allowed us to drive leisurely out to Kakadu. The Bark Hut is a stop I highly recommend – bacon sandwich was great!

From here we visited Ubirr Rock and Nourlangie Rock (beautiful aboriginal art sites) finally we made it to Cooinda where we did the sunset cruise on Yellow Water… The cruise surprised me! I thought it would be all crocodiles, but the nature and birdlife where indescribable!

The next morning we had another early start and went on the 4WD day tour that runs from Cooinda. We were very pleased to hear that Jim Jim and Twin Falls had only opened that weekend! I was so happy I decided not to hire a 4WD and drive ourselves – the road is definitely 4WD and got bumpy in some areas. Our guide, Lisa was extremely friendly and didn’t mind the questions from the Southerners! She is very passionate about her job and the land she works on which was brilliant to see.

First stop Jim Jim Falls! The walk is well worth it and although, in some moments climbing over the rocks you think to yourself this better be worth it! But persevere! The swim in Jim Jim Falls allows you to cool down and relax. We chose not to walk up to the top and enjoy some down time at the base of the falls. From here we got back in the vehicle and drove a short drive to Twin Falls. The boat service across was great, the guide (Kevin) again was extremely passionate about the land and stories he shared with us, the accompanying image is of a crocodile trap though… little scary!

The falls were just breathtaking… my wife and I looked at each other and thought – We had done it!! From Twin Falls we headed back to the lodge and had a steak! We were thankful to have the following day to relax by the pool.

A great experience! A big thank you to all the staff in Kakadu National Park and Cooinda.