yellow river cruise jabiru

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Yellow Water Cruise

The Yellow Water Cruise is one of the must do cruises in Kakadu National Park. The South Alligator river system, which is the largest in the Kakadu National Park, is made up of extensive river channels, blackwater swamps and floodplains.

1.5hrs / 2hrs

Gagudju Lodge Cooinda

The Yellow Water Cruise is one of the must do cruises in Kakadu National Park.  The cruise departs from Cooinda, which is 55 kilometers from the township of jabiru (the only town situated in Kakadu National Park).  Sit back and relax on a guided cruise on the Famous Yellow Water Billabong.  Yellow Water Billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The South Alligator river system, which is the largest in the Kakadu National Park, is made up of extensive river channels, blackwater swamps and floodplains.

If you prefer to join a Kakadu Day Tour departing Darwin please See HERE

One third of Australia’s bird species are found in Kakadu, and 60 species are found in the wetlands. Some of the birds you may encounter here are Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, five different species of Kingfisher, Jabiru’s and Brolga’s.

Yellow Water Cruises provides you with a unique opportunity to experience the Saltwater Crocodile in it’s natural habitat, you may even spot a buffalo on the floodplains. See a myriad of birds, over 60 species. This is a great Kakadu Tour for all ages.

Yellow Water Cruises operate exclusively on the Billabong, running up to 6 cruises a day at various times. There are 1 ½ hour cruises or 2 hour cruises. The 2 hour cruises are well worth it as they take in the sunrise or sunset.

NOTE:*Children aged 5-15 years. 4 years and under travel free of charge on this Kakadu tour.

Rates as of April 2023

Phone bookings accepted: 08 89792548

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Contact Details

Phone: 08 8979 2548 [email protected] Shop 6/13 Tasman Crescent Jabiru NT 0886

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Yellow Water Cruise In Kakadu, NT: Visitor’s Guide

Hop on board a Yellow Water Cruise and get a taste of Kakadu National Park, a 20,000km² nature reserve in the Northern Territory that boasts a plethora of magical landscapes, from ancient rainforests to sprawling wetlands and everything in between.

The park is divided into seven distinct eco-regions, from East Alligator to Nourlangie and Yellow Water, each region has its own unique features and natural attractions.

In the heart of it all sits Yellow Water Billabong which forms part of the South Alligator River system, although there are no alligators in Australia. They’re all crocs!

The wildlife at the Yellow Water Billabong is second to none. Covering vast wetlands, it is home to numerous species of native creatures that thrive in this environment.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – YELLOW WATER CRUISE KAKADU

Visiting Kakadu National Park is an incredible experience.

Not only is there an extensive amount of history and culture to soak up in the park, but the landscape surrounding the Yellow Water Billabong is also one of the best places to experience all of it.

Whether you are on the hunt for wildlife, want to see some of Australia’s most surreal landscapes, or simply want to try your hand at fishing, the billabong has you covered.

To get to see the breathtaking area around the waterways from a different perspective, hop on a billabong cruise and discover the truly remarkable landscape.

The Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises will provide you with a discovery tour through the dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscape of the world-famous Yellow Water Billabong that you will never forget.

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WHERE IS THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE

Yellow Water Billabong is part of the South Alligator River system, located at the end of Jim Jim Creek.

The river system is unique as it is included in its entirety within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park.

This is one of the must-do cruises while visiting Kakadu National Park .

The cruise departs from Cooinda, which is 55 km from the township of Jabiru, the only town situated in the park.

Yellow Water Cruises operate exclusively on the billabong.

BEST TIME TO VISIT YELLOW WATER BILLABONG

The north of the Australian Outback has a tropical climate, meaning a distinct dry and wet season, so any time of the year has advantages and disadvantages to traveling around Kakadu.

The transitional periods between the dry and wet seasons April – May, and September – October are arguably the best time of the year to visit Kakadu National Park.

Between April and June, waterfalls are usually pumping from their wet season top-up.

At the end of the dry season, before the first rains, huge numbers of birds and lots of other wildlife congregate around the receding waterholes.

There are up to 6 cruises a day at various times with 1 ½ hour cruises and 2-hour cruises on offer.

The 2-hour Yellow River Cruise Kakadu is well worth it as they take you out on the billabong for sunrise or sunset, which are the best times to do the cruise as it gets very hot during the day.

Due to its popularity, I highly recommend booking your tour in advance to secure your spot on the boat.

You might even want to consider planning your trip to coincide with Kakadu Bird Week. There are special Bird Week cruises at 4:30 pm (1-3 September and 26-28 September), which focus on the vast birdlife around the billabong.

There are guided bird-watching tours through the East Alligator River, South Alligator River, Nourlangie, and Mary River.

The Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge both offer special discounts on accommodation during Bird Week.

Pssst! Check out this EPIC Hiking Backpack!

Perfect for shorter day hikes, the Osprey Stratos 24L is a tough pack made from sustainable materials.

With great internal organization, this is all you need for your next adventure, no matter the weather!

BOOK THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE

Prices for the tour are very reasonable, $90 per adult, $65 per child, and children under the age of 4 can participate for free.

BOOK NOW → YELLOW WATER CRUISES

Meeting point for the yellow water cruise.

The meeting point is located at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, just a 5-minute drive from the Yellow Water Billabong.

There is a large car park with plenty of free parking spaces available, as well as toilet amenities and a cafe.

A shuttle bus will pick you up from the front of Cooinda Lodge and chauffeur everyone down to the boats to begin the cruise.

RELATED ARTICLE → NAWURLANDJA LOOKOUT

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YELLOW WATER CRUISES

This is one of the most popular and unique activities when visiting Kakadu and due to the ever-changing landscape, it will be a completely different experience for every tour.

Many people do two cruises at different times to experience and see the changes. The cruise moves super slowly, so there’s plenty of time to take photos from all different angles.

On the tour, you will be provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Saltwater Crocodile in its natural habitat.

You will most likely see more of these impressive, prehistoric creatures than you can count and you might even spot a buffalo on the floodplains.

If you are a bird lover, Kakadu will be a paradise for you as it is home to one-third of Australia’s bird species. An impressive amount of 60 species can be found in the wetlands.

On the cruise, some of the birds you may encounter are Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, five different species of Kingfisher, Jabirus, and Brolgas.

Australian Geographic has voted Kakadu the number one bird-watching destination in Australia.

WHERE TO STAY IN KAKADU

Luxury: mercure kakadu crocodile hotel.

MID-RANGE: COOINDA LODGE KAKADU

MID-RANGE: AURORA LODGE KAKADU

WHAT TO PACK FOR NORTHERN TERRITORY

When visiting NT, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

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FINAL THOUGHTS – YELLOW WATER CRUISE KAKADU

Whatever expectations you might have of this activity, I dare to say they will be exceeded and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

The magic of nature around Yellow Water Billabong is incomparable anywhere else and I guarantee it will be an adventure you’ll never forget.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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Many thanks!

This trip was in association with NT Tourism and Backyard Bandits.

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Yellow Water Cruises

Things to do jabiru , west arnhem , northern territory.

Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps.

The wildlife – About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant.

The experience – Yellow Water Cruises, winner of the 2012 NT Brolga Tourism Award and 2012 Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Major Tour and/or Transport Operators, operates exclusively on Yellow Water Billabong. It operates year round and provides up to six cruises a day of 90 or 120 minute duration. The sunrise and sunset cruise are very popular and advance bookings are recommended. They can never guarantee what will happen on a cruise, but every time is a unique experience.

The guides – All Yellow Water Cruises’ experienced guides are ticketed with the Kakadu Knowledge certification and give fascinating insights into how the Bininj people use the flora and fauna to support their way of life.

From $105 to $129

Enjoy a two hour wildlife cruise on Yellow Water, a lush tropical billabong located in Kakadu National Park. This tranquil wetland is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Watch as native birds rest among waterlilies, see saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wallabies in their natural habitats and discover why this unspoiled wilderness is a World Heritage listed landmark

Disabled Access

Enjoy a one and a half hour wildlife cruise on Yellow Water, a lush tropical billabong located in Kakadu National Park. This tranquil wetland is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Watch as native birds rest among waterlilies, see saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wallabies in their natural habitats and discover why this unspoiled wilderness is a World Heritage listed landmark.

Nearby Things to Do

Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp

Kakadu, West Arnhem

Kakadu Tourism Adventure Tours

Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)

Jabiru, West Arnhem

Budjmi Lookout

Yellow Water Fishing

Also in this location.

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• Yellow Water Billabong
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Experience the diverse wildlife of Kakadu's most famous wetland

This unique river system is entirely encompassed within the bounds of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park, which recognises the ecological importance, biodiversity, and the profound cultural significance of Kakadu. As a haven for diverse wildlife, Yellow Water Billabong showcases the prehistoric Ginga (saltwater crocodiles) basking along the banks or gliding stealthily through the water, while the skies above are alive with vibrant bird species, including the iconic Djakarna (Jabiru), Marrawuddi (white-bellied sea eagles)and Bamurru (magpie geese). Upon the banks, you'll find Anaburru (water buffalo), brumbies and wild pig which inhabit Kakadu as a remnant of the early European settlements. Yellow Water Billabong is a front-row seat to the harmonious coexistence of these species, making it a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

What to see on a yellow water cruise 

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Parks Access Report

Take a Yellow Water Cruise

As the sun paints the water's surface with a warm golden glow, the billabong exhibits its basking crocodiles, vibrant birdlife, and the tranquil rhythm of nature. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour unfolds the intricate relationship between local Bininj/Mungguy (Indigenous) people, their culture and the significance of these waterways to their existence for thousands of years. The Yellow Water Cruise is an exploration of Australia's true beauty, and one you'll remember for a lifetime.

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Yellow Water Cruises

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Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Yellow Water Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu

• Spot freshwater crocodiles in their natural environment
• Choice of departure times: watch the sunrise or sunset from the water
• Learn more about Kakadu’s wildlife with live commentary on-board
• See itinerary
• Cruise (either 1.5 or 2-Hours in duration depending on option selected)
• Local guide
• Live commentary on board
• Entry/Admission - Yellow Water Cruises
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia Please meet at the Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Cruises are always subject to availability and environmental conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• Guests in wheelchairs may need to transfer from the wheelchair into the boat.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia Please meet at the Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted. See address & details
• 1 Yellow Water Cruises Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Cruise Kakadu's most famous wetland and see the billabong come alive. Located at the end of the Jim Jim Creek, Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River system. This river system is unique as it is included in its entirity within a UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park. Cruise along with a knowledgeable guide who will provide commentary about the area and the various species of animals that call this waterway home. Read more Pass by Kakadu National Park
• You'll return to the starting point

• ThorbenM4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Trip This was a great trip in a small group. Don was a very passionated guide and did a very good job. All stops were well selected and we got a nice insight into the Kakadu National Park. We fully recommend that tour! Read more Written 15 October 2023
• Sherpa45839564344 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kakadu experts Don was a fabulous guide. His knowledge about animals, birds and plants was incredible and we were lucky to have an expert guide for the day. We visited quite late in the dry season and so having Don share his knowledge on all aspects of the native plants and snd animals was so helpful in the very dry conditions. We saw many beautiful waterfalls and creeks and completed some easy walks. We finished the day beside a billabong, watching birds and animals (including a croc) go about their evening business. It was superb. Big thanks to Don! Read more Written 1 October 2023
• simonf810 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day out Really enjoyable day with Hirum visiting some less accessible areas of the park. Loved his laid back and calm demeanour. Our experience was that it wasn’t too challenging or adventurous and anyone with moderate fitness/mobility will be fine. We visited 2 waterholes, plus other stops to look at and learn about for example termite mounds. Hirum was very knowledgable and happy to share and answer questions. You tend to be more confident swimming in waterholes in a group with a guide than you would be on your own. Finished the day with a nice relaxing glass of wine and nibbles at the private billabong behind Cooinda Lodge. Some people may complain that it’s not covering many different sites, but with distances involved etc I was happy so we could appreciate the places visited and were not rushed. Read more Written 15 July 2023
• Burgeoning 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Our guide was Glenn today and we had an amazing experience. Glenn was so knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the culture of the people, and the land. The itinerary covered everything we expected and more. What an awesome day. We highly recommend this tour. Read more Written 8 July 2023
• ATJacko 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and fabulous guide Fantastic tour and we’ll worth it. I was worried we wouldn’t get to see enough in 1 day but was happy to say we did. We did the jumping croc tour which I would recommend as it tops off the tour. The rock art paintings were incredible. Ben was our tour guide and he made the day. His knowledge was spectacular and I learnt so much across the day. Was a rich and very rewarding experience. Read more Written 27 June 2023
• David nJacquie O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This one has a bit of everything! Christine was our knowledgeable guide to some of the amazing (and safe) waterholes and falls for a wonderfully exhausting day of nature and culture! We saw amazing rock art, learned so much about the traditional owners, the land and the plants of the area and enjoyed a Little Rock climbing (or scrambling more accurately). Best of all we were able to cool off in lovely rock pools and swim under waterfalls. Read more Written 11 October 2022
• L1662ICzoes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An exceptional tour in a magical place. Our tour guide Glen was incredibly knowledgeable. His passion for the people, culture, wildlife and landscape was awe inspiring. Glen took us to some wonderful remote parts of Kakadu and we had refreshing swims in stunning crystal clear water holes including Maguk Gorge. Finishing up the day by a secluded Billabong with some wine and cheese, watching birds and crocodiles (from a safe distance of course) was a highlight. A must do if you are visiting Kakadu and do not have a 4WD to access some of the more remote places. Read more Written 17 August 2022
• JulieinOz 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great day exploring Kakadu Departed from Cooinda Lodge … Adam and Fiona were our guides for the day. We were asked to be out front at 7.20am but we had to wait for more guests to arrive from Jabiru to join us. Not a long wait, and then we set off. Unfortunately Jim Jim Falls was still closed but we visited Maguk water hole and waterfall. Once we’d parked there was a basic toilet block to get changed for swimming. Morning tea was provided before we set off. No frills, just instant coffee or tea and muffin. I wore hiking boots to clamber over rocks to access the water hole. Not an easy walk, but we helped each other! It was very peaceful and the water was clear. Quite beautiful in the morning light. We drove on to Mary Station for our lunch stop (wraps, juice, chips, fruit, nut bars etc … GF availability upon request). Flushing Toilets available! Adam was a very knowledgeable Indigenous guide, and was very pleased to share with us all. In the afternoon we visited a second water hole for a swim, and then went to Bukbukluk lookout before returning to Cooinda where we picked up wine and cheese, and sat beside the Axle Billabong to end our day. A sea eagle sat above us in the tree as we enjoyed the peace and tranquillity. Read more Written 30 June 2022
• Lynne B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kakadu 4wd tour A great your if you don't have access to a 4wd. Glenn our guide had incredible knowledge of the area and the people, from personal experience and couldn't have been more accommodating. He definitely made the tour worthwhile Read more Written 11 June 2022
• Amanda D 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing and VERY expensive Sadly we were very disappointed with our day. We only visited 2 places of interest(and the toilet stop 3 times). We understand long distances are involved but during this travel time we could have been given an insight into the aboriginal history of the area and the flora & fauna. Reading previous reviews this seemed to have happened with ‘Damien’, unfortunately Fiona gave us none of this. This was a very overpriced outing at $366 per person. Read more Written 5 June 2022
• melindap667 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 4wd adventure We loved this trip, guide Fiona was fantastic, and very supportive, when i struggled in the heat - she allowed the group to walk at their pace. Amazing scenery and falls and she was very informative of local culture. Read more Written 2 June 2022
• leavis62 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spirit of Kakadu Adventure tour This is a 4WD tour although there was less 4 W driving than I expected. Nevertheless the tour was fabulous. Glen was our driver and guide for the day. We visited two waterfalls with the opportunity to swim at each. The tour concluded with drinks and cheese and fruit platters beside a secluded billabong. Just magical and a beautiful way to end a fabulous day! Learnt a lot too! Read more Written 16 August 2021
• W_Melb_Aus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Green Season Adventure Tour (incl. Yellow Water Cruise) Started with the Yellow Water Cruise with Mandy at Sunrise. Beautiful way to see Kakadu in the wet season - gorgeous scenery, teaming with wildlife. Worthwhile doing at sunrise, as it was ‘cooler’ without the afternoon sun. It was great listening to Mandy, tell us about the way of life for the local indigenous communities that continue to practice their traditions and culture in this sacred park. The cruise was followed by buffet breakfast and Cooinda Lodge, before departing on a 4WD adventure with Damo (Damien) for the rest of the day. Damo was a fabulous tour guide - friendly, passionate, and respectful of the park and it’s traditional owners. You can tell he loves his job - which is great to see. Damo took us to Nourlangie rock to see traditional rock art, picnic just outside Kakadu, and a nice little waterfall and watering hole, that we had all to ourselves! Perfect place for a dip, and to cool off in the afternoon. Highly recommended. Read more Written 25 February 2020
• lyndaj358 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Day Took the one day tour. Were blessed to have Damien as our guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about Kakadu Park and also it's Indigenous inhabitants. Learnt a lot about both. Visited Maguk which had been recommended. Not too big a walk in, and there was a bit a scrambling over rocks, but was so worth it. Best rockpool by far on our trip, simply stunning. Also visited another little known swimming hole with waterfall which was great. There was plenty of food and Damien certainly looked after us. Covered a lot of km's but worth it. On the drive saw wild horses, donkeys, buffalo, wallabies and even 2 crocodiles fighting on the Adelaide River - we were very lucky. Read more Written 1 October 2019
• dgmaico 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Waterfalls and bilinongs We were a small group going to twofall with pools good for a short swim. The distances are far and the scrub jungle fairly monotonous. The vehicle was relatively new and quiet allowing Damian, our guide to speak about the flora fauna and aboriginal culture at length. He was very knowledgeable and engaging and made a long drive seem very short.he spoke of the aborigines with great knowledge and respect. Lunch was very well done. We finished the day at a bikinong that was teaming with birdlife and wallabies along with wine and cheese. A no miss trip Read more Written 13 September 2019

More to explore in Kakadu National Park

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu provided by Kakadu Tourism

Start planning your Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

Bird-watching, crocodiles-sighting and exploring indigenous culture in kakadu, nature abounds in the yellow water billabong.

The Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) wetlands are part of the South Alligator River floodplain in the heart of Kakadu National Park . A Yellow Water Billabong Cruise is the ultimate way to experience the abundance of natural phenomena in this area and learn more about Kakadu’s living Indigenous culture.

The Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises has exclusive use of the Yellow Water Billabong, operates year-round, and offers up to six departures a day from Cooinda which is 55km from Jabiru and the only town in Kakadu. Cruises depart from sunrise to sunset and wind their way through the various ecosystems of the billabong and river tributaries. You’ll discover Yellow Water’s extraordinary wildlife, including birdlife, kangaroos, and the impressive (and intimidating) saltwater crocodile. With dramatic scenery and an ever-changing landscape, a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise is by far the best way to experience Kakadu’s World Heritage-listed wetlands.

View our Kakadu Yellow Water River Cruise tour packages

Darwin, Kakadu, The Kimberley & Broome

Nsw & act, physical rating:, tour duration:.

Australia's Top End and the Kimberley await with adventures to be had, dreamtime culture to enlighten and glorious nature to explore. Marvel at the termite mounds of Litchfield National Park, see Rock Art and cruise the Yellow Water wetlands in Kakadu, discover Katherine Gorge and the Ord River, soar above the Bungle Bungles, see the Derby Boab Tree for yourself, then finish with a camel ride on stunning Cable Beach.

Darwin, Kakadu & Katherine Gorge

Delve into Darwin and the Northern Territory’s epic top end onthis 8 day journey of discovery. From the rich indigenous culture of the TiwiIslands to a breathtaking scenic flight over Arnhem Land, we have everythingcovered. Marvel at the termite mounds in Litchfield National Park, enjoy aguided tour of the Aboriginal rock art site of Burrungkuy and cruise the YellowWater Billabong in Kakadu. We experience the Tom Curtain’s Katherine Outbackshow followed by a magic sunset cruise along the Katherine River. We bidfarewell with a finale dinner at Seafood on Cullen.

Learn about ancient ancestors and Indigenous traditions

Complete your visit to Kakadu with a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise. Considered the heart of Kakadu, Yellow Water Billabong is tucked away at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The South Alligator river system is the largest in Kakadu and is made up of an intricate network of river channels, blackwater swamps, and floodplains. There is only one way to truly experience this vast region, and that is by water with a local guide whose in-depth knowledge of the region will keep you spellbound. Yellow Water Billabong Cruises offers just that.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife

If time allows you may also consider booking more than one cruise during your visit to Kakadu. Not only do the changing seasons present an ever-changing view, throughout each day the different species showcase different habits. And don’t forget to pack your binoculars, because about one-third of Australia’s bird species can be found in Kakadu, and 60 species are found in the wetlands.

See our range of Northern Territory tours that stay in Cooinda and include a Yellow Water Billabong cruise in the tour package.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the yellow water billabong cruise depart from.

The cruise is a few minutes drive from Cooinda Lodge and easy to access.

How long does a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise take and how often do they depart?

Choose from either 90 or 120-minute cruises that depart up to six times a day (depending on the season) from Cooinda. The longer cruises take in sunrise or sunset and are extremely popular, so book early to secure your spot.

What wildlife can you spot on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise?

Birds to keep a lookout for include whistling ducks, magpie geese, and various kingfishers which can be seen in abundance. A little more elusive but often seen are Jabirus and, if you’re lucky, dancing Brolgas. Saltwater crocodiles can also be spotted lurking in the shadows.

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Kakadu National Park - Seasons

But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons. � Kakadu Seasons - Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season - Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months. � Kakadu Seasons - Gudjewg - Monsoon Season - Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season. � Kakadu Seasons - Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season - Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail. � Kakadu Seasons - Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season - Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity. � Kakadu Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season - Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30�C and night-time temperatures are around 17�C. � Kakadu Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather - Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry.

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Kakadu Yellow Water River Cruise with kids

We had high expectations of Kakadu, with images of tranquil waters reflecting clear blue skies, flocks of native birds worthy of National Geographic Documentary, crocs at every turn and visions of landscapes that haven’t changed since the original Aboriginal People lived on the land. The expansive Kakadu National Park does not always meet such lofty expectations, long drives through grassy plains particularly with kids in the back are often uninspiring. However, everything we hoped Kakadu would be was found during an unmissable cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong.

With courtesy of Gagudju Dreaming , here is a review of the Yellow Water River Cruise with kids. Our family were full paying customers and received no benefits from the tour operator. All opinions are our very own. 

9am Yellow Water River Cruise for young kids

If staying at the popular area of Jabiru , consider the early start allowing for a 20 minute arrival time prior to the tour and a 50 minute drive from Jabiru to Cooinda Lodge, where the  Yellow Water River Cruise departs. For our family with kids aged 2 and 4, the sunrise tour was too early.

Despite early birds getting the worm on Yellow Water Billabong and photographers chasing the best light at sunrise. Unless staying at Cooinda Lodge next door, it’s far better for little ones (and their parents) to be well rested before a  2 hour tour on a small river boat.

The 9am cruise following the sunrise tour is better for families. It’s a little cheaper, not as popular which means more space for kids to shuffle around and fewer elderly tourists to bother, a general rule is never get in the way between a grey nomad with binoculars and the prized bird they are looking to spot.

The 9am session is also ideal as the wildlife are just starting to warm up and you will catch more active birds and crocs either swimming in the water or coming up to warm themselves on the banks. Other sessions include a shorter 1.5 hour 11.30am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm and the very popular 4.30pm 2 hour sunset tour. Tours differ in the wet season, for a full list of tour times and prices click here .

Whichever tour time works best for you, the Yellow Water River Cruise with kids is a must when visiting Kakadu.

The best time to visit Kakadu is during dry season between June to October, with blue skies, mild weather, fewer insects and attractions which are open and roads that are not flooded. During early June, the Yellow Water River Cruise takes you through calm rivers, the serene wetlands is carpeted with bright pink and white water lillies and there are plenty of birds seen crowding the retreating billabong.

The very knowledgable Danielle from Bubs on the Move  has visited Kakadu both in the wet and dry and advises that a Yellow Water Rivers Cruise in the wet season is to be avoided.

About the tour

Onboard there are rows of seats, each able to seat three, running either side of the custom made metal pontoon boat. The metal grill and high rails keeps little kids safely confined. Our experienced guide and skipper provides a mandatory safety brief, which makes you overthink the unfortunate event of ending up in crocodile infested waters. She goes onto assure us this has never happened.

In the excitement of spotting an impressive sized salt water crocodile swimming by the jetty, we failed to pay attention to the guide as she points out onboard amenities. Your guide will inform that there is drinking water and a toilet onboard. Very important information as a certain husband ends up desperately holding it for much longer than necessary, which posed a big distraction to enjoying the serenity of the two hour Yellow Water river cruise with kids.

Tickets must be pre-purchased at either Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Cooinda Lodge, online or by the reservations hotline. Tickets cannot be purchased at the boat landing. Children prices are for kids aged 5-15. Kids aged 4 and under are free.

Eyeball a crocodile

Sensing the crowds eagerness to see crocs, our guide steers the boat closer towards the crocodile, gliding alongside this sleek prehistoric looking creature in the water.

When, others spot a salty with jaws open wide on the muddy banks, we are almost able to eyeball this beast, due to the smooth maneuvering of the boat by our guide. As you visit Kakadu, there are the all too familiar crocodile warning and danger signs. For the kids to come so close to this fierce creature within the safety of a metal boat is a remarkable experience and as close as we ever want to get to a salty in the wild.

As we cruise the tranquil waters of the South Alligator River, crossing river systems and flood plains we sight more crocodiles. We learn that the crocs are “doing very well in Kakadu” since being hunted to almost extinction, there are now over 100,000 wild crocodiles in the NT with a large concentration located in Kakadu National Park.

Not to worry, the “boss crocodiles” that grow over 5 meters in length are caught and taken away to nearby farms. Another nugget of wisdom provided whilst we admire these cold-blooded reptiles is that if you are ever confronted by a 3 meter or smaller crocodile, you may stand a chance of surviving an attack.

Our guide is a passionate local whom avidly supports the traditional ways of the Indigenous People weaving interesting tidibits on the local flora and fauna and providing stories on how the Aboriginal People use to hunt and maintain the land.

Plenty of birds, even ones that can die of a broken heart

It’s not all about the crocodiles on this tour, the cruise journeys past a variety of birdlife including: flocks of Magpie Geese and Whistling Ducks resting in the reeds, darters fanning out their wings to dry, little red Finches preparing a delicate new nest, graceful Jacana’s gliding over lillypads, beautiful kingfishers singing in the branches and majestic White Bellied Sea Eagles perched atop trees.

With over 60 species of birds in the wetlands there is an abundance of Aussie birdlife to see. Our favourite were a couple of Raja Shelducks paddling in a pool by the tall grass with their small family of ducklings. We were told that the Aboriginal People do not hunt the Raja Shelducks as they mate for life. If one is killed the other would die of a broken heart.

Once over the initial excitement, there’s a point in time during the cruise that it appears to shift gears. Everyone seems to recline a little further in the seat, enjoy the breeze offered by the motion of the boat and take in the exquisite glow of the Yellow Water Billabong as it comes to life for the day. Without a man made structure insight and our guide weaving in stories of how the Aboriginal People hunted the land. It’s not hard to be transported back in time whilst navigating the waterways.

Relax and unwind once the kids are refocussed

Even the guide becomes a little more relaxed, instead of hunting out particular bird species or crocs on the water, we slowly cruise along whilst being offered more interesting tidbits of local knowledge, pulling up to a lotus flower near a water buffalo and explaining that both were introduced species. Whilst the non-invasive water lilly is welcomed the water buffalo introduced by farmers in the 1820’s is considered a feral animal alongside cane toads and wild brumby’s. The numbers are kept in place by the traditional owners and provides a nice break from eating duck and barramundi.

At the same time when our fellow passengers begin to relax is also when the kids become restless, my 5 year old lets out a “Can we turn the boat back!” piercing the tranquility. Two hours is a little long to spend on a boat, be prepared with morning tea, snacks and entertainment to preoccupy antsy kids for the remainder of the trip.

Aside from the need to refocus the children a smidgen, the tour of Yellow Water Rivers Cruise with kids is a perfect way to see Kakadu in all it’s glory.  A wonderful perspective of Australia, guided smoothly by generous local guides. Check out The best things to do in Kakadu with kids, for more information.

Please leave a reply to your own thoughts and experiences of Kakadu below:

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Looks amazing! Hoping to take our kids there soon:) Did you drive there yourself or get transport from Darwin? Do you need a 4WD? Finding it hard to work out best way of doing it. Thanks for an excellent review! Going to learn all the bird names from your great photos before we go!

Great pics; looks like an amazing part of the world. I think that’s about as close as you’d want to get to a big salty!

Your comment about the grey nomads cracked me up! We often laugh at the baby boomers pushing in front of families with kids while we are traveling. Thanks so much for linking back to me. Very kindxx

Love the photos, you took me back to two trips taken on that river, a very special part of Australia and I learnt a lot from the guides about the wildlife.

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The best things to do in Melbourne with kids

Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu

• Spot freshwater crocodiles in their natural environment
• Choice of departure times: watch the sunrise or sunset from the water
• Learn more about Kakadu’s wildlife with live commentary on-board
• See itinerary
• Cruise (either 1.5 or 2-Hours in duration depending on option selected)
• Local guide
• Live commentary on board
• Entry/Admission - Yellow Water Cruises
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia Please meet at the Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Cruises are always subject to availability and environmental conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• Guests in wheelchairs may need to transfer from the wheelchair into the boat.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822, Australia Please meet at the Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted. See address & details
• 1 Yellow Water Cruises Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Cruise Kakadu's most famous wetland and see the billabong come alive. Located at the end of the Jim Jim Creek, Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River system. This river system is unique as it is included in its entirity within a UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park. Cruise along with a knowledgeable guide who will provide commentary about the area and the various species of animals that call this waterway home. Read more Pass by Kakadu National Park
• You'll return to the starting point

• ThorbenM4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Trip This was a great trip in a small group. Don was a very passionated guide and did a very good job. All stops were well selected and we got a nice insight into the Kakadu National Park. We fully recommend that tour! Read more Written 15 October 2023
• Sherpa45839564344 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kakadu experts Don was a fabulous guide. His knowledge about animals, birds and plants was incredible and we were lucky to have an expert guide for the day. We visited quite late in the dry season and so having Don share his knowledge on all aspects of the native plants and snd animals was so helpful in the very dry conditions. We saw many beautiful waterfalls and creeks and completed some easy walks. We finished the day beside a billabong, watching birds and animals (including a croc) go about their evening business. It was superb. Big thanks to Don! Read more Written 1 October 2023
• simonf810 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day out Really enjoyable day with Hirum visiting some less accessible areas of the park. Loved his laid back and calm demeanour. Our experience was that it wasn’t too challenging or adventurous and anyone with moderate fitness/mobility will be fine. We visited 2 waterholes, plus other stops to look at and learn about for example termite mounds. Hirum was very knowledgable and happy to share and answer questions. You tend to be more confident swimming in waterholes in a group with a guide than you would be on your own. Finished the day with a nice relaxing glass of wine and nibbles at the private billabong behind Cooinda Lodge. Some people may complain that it’s not covering many different sites, but with distances involved etc I was happy so we could appreciate the places visited and were not rushed. Read more Written 15 July 2023
• Burgeoning 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Our guide was Glenn today and we had an amazing experience. Glenn was so knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the culture of the people, and the land. The itinerary covered everything we expected and more. What an awesome day. We highly recommend this tour. Read more Written 8 July 2023
• ATJacko 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and fabulous guide Fantastic tour and we’ll worth it. I was worried we wouldn’t get to see enough in 1 day but was happy to say we did. We did the jumping croc tour which I would recommend as it tops off the tour. The rock art paintings were incredible. Ben was our tour guide and he made the day. His knowledge was spectacular and I learnt so much across the day. Was a rich and very rewarding experience. Read more Written 27 June 2023
• David nJacquie O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This one has a bit of everything! Christine was our knowledgeable guide to some of the amazing (and safe) waterholes and falls for a wonderfully exhausting day of nature and culture! We saw amazing rock art, learned so much about the traditional owners, the land and the plants of the area and enjoyed a Little Rock climbing (or scrambling more accurately). Best of all we were able to cool off in lovely rock pools and swim under waterfalls. Read more Written 11 October 2022
• L1662ICzoes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An exceptional tour in a magical place. Our tour guide Glen was incredibly knowledgeable. His passion for the people, culture, wildlife and landscape was awe inspiring. Glen took us to some wonderful remote parts of Kakadu and we had refreshing swims in stunning crystal clear water holes including Maguk Gorge. Finishing up the day by a secluded Billabong with some wine and cheese, watching birds and crocodiles (from a safe distance of course) was a highlight. A must do if you are visiting Kakadu and do not have a 4WD to access some of the more remote places. Read more Written 17 August 2022
• JulieinOz 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great day exploring Kakadu Departed from Cooinda Lodge … Adam and Fiona were our guides for the day. We were asked to be out front at 7.20am but we had to wait for more guests to arrive from Jabiru to join us. Not a long wait, and then we set off. Unfortunately Jim Jim Falls was still closed but we visited Maguk water hole and waterfall. Once we’d parked there was a basic toilet block to get changed for swimming. Morning tea was provided before we set off. No frills, just instant coffee or tea and muffin. I wore hiking boots to clamber over rocks to access the water hole. Not an easy walk, but we helped each other! It was very peaceful and the water was clear. Quite beautiful in the morning light. We drove on to Mary Station for our lunch stop (wraps, juice, chips, fruit, nut bars etc … GF availability upon request). Flushing Toilets available! Adam was a very knowledgeable Indigenous guide, and was very pleased to share with us all. In the afternoon we visited a second water hole for a swim, and then went to Bukbukluk lookout before returning to Cooinda where we picked up wine and cheese, and sat beside the Axle Billabong to end our day. A sea eagle sat above us in the tree as we enjoyed the peace and tranquillity. Read more Written 30 June 2022
• Lynne B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kakadu 4wd tour A great your if you don't have access to a 4wd. Glenn our guide had incredible knowledge of the area and the people, from personal experience and couldn't have been more accommodating. He definitely made the tour worthwhile Read more Written 11 June 2022
• Amanda D 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing and VERY expensive Sadly we were very disappointed with our day. We only visited 2 places of interest(and the toilet stop 3 times). We understand long distances are involved but during this travel time we could have been given an insight into the aboriginal history of the area and the flora & fauna. Reading previous reviews this seemed to have happened with ‘Damien’, unfortunately Fiona gave us none of this. This was a very overpriced outing at $366 per person. Read more Written 5 June 2022
• melindap667 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 4wd adventure We loved this trip, guide Fiona was fantastic, and very supportive, when i struggled in the heat - she allowed the group to walk at their pace. Amazing scenery and falls and she was very informative of local culture. Read more Written 2 June 2022
• leavis62 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spirit of Kakadu Adventure tour This is a 4WD tour although there was less 4 W driving than I expected. Nevertheless the tour was fabulous. Glen was our driver and guide for the day. We visited two waterfalls with the opportunity to swim at each. The tour concluded with drinks and cheese and fruit platters beside a secluded billabong. Just magical and a beautiful way to end a fabulous day! Learnt a lot too! Read more Written 16 August 2021
• W_Melb_Aus 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Green Season Adventure Tour (incl. Yellow Water Cruise) Started with the Yellow Water Cruise with Mandy at Sunrise. Beautiful way to see Kakadu in the wet season - gorgeous scenery, teaming with wildlife. Worthwhile doing at sunrise, as it was ‘cooler’ without the afternoon sun. It was great listening to Mandy, tell us about the way of life for the local indigenous communities that continue to practice their traditions and culture in this sacred park. The cruise was followed by buffet breakfast and Cooinda Lodge, before departing on a 4WD adventure with Damo (Damien) for the rest of the day. Damo was a fabulous tour guide - friendly, passionate, and respectful of the park and it’s traditional owners. You can tell he loves his job - which is great to see. Damo took us to Nourlangie rock to see traditional rock art, picnic just outside Kakadu, and a nice little waterfall and watering hole, that we had all to ourselves! Perfect place for a dip, and to cool off in the afternoon. Highly recommended. Read more Written 25 February 2020
• lyndaj358 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Day Took the one day tour. Were blessed to have Damien as our guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about Kakadu Park and also it's Indigenous inhabitants. Learnt a lot about both. Visited Maguk which had been recommended. Not too big a walk in, and there was a bit a scrambling over rocks, but was so worth it. Best rockpool by far on our trip, simply stunning. Also visited another little known swimming hole with waterfall which was great. There was plenty of food and Damien certainly looked after us. Covered a lot of km's but worth it. On the drive saw wild horses, donkeys, buffalo, wallabies and even 2 crocodiles fighting on the Adelaide River - we were very lucky. Read more Written 1 October 2019
• dgmaico 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Waterfalls and bilinongs We were a small group going to twofall with pools good for a short swim. The distances are far and the scrub jungle fairly monotonous. The vehicle was relatively new and quiet allowing Damian, our guide to speak about the flora fauna and aboriginal culture at length. He was very knowledgeable and engaging and made a long drive seem very short.he spoke of the aborigines with great knowledge and respect. Lunch was very well done. We finished the day at a bikinong that was teaming with birdlife and wallabies along with wine and cheese. A no miss trip Read more Written 13 September 2019

More to explore in Kakadu National Park

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Yellow Water Cruise - Kakadu provided by Kakadu Tourism

• Kakadu National Park
• Yellow Water Cruise
• Taste of Kakadu
• Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu program

This special 2-hr Taste of Kakadu cruise offers Indigenous inspired canapés as you glide upon the famous Yellow Water Billabong.

Hosted by one of our Senior Indigenous Leaders of the Murumburr Clan, Mandy Muir. Her knowledge and insight will enlighten you with stories of the local area and surrounds.

Yellow Water is located at the end of the Jim Jim Creek and is part of the South Alligator River system. This river system is unique as it is included in its entirety within a UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park.

Please meet at the Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted.

$110 (child) – $149 (adult)

• 4.30–6.30 pm, Saturday 25 May 2024
• 4.30–6.30 pm, Sunday 26 May 2024

Cooinda Lodge

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Also at Taste of Kakadu

Dolobbo Bim (bark painting) workshop

25–26 May 2024 — Bowali Visitor Centre Participants will have the opportunity to create their own dolobbo bim (bark painting).

Fervor Cooking Presentation

24–26 May 2024 — Bowali Visitor Centre Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov from Fervor returns to Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu – Taste of Kakadu with an informative open-air cooking class.

Men's Mago (didgeridoo) workshop

10 am – 12 pm, 25 May 2024 — Bowali Visitor Centre Led by Dale Austin, a talented painter, carver and artist.

Bowali Festival Hub

24–26 May 2024 — Bowali Visitor Centre The Bowali Festival Hub will be a hive of activity with hands-on workshops, cooking demonstrations, live music, art markets and food stalls.

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