Kakadu: Jabiru Scenic Flight & Ancient Landmarks Aerial Tour

Jabiru flight over Kakadu’s ancient escarpments rivers & billabongs

You’ll board a small plane in Jabiru and soar above Kakadu’s ancient escarpments and winding rivers, guided by your pilot’s live commentary. Expect vivid views of billabongs and floodplains, plus easy hotel pickup if you need it. The feeling stays with you long after landing. Something about seeing those vast lands from above just lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

30 minute scenic flight over Kakadu

• Depart from Jabiru airstrip
• Fly over ancient escarpments
• View The Archway and Arnhem Land
• See East Alligator Valley and Mikinj Valley Billabongs
• Observe Magela flood plains
• Listen to pilot commentary
• Return to Jabiru airstrip

The experience

We were already buckled in when the pilot, Dave, handed out headsets: his voice crackling through as we taxied out of Jabiru. The air smelled faintly metallic, like rain had just passed but left the red dirt steaming. I remember glancing sideways at the others, all wide-eyed and quiet for a second as the plane lifted off. There’s this moment when Kakadu just opens up below you (not slowly, but all at once), and suddenly you’re tracing the lines of the Arnhem Land escarpment with your eyes, trying to figure out how it all fits together. Dave pointed out The Archway and I tried to spot it before he finished his sentence (missed it, honestly).

The headset made everything feel strangely intimate: like Dave was just chatting with us about Mikinj Valley Billabongs and how the Magela flood plains change colors depending on the season. He joked about crocs sunbathing down there somewhere (“don’t worry, they can’t jump this high”). At one point we banked over East Alligator Valley and I swear you could see for miles: rivers curling around patches of green that looked almost painted on. My camera roll is mostly blurry shots because my hands were sweaty (nerves? excitement? both), but I still think about that view when I close my eyes at night.

I didn’t expect to feel so small up there, or maybe “small” isn’t right, more like… connected? Like you’re part of something ancient that’s been shifting and eroding for billions of years. The flight was only half an hour but it felt longer in a good way. Back on solid ground, legs a bit wobbly, we laughed about how none of us could pronounce “Magela” right (Dave didn’t even try to correct us). So yeah, if you’ve ever wondered what Kakadu looks like from above. This Jabiru scenic flight is kind of wild in its own quiet way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected when booking, all taxes and fees covered up front, clear headsets so you can hear your pilot’s live commentary as you fly over Kakadu’s escarpments and floodplains, plus a little extra local knowledge along the way before returning back to Jabiru.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kakadu Air Services

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

105 verified traveler reviews

5 ★95

4 ★7

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Jabiru scenic flight over Kakadu?

The scenic flight lasts approximately 30 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Is hotel pickup included for the Kakadu scenic flight?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available for selected hotels if you choose that option during booking.

What will I see during the Jabiru scenic flight?

You’ll see The Archway, Arnhem Land escarpment, East Alligator Valley, Mikinj Valley Billabongs, and Magela flood plains from above.

Is there live commentary during the flight?

Yes, your pilot provides both recorded and live commentary throughout the flight via headsets.

Is the aircraft wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What happens if my flight is canceled due to weather?

If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How early should I check in for my Jabiru flight?

You need to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.