The Best Hotels for Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

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Kakadu is a wonderland of biodiversity and one of the world's great sights. Here you'll find wetlands - home to an incredible array of birdlife and water buffalo; billabongs - home of more birds and crocodiles; low scrub and tall grasses — home to kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and great red termite palaces; and lush forests and rocky bushland rising into the haze of the escarpment.

Kakadu has been nurtured for thousands of years by the Aboriginal custodians of this land and it is from their traditions, stories and wealth of rock art that we learn most about this extraordinary place. The scale and biodiversity of Kakadu does make it feel as if you're on the edge of a great frontier between man and nature, crocodiles do periodically eat people here, but despite that some of the best hotels for Kakadu National Park are really quite luxurious.

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Jabiru is the only town in the park, a strange, but friendly place inhabited by the miners who work at the local uranium mine, the scientists who supervise the running of the mine, and park rangers and folk to serve the other folk. It's a great place to stroll around, and imagine the difference between living here and living at home... But you'll probably want to spend most of your time in the park proper. Some of the best tour providers in this region are Aboriginal-owned and operated, and it will really pay of to find an experienced guide who can share with you some of the stories of this land, and also some potentially life-saving survival tips!

Especially if you want to take a refreshing dip in one of the clear, tranquil natural pools fed by dramatic waterfalls ensuring absolute harmony with nature... You'll be safer exploring some of the stunning rock formations, and be amply rewarded with wondrous views across the National Park. Some of the caves contain rock paintings dating back thousands of years.

To learn about the area's rich cultural heritage at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. With everything from the history of the park to exhibits on hunting techniques and stories of the dreamtime from tribal elders.

Image by pen ash from Pixabay

Our pick of the best hotels for the Kakadu National Park range from a crocodile shaped hotel in Jabiru to a luxury bush camp on the edge of the Mary River wetlands.

In Kakadu National Park

• The title might be a bit unfair as there is only one hotel within Kakadu National Park, it's in Jabiru, the town in the park, and in the heart of town you'll find the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel — yes, a crocodile shaped hotel! Spacious, clean and cool, this hotel will keep you as comfortable as possible while exploring the park.

For Luxury

• For the ultimate in top end luxury there's Bamurru Plains, a 'wild bush camp' with just nine stand alone bungalows and all the luxury you can imagine. You're right by the coast and the Mary River wetlands and there's an excellent chance you'll see crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and wallabies - and of course an amazing array of birdlife.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Northern Territory
• Try our recommendations for the best places to stay in Darwin - which is about 250kms away
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel Jabiru, Northern Territory from CA$165

    
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    Trekking  -  Follow scenic hiking trails through the Kakadu National Park, admiring dramatic landscapes and spotting wildlife

    Families  -  A family-friendly hotel with spacious guest rooms and a refreshing swimming pool for splashing around together

    Active Holiday  -  Perfectly situated for exploring the spectacular Kakadu National Park, with hiking and cycling trails aplenty

    Golf  -  Play a round or two on the Jabiru Golf Course, with views in all directions

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    This crocodile-shaped hotel does not disappoint. Spacious, clean and cool rooms are complimented by top amenities including a a swimming pool and nearby tennis courts. A stunning location in Kakadu National Park. See More

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  • Bamurru Plains Kakadu, Northern Territory 9 rooms from CA$2243

    
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    Hideaway  -  An intimate retreat with just nine tents set within a 300km working farm, with candlelit dinners & a real sense of seclusion

    Back to Nature  -  A superb safari escape with just nine eco-tents, perfect for wildlife and bird-spotting in the wilderness

    Safari  -  Take 4WD, boat or hiking safaris, spotting wallabies, water buffalo, crocodiles, wild boar and birds

    Other Activities  -  Take scenic helicopter flights over the Kakadu National Park and the beautiful Mary River wetlands

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Mr & Mrs Smith

    Wild bush luxury comes no better than this, with 9 spacious standalone bungalows situated amongst the pandanus vegetation on the edge of the Mary River wetlands. Organic cotton sheets and high pressure showers ensure comfort, the food is fabulous & the wildlife-spotting opportunities are endless. See More

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Written by Sarah Empson

posted Tuesday, 26th March 2024