Kakadu & Nourlangie Tour: Yellow Waters Cruise with Lunch

Saltwater crocodiles and 60 bird species on Yellow Waters, then ancient rock art at Nourlangie

A full-day tour from Darwin into Kakadu National Park with a local guide, covering the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a Yellow Waters billabong cruise, and a walk around Nourlangie Rock to see Aboriginal rock art. Hotel pickup, lunch and air-conditioned transport are included. The guide speaks English and leads the commentary throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre20m
2. Nourlangie45m

Explore Kakadu National Park and Billabong Cruise

• Travel towards Kakadu via Arnhem Highway
• Visit Warradjan Cultural Centre
• Cruise on Yellow Water Billabong
• Enjoy included lunch in Cooinda
• Walk around Nourlangie rock art site

The experience

The day starts with a drive south along the Arnhem Highway, where the Marrakai Plains open up on either side. You'll stop at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre first, where displays show the way of life of the Bininj people, the traditional owners of Kakadu. From there the route heads to Yellow Waters, a billabong where your guide leads a cruise among thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of birdlife: sea eagles, brolgas and kingfishers among them. The boat moves slowly enough to watch the animals without startling them, and the guide points out what to look for.

After the cruise you'll stop for lunch in Cooinda, then travel to Nourlangie Rock. Here you walk around the base of the rock with your driver guide, seeing different forms of Aboriginal rock art carved and painted into the stone. The walk is short and suited to all fitness levels. The whole day runs thirteen hours from pickup to drop-off, with the drive time built in so you're not rushing between stops.

What’s included

• Yellow Waters billabong cruise.
• Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre entry.
• driver guide in English.
• lunch in Cooinda.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 58

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteAU$ 40

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AAT Kings

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English and leads the commentary at every stop, so you'll understand the history and wildlife without needing to read ahead or use a separate app. Infants sit on an adult's lap at no extra charge, and the day suits all fitness levels, though collapsible wheelchairs are only accommodated if a companion can assist with boarding and disembarking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years); Infant (under 2): 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.

What animals will I see on the Yellow Waters cruise?

Yellow Waters is home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles and up to 60 species of birdlife, including sea eagles, brolgas and kingfishers. Your guide will point them out during the cruise and explain their behaviour.

What is the Warradjan Cultural Centre about?

The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre holds displays that show the traditions and way of life of the Bininj people, the traditional owners of Kakadu National Park. It's the first stop on the tour after you leave Darwin.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch is included and served in Cooinda during the day. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the Yellow Waters cruise, entry to the Warradjan Cultural Centre, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the walk at Nourlangie Rock?

The walk around the base of Nourlangie Rock is short and suited to all fitness levels. Your driver guide leads it and explains the different forms of Aboriginal rock art on the stone as you go.

What should I know about the Kakadu National Park entry fee?

From 1 April 2026, entry to Kakadu National Park requires a separate ticket: AUD 25–40 for adults and AUD 12.50–20 for children, depending on the date. You can purchase this before departure by contacting the tour operator, or arrange it separately.