Kakadu National Park Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 on Fridays
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Almost all of the businesses operating in Kakadu National Park are located in Jabiru, a small town that is the area’s commercial centre. Business hours in this unique destination are not always in line with those observed by the majority of towns and cities in Australia so it’s wise to check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for details of operating hours of specific establishments.

Dangers in Kakadu National Park are more from natural sources than they are from people or manmade ones. The wildlife is the biggest source of concern with crocodiles topping the list. The best advice available with regards to these potentially hazardous creatures is to keep a safe distance. If you spot a crocodile while visiting an area where they are known to frequent, keep out of their way. Swim only in those areas designated for doing so as crocodile-related fatalities have occurred in several locations.

With regards to other creatures, be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, both of which can be extremely dangerous and are common in many parts of the park. Avoid walking barefoot in the park and wear long pants when jungle trekking. Biting insects can be a pest, so be sure to spray yourself liberally with a suitable repellant before going out and about in the park.

Kakadu is not known for crime, but it still pays to be on your guard. Taking basic measures to avoid the chances of being targeted by petty criminals is sensible. Be sure to respect the park and everything in it. Don’t leave litter behind or anything that might upset the delicate ecosystem. Avoid feeding animals, as your picnic fare may not agree with their digestive systems.

Electricity: 240V AC, 50Hz

The park presents dangers of venomous and disease carrying insects so necessary precautions should be taken by all visitors. Mosquitoes are known to carry the Ross River virus which, while not fatal, can be extremely unpleasant so be sure to apply mosquito repellant at all times, dress in sensible clothing which covers most of the body and burn repellent coils around your tent at night if you are camping in the park.

The heat can dehydrate you rapidly, especially if combined with strenuous walking, so be sure to drink plenty of water every day. Experts recommend that four to eight litres is appropriate, which may sound like a lot, but the climate encourages heavy perspiration.

The sun is powerful at most times of the year and can cause unpleasant short-term and serious long-term effects if you overexpose your skin without protection. Be sure to put sunscreen on any uncovered areas of your body and when possible wear loose fitting clothing that keeps exposure to a minimum.

Jabiru Health Clinic: +61 8 89792018
Royal Darwin Hospital: +61 8 8922 8888
Emergency services: 000 (112 from a mobile phone)

English is the main language spoken in Kakadu although the park is home to Aboriginal dwellers that have their own dialects.

The Australian dollar (AU$) comprising 100 cents is the official currency for use in the Kakadu National Park. Notes are in denominations of AU$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are available in denominations of AU$2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Money can be changed at some hotels and at the bank in Jabiru. Many visitors choose to organise their currency exchange either at Darwin Airport or in the city of Darwin prior to their arrival in Kakadu. ATMs are scarce with a single machine available in Jabiru.

Australian customs regulations permit adults to bring the following into the country without duty payment: 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or loose tobacco, plus up to 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages. Perfumes, electronic goods and other products may be brought in to a maximum value of AU$900.

There are many goods and items subject to restriction in Australia - food and organic items in particular. If you are carrying anything you are unsure about, then it’s wise to declare it to be on the safe side. Customs deal firmly with anyone caught bringing in prohibited items knowingly or otherwise.

There are no great mysteries or deep-seated cultural idiosyncrasies in Australian etiquette and very few opportunities to unintentionally offend the locals. Australians are generally friendly and approachable characters with a laid back attitude to life and distinct lack of formality in most aspects of day-to-day living.

If you meet a local in Kakadu for the first time, they will offer you a hearty handshake and greet you with the typical ‘g’day’ (short for ‘good day’). You can return the same greeting or answer with a simple ‘hello’ if you prefer. Hugs or kisses may be exchanged if you are greeting people in a more intimate social situation.

Kapaau’s non-indigenous population is small. Jabiru, the main residential area in the park, is home to less than 2,000 people. With such a small community, the locals are quite traditional in their ways and this should be respected.

Dining Etiquette
A dinner invitation in Kakadu is most likely to be an invitation to a ‘barbie’ (barbecue) since this is a typical social affair in most of Australia, where outdoor living is the norm. Etiquette for barbies is straightforward and visitors can embrace the lack of formality that presides over such events. Alcohol normally flows freely so if you want to make a good impression with your host, be sure to bring a few beers or a good bottle of wine along with you.

Eating is entirely informal, with guests expected to grab a plate and help themselves to the food as soon as it’s ready. You can offer to help cook if you are experienced, otherwise stick around long enough to help clear up afterwards and you are sure to get invited to a similar event during your stay.

With some exceptions, the majority of visitors holding valid passports from the UK, US, Canada and the Republic of Ireland need to be granted a visa before they can enter the country. Most visitors apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa prior to travel. An ETA is an electronically issued visa that exists digitally, permitting the holder entry to the country for up to three months. ETAs can be applied for through reputable travel agents or online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au/.

Visitors from nations not included in the ETA scheme will need to apply for a regular tourist visa from an Australian embassy located in their home country. New Zealanders are an exception and qualify for a visa on arrival provided they are carrying a valid passport and complete the necessary immigration form.

The Bowali Visitor Centre is the main source of information for visitors to Kakadu National Park. The centre is located about three miles from the town of Jabiru and opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Phone: +61 8 8938 1121.