KAKADU NATIONAL PARK & JUMPING CROCS
Kakadu National Park
The park is within the Alligator Rivers area of the Northern Territory. Kakadu covers an area almost two hundred kilometres (120 mi) from north/south and over one hundred kilometres (62 mi) from east/west.
Kakadu Highway
The highway starts at Pine Creek and finishes at Jabiru. If driving from South Australia follow the highway from Pine Creek to Jabiru a road distance of 213 km on an all sealed road and then follow the Arnhem Highway to Darwin.
Darwin to Kakadu park entrance is an easy two and a half hour drive. Distance of 210km. Along the fully sealed Arnhem Highway. On park entry, an entrance fee applies. A Kakadu Yellow Water Cruise is essential. Up to two hours, observing flora and fauna. Crocodiles and birdlife. The township of Jabiru offers tourist facilities and services. The Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise is a short river tour on the drive to Kakadu and before Jabiru.
Cahills Crossing
Cahills Crossing in Kakadu National Park is about forty km further from Jabiru and also reached on a sealed road. The crossing has witnessed at least two fatal crocodile attacks. Located on the East Alligator River. One of these, a fisherman knee deep at the waters edge.
Another attack killed a male walking the crossing. Widely regarded as the most dangerous river crossing in Australia. Abandoned vehicle's washed into the river can often be seen. Crocodiles gather to eat fish in the murky water. Dozens of large crocs inhabit the immediate area.
Safe Crocodile Viewing and Obey the Warning Signs
A safe river viewing platform overlooks the East Alligator River and is off to the right side of Cahills road river crossing. This is a safe area to view saltwater crocodiles in the wild outside of an organised tour. Safe for families. It's not uncommon to view multiple numbers of crocodiles from the public viewing platform. Most are in the river. A few are perhaps out of the water on the edge of the crossing. Do not cross the river into Arnhem Land without a permit. Even on the low tide when the crossing may be dry. Still unsafe to do so.
Alligator River is a misnomer. Early pioneers thought the crocodiles were alligators and so named the local rivers East and South Alligator.
An easy short walk, The Border Store is a short walk near Cahills Crossing viewing platform and is a general store. Driving from Jabiru the fully sealed Kakadu Highway connects with Pine Creek on the Stuart Highway.
Pine Creek
A short practical hire\drive driving itinerary in the vast distances of the Northern Territory is for a loop drive route Darwin, Kakadu, Pine Creek and return to Darwin. All on sealed roads.
Pine Creek is two hundred and twenty-five km from Darwin. To follow the suggested driving loop at least one overnight stay is required to allow an adequate time for tours and see the sights. Two nights even better. Accommodation is available in Jabiru and Pine Creek. For more Kakadu information also read Darwin post.
Traveldriven
ENTER CLICK/TAP
DRIVE DARWIN TO KAKADU & RETURN
JUMPING CROCS ADELAIDE RIVER
ADELAIDE RIVER
Molly's Kakadu roadtrip. Showcases indigenous rock art which I believe is refreshed regularly by local indigenous people. A traditional practice going back thousands of years to keep living culture alive. Jim Jim Falls may disappoint in the later dry season. Expect dry waterfalls and rough unsealed roads to Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
Thankyou to Molly Dixon Youtube for enabling video sharing. Always high quality content by an Australian prepared to go drive and see Australia.
Traveldriven
UBIRR ROCK ART, KAKADU
EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY 2WD
SEALED ROAD TO JABIRU TOWN
JABIRU TOWN BAKERY
