Kakadu, etc

Camping is available for the usual fee in both parks. Most of the main roads in both parks are sealed. I have never been to the parks in June but I suspect that would be peak season. We normally go at the begining and end of the season so do not usually book. It is usually a waste of money for us. I don't think you can book in Litchfield but you can in the commercial parks on the perimeter of Litchfield. Who knows at Kakadon't. In our eyes Kakado had nothing to recommend it and left after a few days (had planned a week there) and have no intention of returning. Don't let me put you off it just didn't suit us. If you are looking at places to go try Kobold Gorge, Undara Lava tubes, Karumba, Lawn Hill NP.

Steve

Hello Munza,

About Kakadu. The majority of roads are sealed. I've only been there in August/September but would imagine June to be busier. There are quite a few National Park camps and some of them were no charge when I was there. You will be able to find out by googling Kakadu National Park. We stayed at Mardugal which has toilets and showers...Cooinda which is an organised caravan park. Both these had charges. We also stayed at Shady Lagoon, Mardugal and Sandy Billabong which are national park camps with no facilities and no charge.

Don't be put off going to Kakadu by those who say it is not worth the trip. We have been there five times and each time found something more to enjoy. Kakadu isn't like Litchfield where the waterfalls and pools can be accessed with out any effort. Kakadu requires you to do some walking, do some exploring and take the time. In my opinion you will find it all worthwhile.

Go to Gunlom and climb to the top of the falls...swim in the pools there and look out over the fantastic view. Go to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Nourlangie Rock with its magnificent aboriginal art...watch the sunset at Ubirr Rock, take the morning or evening cruise on Yellow Waters and see the birdlife and the crocs. When we did it they stopped the motors in the middle of a waterlily filled lagoon...and the silence was only broken by the sound of the birds. It was just beautiful.
There's all that and so much more. All the while think that you're in a World Heritage area...a magnificent place.

When you head to queensland..it is definitely worthwhile making the detour north of Mt Isa to Lawn Hill Gorge...and then I also agree with the previous writer that Cobbold Gorge, Undara Lava Tubes are well worth a visit. Further south around Winton you could check out the Lark Quarry dinosaur footprints and the gemfields near Emerald. Carnarvon Gorge is another place worth visiting...along with it's satellite parks of Salvatore Rosa, Ka Ka Mundi and Mt Moffatt. There is a hot springs swimming pool at Mitchell near Roma and you could stop at Yowah to fossick for opals. Central Queensland has a lot to offer.

Best wishes for your trip planning and travels
'Viv

Don't be deterred. Some years back we were expecting that kakadu would be overrun by tourists. But we were pleasantly surprised that the camp areas were well designed - so campers were not stuck on top of one another, and generators were segregated off from the quiet campers. We had a great time.

But give me a desert any day!!!!

Thanks to all for those reploies - will wait on a few more; once again thanks see you out there!
Munza

Thoght both parks were worth visiting although the best quitest part of litchfield was the 4wd track where I camped near a waterfall by myself.
Kakadu has some free camp options (in 2003) however Gunlom falls is worth paying to camp. Kakadu can be frustrating as they have shut off perfectly good roads you have to walk down to get to spots often quite a few km.
Never mind the Kakadont tag that is from peed off Darwinites who liked going there shooting and camping whereever etc

Hi Munza let me help you out ,
Litchfield NP is a nice place to visit for a day or two nice waterfalls such as Florence falls, Bueley rock hole, Tolmer falls, Wangi falls camp sites are approx $6 pp pd limited facilities.
However Kakadu is a great place to visit for 5-7 days. There are free camp grounds pay camp grounds $5.40 pp pd and 4 lodge style resorts poa and unless your a blind bed ridden quadriplegic there is heaps to do.
Mamakala wetlands bird hides up to 3km easy walk, Ubirr Rock 1km easy walk extensive rock art lookout great sunset 1km to Merl payed camp ground $5.40 pp pd clean hot shower facilities, Nourlangie Rock 1km easy walk extensive rock art lookout, Nangulwar 3km easy walk extensive rock art Gunlom (Waterfall Creek) 40 km dirt road suitable 2wd in june payed camp ground (same as merl) 200mtr walk to falls swimming top and bottom,Bowali visitor centre (park headquarters) Waradjan cultural centre.
All the above is free
The park has 2 great boat cruises Guluyambi (East Alligator river) Yellow Water cruise (sunrise or sunset) approx $50 pp there are a few 4wd day tours well worth the effort E.G Animal Tracks ( www.animaltracks.com.au) Arnhemland day tour (www.lords safaris.com) These operators are personal friends and business associates I also operate a day tour to Jim Jim and Twin falls these details can be seen on the lords web site as I purchased this day tour from them last year and to be fair I have a competitor that run there tours out of Cooinda resort

The post by Steve&Anja is a good one. We spent 3 days in Litchfield. Wonderful place. Smaller than Kakadu, so not as much driving. Litchfield is all about the swimming spots, water falls etc. Well worth a visit.

Kakadu is very different. Don't miss the Yellow Water tour. I reckon sunset is the best. Gunlom is a great spot. Didn't get to Jim Jim. Roads were still closed when we were there last year.

Most of the NP camp grounds are pretty good.
Make sure you have lots of insect spray. The mozzies will carry you away. The further North we went, the worse they got.
Must admit, my wife did not enjoy Kakadu as much as I do. But she was eaten alive by mozzies and Midgies (despite always using spray).

Thanks everyone for your input - seems that everyone has his/her own agenda and interests.
Munza