Lacking in theme parks and manmade attractions, Kakadu National Park’s appeal to younger visitors lies in the myriad of delights of the great outdoors. The forests are home to countless plant and animal species as well as some unique geographical and geological features, providing young ones with an endless supply of natural entertainment.

Animal Watching
Few kids are not excited by the prospect of getting to see some unusual animal specimens. With the number that is on offer in the Kakadu National Park, animal watching is an essential activity for any family taking a trip here. Species you have a chance of seeing include the brown bandicoot, black fruit bat, dingo, agile and short-eared rock wallaby, brush-tailed phascogale and the black-footed tree-rat. In addition, there are reptiles such as the frill-necked lizard and the pig-nosed turtle as well as insects such as the green ant and the Leichhardt's grasshopper.

Camping
Young ones love the great outdoors and the thrill of sleeping under canvas. Kakadu offers some great locations at which to enjoy both. Campsites with basic facilities such as toilets can be found at the Jim Jim Falls, Mary River, Yellow Water, Nourlangie, East Alligator and South Alligator areas. In high season, sites can get busy so it’s wise to book in advance through the Bowali Visitor Centre. Phone: +61 8 8938 1121.

Gunlom
Situated on Waterfall Creek, Gunlom is a popular family spot where, besides picnic and barbecue areas, visitors can enjoy the awesome waterfall with its various pools and crystal-clear waters in which it’s possible to enjoy a relaxing dip. Climb to the top of the waterfall for amazing views.

Swimming
Swimming is one activity that kids jump at the chance to enjoy when the sun’s out and the mercury is rising. Make sure you choose a safe area for swimming in as there is a risk of crocodiles in some places. The Jabiru pool is the best place to head, while Jim Jim and Twin Falls also have natural pools. Alternatively, head for the less scenic but crocodile-free waters of your hotel swimming pool.

Kakadu’s cultural sites and attractions are essentially based around its Aboriginal heritage with the exception of the Gun Alley Gold Mining Centre. The region has a history of tribal settlers dating back tens of thousands of years, and this heritage provides the central theme for the usual cultural trail followed by visitors in Kakadu. The rock art sites are highlights and promise some great photos to take back home to show friends and family.

Bowali Visitor Centre
Something of a focal point for tourism in the park, Bowali Visitor Centre (named after Bowali Creek) is housed in a building with a design based on an Aboriginal Rock Shelter. The centre is the most comprehensive source of information about the park, offering resources such as displays, videos and a library as well as knowledgeable staff members. Before you think of heading to the park’s most interesting historical sites, make a trip to this visitor centre for some background. Phone: +61 8 8938 1121.

Gun Alley Gold Mining
Located in Pine Creek Northern Territory, the Gun Alley Gold Mining attraction takes visitors back in time to the late 19^th century when the gold industry was thriving in the area. Visitors can try their hand at the traditional art of gold panning and are permitted to keep any nuggets that they find, with souvenir bottles provided to take them away in. There are also plenty of opportunities for learning about the industry’s history, focusing specifically on the 1870s. Phone: +61 8 8976 1221.

Indigenous Arts and Crafts
Housed inside the Bowali Visitor Centre, the Marrawuddi Gallery is the place to go to see Aboriginal fine art from Kakadu artists and others from the Top End and Arnhem Land regions. The gallery takes its name from the Gundjeihmi word for ‘sea eagle’, a potent symbol for many tribes in the area. Phone: +61 8 8938 1121.

Nanguluwur Art Site
Located near Nourlangie Rock, the Nanguluwur art site features a variety of rock art depicting similarly varied themes and subject matter. Of the hand stencils, notable examples include depictions of tribal figures in traditional warring costume brandishing spears or carrying boomerangs. There are also some interesting images of mythical figures and Namandi spirits with the one depicting the four-armed female spirit known as Alkajko especially worth seeing. There are more recent images of water creatures painted by Old Nym Djimongurr, a tribal character from Wardjag.

Nourlangie Rock Art Site
One of the oldest rock art sites in the park, Nourlangie is split into upper and lower areas, the former known as Burrunggui and the latter as Anbangbang. The paintings in these locations are fascinating and many are featured on picture postcards should your camera fail to do them justice. Of all the sites, the Lightning Man rock art site is not be missed. Phone: +61 8 8938-1120; website: www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/artculture/art/nourlangie.
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Ubirr Rocks
This ranks alongside Nourlangie in terms of the park’s best known rock art sites, offering a number of ‘galleries’ spread across a kilometre-long circular route. The route is relatively easy to walk aside from a 250-metre incline, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Among the paintings for viewing in the galleries are those of indigenous animals including rock ringtail possums, wallabies, goannas, catfish, barramundi and long-necked and pig-nosed turtles.

Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
With an architectural design based on the shape of a pig-nosed turtle (warradjan), this fascinating visitor centre offer in-depth information on Aboriginal culture in the Kakadu region. A video room showing relevant short films and a gallery displaying Aboriginal arts and crafts are among the more interesting aspects of the centre. Phone: +61 8 8979 0145

Kakadu’s chief selling point is not its restaurant scene, but this is not to say great food can’t be found within the park. There are some reputable hotels such as the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda, Kakadu Lodge Jabiru and Aurora Kakadu where restaurants provide high quality cuisine with menus featuring dishes from around the world.

In Jabiru, a small selection of restaurants provides food to suit all visitors with everything from simple snacks and appetisers to top-notch four-course meals. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to enjoy this kind of cooking, just pick up some raw ingredients from one of the grocery suppliers in the region and throw them on the ‘barbie’.

Bush tucker’ refers to food that is native to Australia, and is a feature of Kakadu. Visitors can learn and sample some of the staple foods of the Aboriginals including honey, flowers, game, and various fruit, herbs and vegetables.

Because Kakadu is a protected area, mass commercialism is absent. Shopping options are restricted to basic supplies and souvenir outlets. Jabiru offers a small selection of retail outlets where it’s possible to pick up clothing, locally produced arts and crafts and other sundry items. Groceries can be bought from several stores in the park including the gift shop at the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda.

Popular souvenirs include boomerangs and didgeridoos. These items are beautifully decorated and have been crafted by local Aboriginals for millennia. You will also find a great selection of postcards with Aboriginal dot art images.

It would be difficult to find a destination in northern Australia better suited to a holiday based around outdoor activities. Kakadu is all about the great outdoors, offering a vast array of terrains and unique geographical and geological characteristics. The park presents visitors with ideal conditions in which to pursue an extensive selection of pursuits from simple, leisurely strolls to lengthy and strenuous bushwalks, swimming, boating fishing and bird watching.

Bird Watching
Grab your binoculars and head out into the Kakadu bush where opportunities to see interesting bird species are excellent. Even the least patient ornithologists are likely to be rewarded with some fascinating sights. Among the common species on offer are the blue-winged kookaburra, red-tailed black cockatoo, magpie goose, chestnut-quilled rock pigeon, barking owl and plumed whistling-duck. For those prepared to sit and wait, there’s also the chance to see endangered species such as the gouldian finch and red goshaw.

Boating
There are plenty of waterways in the park where you can enjoy boating either independently or on an organised tour. If you choose the former option, you will need a permit and note that motorised boats are prohibited. Boating alone can be risky on account of the possibility of strong currents or encounters with crocodiles. A trip with a knowledgeable guide who can give you the lowdown on the history of the different locations encountered and background on the flora and fauna along the way is a more relaxing way of experiencing boating in the park. Phone: +61 8 8938 1120 (Bowali Visitor Centre).

Bushwalking
You need a minimum level of physical fitness to take on the Kakadu bush as the terrain can be quite challenging at times. However, there are few activities that will give you as intimate a feel for the place as bushwalking. Be sure to come well prepared if you choose to pursue this activity unassisted, taking with you sufficient food and water, maps, compasses, flashlights and other essential items. The Bowali Visitor Centre provides a booklet entitled Bushwalking in Kakadu which is well worth picking up, giving you details of the most popular walks and useful information to assist you in your endeavours.

Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by all. West of Kakadu Highway is the main fishing area, excepting the West Alligator River System. East of Kakadu Highway, fishing is only permitted at Muirella Park (Djarradjin Billbong), Sandy Billabong and Jim Jim Billabong. Phone: +61 8 8938 1120 (Bowali Visitor Centre).

Golf
While development of the parkland is restricted, a golf course has been added to the area. The only course in the country located within the limits of a national park, Jabiru Golf Club is surrounded by lush green flora and pleasant scenery, making it the perfect place for enthusiasts of the game to indulge their passion while still experiencing the unique ambience of Kakadu. Phone: +61 8 8979 2575.

Jeep Safaris
If you rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll have the chance to see parts of the park that might otherwise be off limits, especially during the rainy season. Grab a map and plan a sensible route before you set off to avoid getting lost. The Bowali Visitor Centre can provide useful information on interesting places to visit, road conditions, and facilities for drivers. Phone: +61 8 8938 1120 (Bowali Visitor Centre).

Tours
There are numerous companies offering organised tours of the park, each providing their own carefully considered itineraries. If you want to experience Kakadu with the benefit of the knowledge of experts, then this is the way to go. Among the more popular companies operating are: Lords Kakadu and Arnhemland Safaris (phone: +61 8 8948-2200), Katch Kakadu Tours (phone: +61 8 8979 3315), Adventure Tours Australia (phone: +61 8 8309 2277) and Willis' Walkabout (phone: +61 8 8985 2134).