| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory |
| Best Time to Visit | Wurrkeng (mid-June to mid-August) for camping and hiking |
| Facilities | Caravan parks with ranger talks, camping grounds (seasonal) |
| Activities | Cultural tours, helicopter rides, fishing tours, Yellow Waters Billabong cruise, swimming at waterholes, hiking to Ubirr |
| Wildlife | Crocodiles, magpie geese, barramundi, file snakes, turtles, birds of prey |
| In Camps App | Yes – Find detailed campsite information |
When we visited Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, I was intrigued to learn about the difference in seasons. Even more fascinating, was how they directed ways of life, and what they meant for survival.
These six distinct seasons are based on the traditional knowledge of the Indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Where we camped, rangers came into the caravan parks and gave daily talks on cultural knowledge. It was suited for families, too.
Kudjewk
- Monsoon season
- December to March
- 24°C – 34°C
- True tropical summer with thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding
- Crocodiles hatch, magpie geese nest and speargrass grows
- Humidity plus! Great time for helicopter ride to see overflowing waterfalls
Bangkerreng
- ‘Knock ‘em down’ storm season
- April
- 23°C – 34°C
- Clear skies, floodwaters recede and roads open again!
- Fruiting plants, animals babies and dragonflies!
- Catch barra on a fishing tour
Yekke
- Cooler (but still humid) season
- May to mid-June
- 21°C – 33°C
- Dry winds and flowering Darwin woollybutt signal that it’s time to start patch burning
- Enjoy the water lilies and explore the National Park – take a cultural tour
Wurrkeng
- Cold weather season
- Mid-June to mid-August
- 17°C – 32°C
- Floodplains and creeks dry up –
- Waterholes at Jim Jim Falls and Maguk to swim in (be croc safe and here’s a camping spot nearby)
- Patchburning continues and birds of prey feed on the escaping animals
- Waterbirds like magpie geese are abundant
- Best time for camping and hiking – like up to Ubirr to look out over Arnhemland
Kurrung
- Hot dry weather
- Mid-August to mid-October
- 23°C – 37°C
- Locals hunt file snakes, long-necked turtles and it is ‘goose time’
- Swimming holes dry up
- Sea turtles lay eggs
- Look for white-breasted wood swallows
- Thunderclouds start to build
- Take a Yellow Waters Billabong cruise (our whole family enjoyed it)
Kunumeleng
- Pre-monsoon storm season
- Mid-October to late December
- 24°C – 37°C
- Heat and humidity build
- This season could be a few weeks to several months.
- Afternoon thunderstorms and showers fill up billabongs again
- Most camping grounds are shut this time of year
- Barramundi and waterbirds are on the move
- This signaled time for Aboriginal people leave floodplains for the stone country
Find fantastic caravan parks and camps in the CAMPS guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six seasons in Kakadu National Park?
Kakadu has six distinct Indigenous seasons: Kudjewk (monsoon, December-March), Bangkerreng (knock ’em down storms, April), Yekke (cooler but humid, May-mid June), Wurrkeng (cold weather, mid-June-mid August), Kurrung (hot dry, mid-August-mid October), and Kunumeleng (pre-monsoon, mid-October-late December).
When is the best time to camp in Kakadu?
Wurrkeng season (mid-June to mid-August) is the best time for camping and hiking, with temperatures between 17°C and 32°C and dry conditions. Most camping grounds are closed during Kunumeleng (pre-monsoon) season.
Can you swim in Kakadu waterholes?
Yes, during Wurrkeng season (mid-June to mid-August) you can swim in waterholes at Jim Jim Falls and Maguk. Always be croc safe and check current conditions before swimming.
What activities are available for families in Kakadu?
Families can enjoy ranger talks at caravan parks on cultural knowledge, Yellow Waters Billabong cruises, cultural tours during Yekke season, hiking to Ubirr lookout, and helicopter rides during Kudjewk season to see overflowing waterfalls.
When can you see waterfalls in Kakadu?
The best time for waterfalls is during Kudjewk (monsoon season, December-March) when they are overflowing. A helicopter ride is recommended during this time due to high humidity and flooding.
What is the weather like during the monsoon season?
Kudjewk (monsoon season, December-March) brings true tropical summer conditions with temperatures between 24°C and 34°C, thunderstorms, heavy rain, flooding and high humidity.
When is the best time for fishing in Kakadu?
Bangkerreng season (April) is great for catching barramundi on fishing tours. Kurrung season (mid-August to mid-October) is also good as barramundi become more active.
Are camping facilities available year-round in Kakadu?
No, most camping grounds are shut during Kunumeleng (pre-monsoon storm season, mid-October to late December). Check the Camps App for current details on which campgrounds are open.
