We call them Ginga! One of Kakadu’s main attractions and the world's largest reptile, one of the most prehistoric reptiles in the world. Crocodile meat is a local delicacy; smaller crocodiles are hunted by choice, being easier to catch of course! Not many want to go up against a tonne worth of reptile. The crocodile intestine, however, is reserved for elders, filled with croc fat and roasted for a delicious treat.
We call these Bamarru! The preservation of the wetlands is vital for Bamarru to be able to breed and thrive, with the water chestnut or an-gululach being a key food. Bamarru is eaten after the geese have fattened up on the chestnut, and local families will collect mobok, the dry pandanus fruit, to use as coals to cook the fresh goose on. It adds a great flavour to the meat instead of just using firewood.
We call these fish Namarnkol! The most famous fish of Kakadu, the Barramundi, is an angler’s favourite and a staple part of the Kakadu diet, traditionally wrapped in paperbark and roasted on red hot coals. Most plentiful as the waters of the wet season start to recede, creating boundless feeding grounds for those who know where to look.
Anabarru (Asian Water Buffalo) is an invasive hard-hooved animal that poses a management challenge for Kakadu’s freshwater wetlands at the saltwater interface. They were imported by the British as a livestock animal for three military outposts, like nearby Victoria Settlement (180km north of Cooinda on the Coburg Peninsula). By 1849, all three short-lived military outposts were abandoned, and the buffalo numbers by the 1970s had grown to 350,000+. Bininj initially hunted Anabarru with the powerful shovel-nosed spear, and by the 1880s, their labour became the backbone of a buffalo hide industry from the 1880s to the 1950s. Through the dry season, a shooters camp numbered around 20 to 30 Aboriginal men and women; the industry would stop through the wet season. Buffalo are a big story in the Top End.
In the local language Kundjeyhmi, this palm is called An-djimdjim, and hence this is how Jim Jim Creek and Old Jim Jim Road get their names. Found along banks fringing billabongs and permanent freshwater streams in lowland and sandstone country. The pale leaf bases can be cut from the stem and eaten. Turtles love to eat this fruit when small segments fall apart into the water.
The trunks can be used for building rafts, and the roots for making paintbrushes. Its very close cousin, Pandanus spiralis, can be found in the woodlands and is a primary plant used by the local Aboriginal women for weaving here in Kakadu.
An iconic feral horse in Australia originated from escaped or abandoned domestic horses brought by European settlers to the Australian continent centuries ago. Over time, they have adapted to the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. While their presence adds to the historical significance of the Australian landscape, their population in Kakadu presents challenges for conservation efforts. Feral Horses Brumbies have a detrimental impact on native flora and fauna, trampling vegetation, causing soil erosion, and competing with native herbivores for resources. Some Bininj have a fondness for these horses as they remember their fathers and grandfathers hunting buffalo on horseback for a living back in the days when buffalo hunting was a prominent industry.
Nawarndak, the file snake, is an aquatic snake that can grow up to 2.5 metres in length and survives on a monthly snack of fish found in the Kakadu waterways. Considered a delicacy, highly prized for its rich fat and eggs, Nawarndak is cooked over hot coals. Not an easy catch, they're generally collected when the water levels are low as they congregate around the banks and tree trunks along the water's edge to escape the heat of the day. However, hunters need to be super cautious not to become someone else's dinner due to the high population of saltwater crocodiles cruising around the river systems in Kakadu.
Some call this the 'Jesus' bird, as it can appear to walk on water. In language it’s name is Garlawidwid. Their long toes allow them to disperse the weight of their bodies across Andem (waterlily) leaves and Lotus flowers that surface the Yellow Water Billabong. Female comb-crested jacanas after laying eggs, leave. While the male Jacana will incubate the eggs and keep a watchful eye on the chicks, as they grow. If the father senses a threat, he'll pick the chicks up under his wings and run them away to safety.
Djakarna "ja-gah-nah," commonly referred to as ‘Jabiru’, are quite a large bird species and are also the only stork found in Australia. With black and white body plumage, iridescent green, blue, and purple necks, and a massive black bill, Jabiru are easily identified in the billabong. Their extremely strong beaks are useful for hunting fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes. Females can be distinguished by their yellow eye, whereas the male will have a black eye.
An-dem (Arnhem Water Lily) has petals that can be blue, white or purple. These can be used for dyeing the string for weaving. The stems can be peeled and eaten raw as a refreshing snack, almost like celery and the seeds can be used to make a bread (damper). The bulb also being eaten much like a potato.
Gonorborlo (Agile Wallaby) search for sweet grasses, root bulbs, and fruit that has fallen from the trees, such as an-duchme (green), an-dak (milky plum), and an-morlak (Kakadu plum).
With a wingspan reaching up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet), the Marrawuddi is the second-largest raptor in Kakadu. It is known for its keen eyesight, which enables it to spot fish from great heights before swooping down to catch them with its sharp talons. They are highly territorial and typically mate for life. Breeding pairs engage in elaborate aerial displays during courtship, showcasing their agility and strength.
This shy bird can be observed skimming the surface of creeks and billabongs, hunting for fish before disappearing into the vegetation. Recognisable by its striking deep azure blue plumage, bright orange breast, and long sharp beak, Azure kingfishers are highly sought after by birdwatchers and visitors alike. To catch a glimpse of them, listen for their calls or watch them dive for small fish at Yellow Water Billabong.
The Forest Kingfisher, a dazzling presence in Kakadu, showcases vibrant blue and white feathers, making them easy to spot. With agile flight and keen eyesight, it hunts insects and small reptiles from perches in forested areas. Its melodious calls resonate through the park's woodlands, adding to the wealth of birdlife in this biodiverse haven.
With its vibrant azure and russet plumage, the sacred kingfisher is a revered figure in Kakadu National Park. Thriving along the billabongs and waters, it contributes to the park's intricate ecosystem as a skilled hunter.
The Little Kingfisher is a jewel of Kakadu National Park's billabongs, flaunting its vibrant colours and agile hunting skills. Its diminutive size belies its prowess as a skilled fisher, darting from overhanging branches to snatch prey with remarkable precision in the park's diverse habitats.
Mankinjdjek is cheeky because of its toxins that make it poisonous. Therefore it must be prepared accordingly. The yam should be sliced thinly, placed into a string bag which would then be immersed into a flowing stream of water for overnight or longer. After this it can be cooked and eaten. It makes good tucker, yet cheeky!
Feral pigs are descendants of domestic pigs introduced to Australia by European settlers and have since established feral populations across Kakadu. They are highly adaptable omnivores, feeding on roots, tubers, fruits, insects and turtles. Their rooting behaviour can cause significant damage to vegetation and soil, impacting native plant communities and ecosystems.
Blue-winged kookaburras' loud calls are used to deter rivals, echoing during sunrise and sunset. They're easily spotted within the paperbark swamps and wetland fringes. Interestingly, a family of blue-winged kookaburras may occupy the same hollow trunk of a tree for up to 15 years.
Whistling ducks don’t quack! They are named for their distinctive whistling chatter and whirring wings in flight. The Plumed whistling duck has pink webbed feet and longer light-coloured plume feathers on the side of the body than close relative Wandering whistling duck. Listen out for flocks of these ducks flying over your campsite through the night as they head out to graze on floodplain grasses. Yellow water cruise’s most numerous waterbirds.
This duck is distinguished from the Plumed whistle duck by black webbed feet, and a richer red-brown plumage with a dark stripe on the back of the neck, this aquatic bird is more water-oriented than its close relative the Wandering whistling duck, a strong swimmer able to feed by diving for waterplants. Notably, Djirrbiyuk, an Aboriginal outstation in Kakadu, is named after the sacred site for the Wandering whistle duck, reflecting its cultural significance. The full name for the site is Djirrbiyuk Kakukdjabdjabdi, translates to 'whistle ducks are standing up everywhere’.
There are five egret species—the great, intermediate, little, cattle, and reef egret— that grace the Yellow Water Billabong with their presence. These birds, characterised by long necks and brilliant white plumage, exhibit varied feeding habits, catching fish by stabbing them with their long bills. They consume aquatic insects, molluscs, small reptiles, crustaceans, and other small animals. During the monsoon season (December–March), known as kudjewk, egrets form large nesting colonies atop mangroves.
Brolgas, the graceful giants of Kakadu's wetlands, fill the air with their distinctive trumpet calls. Thousands of these large grey cranes, standing up to 1.25 meters tall, can be observed in flight over the floodplains. Witness their elegant dance moves during the mating season for their famous energetic jumping and trumpeting displays, adding a captivating aspect to the wetland landscape.
Found across Australia's northern regions, Whistling Kites primarily feed on small mammals, birds and reptiles. With keen eyesight and agile flight, they can spot and capture prey with precision. Breeding season for Whistling Kites typically occurs during the dry season, with pairs constructing large nests made of sticks and branches in tall trees. They may reuse nests from previous years, adding new materials to reinforce the structure. These birds play an important ecological role as scavengers, helping to clean up carrion and regulate populations of small animals.
Guluban (also known as fruit bats) are a good bush tucker for local Indigenous, traditionally cooked in a gungede (ground oven). These bats are pollinators and seed dispersers, covering considerable distances across the landscape with their large wingspans and keen sense of smell. Flying foxes are primarily nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage while roosting in colonies in trees during the day. These colonies can contain hundreds or even thousands of individuals and are essential for the bats' social interactions, thermoregulation, and protection from predators.
This striking and iconic bird species is highly recognisable with cultural significance to the local Indigenous communities. The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is one of the largest cockatoo species in Australia, measuring up to 60 centimeters. Predominantly found in eucalypt woodlands, savannas, and riparian areas, they feed on seeds from various native tree species, using their powerful beaks to crack open seed pods and cones. Breeding season for Red-tailed Black Cockatoos typically occurs during the dry season, from May to September. They nest in tree hollows, often in large old-growth trees, where they raise their young.
Freshwater Mangroves is locally known as "Itchy Bush" and thrive in low-salinity waters, defying typical mangrove habitats. Serving as vital fish nurseries, they enrich the billabong's biodiversity. Despite challenges like habitat loss and climate change, these mangroves endure, highlighting their adaptability and ecological importance. Integral to Indigenous culture, they hold medicinal and spiritual value, representing the profound connection between land, water, and traditional knowledge within Kakadu National Park.
The Australasian Darter is often observed in its characteristic pose—perched on a tree branch with its wings spread wide to dry. These aquatic birds have sleek black feathers with white streaks on their necks and a distinctive slender, pointed bill. They possess unique adaptations for underwater hunting, including webbed feet for efficient swimming and a sharp, spear-like bill for catching fish. Unlike many other waterbirds, Australasian Darters do not have waterproof feathers, which aids them in diving deeper and swimming faster underwater.
This heron is renowned for its nocturnal habits and cryptic colouring which provides effective camouflage against the shadows of their surroundings. Their diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, insects, and small vertebrates, which they catch using their sharp bills and stealthy movements. During wet season, they construct nests of sticks and branches in trees or dense vegetation near water bodies, where they lay clutches of eggs and raise their young.
Bringing life to the surface of Yellow Water Billabong, these flowers captivate serene beauty and cultural significance. These aquatic marvels provide habitat for diverse wildlife, from frogs to water birds, enriching the billabong's ecosystem. Revered by Indigenous cultures, they are woven into the fabric of tradition and ritual, embodying harmony between nature and humanity. Despite their delicate appearance, these resilient flowers thrive in the billabong's tranquil waters, perpetuating their legacy as icons of grace and resilience in Kakadu's timeless landscape.
The pig-nosed turtle, Warradjan, is found in Kakadu river systems feeding on aquatic plants, seeds and fruit that fall into the water growing on the riverbanks. They also enjoy small fish and insects. Locals fish for Warradjan using hand lines with fish or red meat as bait. Once caught, turtles are prepared using the leaves of the silver leaf paperbark tree to flavour the meat when cooked over coals, giving a eucalypt taste. Once the turtle has been eaten, the remaining shell pieces are burnt in the fire - as it's said to ensure the next turtles be fat.
The Australian Ibis is a large wading bird characterised by its long neck, distinctive black head, and curved, slender bill, commonly found in a variety of habitats across Australia. In southern areas of Australia, these animals are sadly now often referred to as a 'bin chicken', tip turkey or dumpster diver. They tend to be opportunistic scavengers, and can often be spotted at rubbish tips and in city parks.
A small and vibrant bird species found in around the Yellow Water Billabong, showcasing striking crimson plumage on its head and throat, while the rest of its body is a mixture of white and black markings. These birds can be spotted amongst the tall floodplain grass areas, but mostly within Pandanus trees along the waters edge.
The barking owls are a nocturnal bird of prey renowned for their loud and explosive vocalisations. During the day, Barking Owls camouflaging themselves in dense vegetation or hollow trees, and become active at dusk into the night. They lay clutches of eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
The diminutive white cockatoo is predominantly white, featuring a small pink patch in front of the eye. Frequently seen in sizeable, boisterous groups, sometimes numbering in the thousands, especially near water sources, it roosts in trees, nests in hollows, and predominantly forages on the ground. Renowned for its playful behaviour and comical antics, these birds engage in apparent games with each other, emitting a typically loud, slurred multi-note falsetto call.
The Great-Billed Heron, a majestic presence in Kakadu National Park, stands tall with its impressive stature, large size and dark plumage. With a slow flight and retracted neck, it hunts fish in shallow waters using its long, sharp bill, a characteristic feature of herons and bitterns. Thriving in wetland habitats, it symbolises the park's rich avian diversity and ecological vitality.
With graceful aerial acrobatics and vibrant colouring, the Rainbow Bee-eater is a delightful sight. The Rainbow Bee-eater feeds on bees, wasps, and other flying insects, which it catches in mid-air using its sharp bill and agile flight. After capturing its prey, the bird returns to a perch where it consumes the insect.
This elegant bird is often observed wading in shallow waters in search of food. Their unique bill shape allows them to sweep their bills through the water, feeling for prey items, which they then capture and swallow. During breeding season, typically from May to September, adult birds develop striking breeding plumage, with a distinctive crest of feathers on their napes and bright yellow patches around their eyes. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Providing vital nesting sites for various bird species, they serve as a sanctuary for wildlife. Bininj/Mungguy (Indigenous) people utilise various parts of the paperbark tree for a multitude of purposes. The bark is employed for bedding, bandages, shelter construction, crafting rafts, containers, and more. Furthermore, the leaves of the paperbark tree enhance the flavour of cooked dishes, and they are often incorporated into traditional ground ovens for added aroma and taste.
This native plant species contributes to the region's rich biodiversity. With its tall, slender stalks and lush foliage, it provides habitat for various wildlife species such as Agile Wallabies, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the park's ecosystem balance.
Water chestnuts, while invasive in Kakadu National Park, serve as a great bush tucker for local Bininj/Mungguy (Indigenous people). These plants are harvested among the waters edge, and cooked up to add a flavour to a yummy foraged dinner.
The rare freshwater crocodile is a cherished inhabitant of Kakadu National Park's waterways. Distinguished by a narrower snout, it coexists with its more infamous cousin, the saltwater crocodile. Despite its scarcity, conservation efforts ensure its protection within the park.
Archer Fish, native to Kakadu National Park, possess a unique hunting technique. They shoot down insects from overhanging branches with precise water spits. These skilled marksmen thrive in freshwater habitats, showcasing remarkable adaptation within the park's ecosystem.
The Black Kite, a common sight in Kakadu National Park, soars gracefully with distinctive forked tails and striking plumage. Feeding on carrion and small prey, it plays a vital role in the park's ecosystem as a scavenger and predator. Its aerial agility and keen eyesight make it a formidable hunter, particularly post-wet season, when fires displace small animals.
The Masked Lapwing, known for its distinctive appearance with yellow facial wattles and a black crest, frequents Kakadu's grasslands and wetlands. With a loud, piercing call, it defends its territory vigorously, often nesting on the ground. Despite its striking appearance, it plays a crucial role in the park's ecosystem, contributing to insect control and biodiversity.
