Kakadu National Park

城市概覽

The origins of the name "Kakadu" come from Gagudju, an Aboriginal floodplain language which was one of the languages spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the 20th century. Gagudju is no longer regularly spoken day-to-day but descendants of this language group are still living in Kakadu. Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land comprise more than 110,000 km2 (42,000 sq mi) in the northeast corner of the Northern Territory. The landscapes are diverse and set the scene for outback adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities. Kakadu National Park is the second largest national park in Australia only behind Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park in South Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world; the most famous examples are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. The secret to discovering Kakadu is taking your time. You'll find stories, secrets and sights never imagined. It is impossible to appreciate the full breadth and beauty of the park in a fleeting visit – if you can afford the time, spend a week or more. Nature and wildlife abound in this area, which is known for its level of biodiversity. Wholly Aboriginal owned land, Arnhem Land is known for its strong Aboriginal culture, towering escarpments, wild coastline, savannah woodlands, lush wetlands and prolific wildlife. Closer to Darwin is the Mary River region, home to millions of birds, saltwater crocodiles and fish, including the mighty barramundi, which makes it a fishing hot spot.

History The park was established in 1981. It is governed by Environment Australia/Parks Australia and Aboriginal traditional land owners (the Gun-djeihmi, Kunwinjku, Krakeourtinnie and Jawoyn peoples).

Landscape The park contains 1,980,400 hectares of wetlands and other terrain. It is Australia's second largest National Park and is approximately the size of Israel or Wales.

Biodiversity

Kakadu is home to 68 mammals (almost one-fifth of Australia

如何抵達

Access from Darwin to Jabiru is via the Arnhem Highway. This is a good road with a speed limit on 130 km/h that is usually open all year round. Access from the south to Jabiru is via the Kakadu Highway, again usually open all year round. Check road conditions before setting off. It is around 3-4 hours drive from Darwin to Jabiru. You can rent 2WD and 4WD cars in Darwin, with daily distance limits. Campervan rentals often don't have distance limits. A variety of coach and small group tours are also available from Darwin. During the wet seasons, some parts of the park are not accessible by 2WD vehicles, or even not accessible at all. Check road conditions and closures in advance. This is generally not a problem during the dry season though.

當地交通

Kakadu is massive (the size of Wales), more than double the size of Yellowstone and larger than all national parks in the US. 4WD vehicles are required to enter some areas. However many spectacular and popular sites are readily accessible via good roads.

By car Having your own vehicle is the easiest and most pleasurable option. The main tourist route is east from Darwin to Jabiru, then south-west to Cooinda, then continuing on as far as Pine Creek, with a possible deviation south to Katherine, before returning north to Darwin. Such an itinerary could be easily be covered in a few days with longer time if wanting to see things off-road.

By tour Tours inside the park are available with the popular destinations being a day trip to Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. The pick-up points for these tours are typically from Jabiru and Cooinda.

bigNT Tours, toll-free: 1800 222 557, [email protected]. Territory-owned and -operated business that offers small group Kakadu tours from Darwin Travelwild Kakadu Tours, ☏ +61 8 88434159, [email protected]. Small group 4WD camping tours departing from Darwin for backpackers and active people, from 3 to 5 days. Territory Expeditions, toll-free: 1300 115 922Country code missing, [email protected]. Locally owned and operated small group, camping adventures to Kakadu Lost in Australia, ☏ +61 8 6102 0776, [email protected]. Adventure, small groups, safaris, locally owned and operated, Full-day and overnight Kakadu tours. Gagudju Dreaming in Kakadu, toll-free: 1800 500 401, [email protected]. An indigenous owned collection of Kakadu wetland cruises, 4WD Kakadu tours, cultural experiences and Kakadu accommodation. It is the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu and is focussed on positive indigenous outcomes. Top End Explorer Tours, ☏ +61 8 8979 3615, [email protected]. Locally owned and operated. Small group 1-day 4WD nature experiences and private charte

必看景點

Yellow Water, a stunning "billabong" (which is an arm of the East Alligator River) brimming with native flora and fauna. It's one of Kakadu National Park’s best known landmarks. Near the small settlement of Cooinda, Yellow Water is home to crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife. The billabong, which floods to join other waterways during the tropical season, also attracts millions of migratory birds each year, including jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and many other native species. Daily boat tours can be booked via Cooinda Lodge. For a real treat, the dawn trip is the best for bird watching and seeing the sun come up. Make sure you bring mosquito repellent. Koolpin Gorge - available only through 4WD tours with a permit, but well worth it. Bardedjilidji Walk, Ubirr, Jabiru (Via Oenpelli Road), ☏ +61 8 8938 1120. Through layered sandstone outliers, woodlands and wetlands alongside the East Alligator River, this is one of Kakadu's most interesting short walks which starts at a small carpark 500 m from the upstream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. You can complete it by yourself (map with information sheet available) or join the guided walk departing the shelter on Mondays. Allow 2 hours for this easy to moderate 2.5-km walk. Please enquire with the Bowali Visitor Centre for accessibility as it is subject to weather conditions (flooding) and for the availability of guides. Free entry. Gunlom Plunge Pool, Kakadu Highway, Jabiru (200 km south of Jabiru), ☏ +61 8 8938 1120. On Waterfall Creek is a combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas. A steep climb to the top of the waterfall provides sweeping views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu National Park while you enjoy a relaxing soak in the crystal clear pools. Free entry. Gubara (via Nourlangie Rock Road), ☏ +61 8 8938 1120. A 6-km return walk past sandstone cliffs to shady monsoon forest pools. Gubara is found 9 km in on the first

體驗活動

Walking is a great way to experience Kakadu. There are many walks throughout the park, including a wide variety of short and easy day walks as well as some longer, more challenging full day walks for those who are fit. Check seasonal access. A perm