Kakadu National Park Sunset Cruise from Darwin

Saltwater crocodiles and ancient rock art in one afternoon from Darwin

A 12-hour evening tour from Darwin combines Kakadu National Park's cultural and natural landmarks with a 2-hour Yellow Water River Cruise at sunset. You visit Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre, then board the award-winning cruise to spot large saltwater crocodiles, wild horses, wild buffalo and exotic birds across the lush wetlands. A small group of up to seven travelers travels in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide, and dinner at the lodge is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kakadu National Park and wetlands

• Stop for takeaway lunch at Corroboree Tavern
• Visit resident buffalos and crocodiles
• Explore Mamukala Wetlands and bird hide
• Visit Bowali Visitor Centre
• Enjoy Yellow Water Sunset Cruise
• Dinner at the lodge

The experience

The tour leaves Darwin in the afternoon, giving you time to rest before pickup. The drive to Kakadu takes three hours each way. The operator recommends bringing a pillow for the return journey. Along the way, you stop at Corroboree Tavern on the edge of the Kakadu region to grab a takeaway lunch (burger, sandwich or toastie), and see the resident buffalo and crocodiles before heading deeper into the park.

Once in Kakadu, you explore Mamukala Wetlands on a boardwalk where more than 280 bird species have been recorded. The Bird Hide is the vantage point for spotting magpie geese, rainbow finches and the jabiru, Kakadu's iconic stork. You also visit the Bowali Visitor Centre at the heart of the park, a modern building designed to blend with the landscape and framed by panoramic windows overlooking the wilderness. These stops anchor the cultural and ecological story before the water-based part of the day begins.

At sunset, you board the Yellow Water River Cruise for two hours on the water. This multi-award-winning cruise is where you see the large saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wild buffalo that live in the wetlands. The light at that hour is what photographers and nature lovers come for. Dinner follows at the lodge, with your choice of menu. The Kakadu Parks Pass is included, as is the air-conditioned transport and Starlink WiFi throughout the day.

What’s included

• The 2-hour Yellow Water River Cruise at sunset.
• Kakadu Parks Pass.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• dinner at the lodge.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup from Darwin.
• Starlink WiFi throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Feb 2027

Book up to20h before

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

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 45 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Sacred Owl Tours

Is this one for you?The tour runs 12 hours with three hours of driving each way, so it suits travelers with a full afternoon and evening free from Darwin rather than those looking for a shorter outing. Small groups of up to seven mean you travel with fewer people than a standard coach tour, and the fixed schedule packs the wetlands boardwalk, visitor centre, rock art context and the sunset cruise into a single departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

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 many bird species can I see at Mamukala Wetlands in Kakadu?

More than 280 bird species have been recorded at Mamukala Wetlands, with the Bird Hide offering the best vantage point for spotting magpie geese, rainbow finches and the jabiru, Kakadu's iconic stork.

What animals will I see on the Yellow Water River Cruise?

The Yellow Water Cruise is known for large saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wild buffalo living in the lush wetlands, along with exotic birds visible at sunset.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the 2-hour Yellow Water River Cruise, the Kakadu Parks Pass, air-conditioned transport, dinner at the lodge, a live English-speaking guide and hotel pickup from Darwin.

How long is the drive from Darwin to Kakadu?

The drive to Kakadu is three hours each way, and travel time is included in the total 12-hour tour duration.

What is the Bowali Visitor Centre?

The Bowali Visitor Centre is located at the heart of Kakadu National Park and offers an introduction to the park's cultural heritage, natural landscape and UNESCO World Heritage significance through its design and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.