Your go-to guide to Kakadu accommodation

Going wild doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Here are all the best accommodation options in and around Kakadu.

Kakadu National Park sings with natural beauty and Bininj/Mungguy culture. When it comes to accommodation in Kakadu National Park, there’s something for every style of traveller.

Options range from luxury stays nestled in awe-inspiring nature to comfortable caravan parks loaded with amenities. Discover everything you need to know about Kakadu National Park before you go, and if you’re looking for accommodation in Kakadu, here’s our guide on where to stay.

1. Cooinda Lodge

Best for: Every style of stay – luxury, budget, caravans, camping or glamping.

Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge is an Indigenous-owned property that’s popular with locals. Sitting pretty on the banks of Yellow Water Billabong (Ngurrungurrudjba), the lodge offers a comfortable place to unwind with its tropical lagoon pool and top-notch bistro.

Go caravanning or glamping at Cooinda Lodge.

Accommodation offerings run the gamut here, ranging from no-frills campsites to spacious glamping-style tents, affordable lodges and luxury villas. Located in the heart of Kakadu, Cooinda Lodge is in a prime position for exploring some of the park’s stunning waterfalls and the ancient rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr. If you’re looking for activities to fill your itinerary, explore our guide on things to do in Kakadu.

Spend laidback afternoons drinking outside your tent at Cooinda Lodge.

Cooinda Lodge’s Yellow Water Villas are Kakadu’s latest luxury accommodation offering. An oasis surrounded by paperbark and pandanus, the villas evoke eco-luxe with well-appointed rooms decorated with local Indigenous designs. The more low-key twin and queen lodges offer comfort at affordable prices, with ensuite bathrooms and an outdoor dining area.

Spend a couple of nights at Cooinda Lodge.

Cooinda’s Outback Retreats are breezy glamping tents where visitors can feel immersed in nature, while also retaining the comforts of air conditioning and plush bedding. Here, you’ll have a private and spacious room to get some R&R, with access to a shared toilet/shower block and cooking facilities.

Pitch a tent in the forest at Cooinda Lodge.

The shady campground next to Yellow Water Billabong at Cooinda Lodge is bound to ensure a slew of happy campers. There are powered and unpowered sites, offering a picturesque place to park up a caravan or pitch a tent.

Campers can access all lodge facilities, including a shower and toilet block, shared kitchen, laundry, bar and pool to cool off during the heat of the day.

You’ll have a private and spacious room to get some R&R.

Address: Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0822

2. Bamarru Plains

Best for: Luxury

Bamarru Plains offers luxury accommodation on the edge of Kakadu National Park. It offers the wildness of a remote bush camping trip, with all the comforts of a luxury getaway. It’s located on the 300-square-kilometre Swim Creek working buffalo station just on the edge of Kakadu National Park.

A stay at Bamurru Plains epitomises wild bush luxury. (Image: Helen Orr)

The resort echoes an African wilderness camp; within minutes of arrival, you could be viewing wild brumbies, agile wallabies and what seems like an entire field guide of Australian birds.

Soak up the surrounds from the infinity pool at Bamurru Plains. (Image: Helen Orr)

Guests can immerse themselves in the bush, gaze out at feeding wildlife, sip Champagne by the pool and choose from an array of guided activities. This is a resort that allows you to experience the landscape in its entirety; there are no telephones or TVs and no internet to distract you.

Address: Bamurru Plains, Swim Creek Station, Kakadu NT 0836

3. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Best for: Budget

The famous crocodile hotel, Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, is not nearly as kitsch as the exterior would lead you to believe. The iconic salty-shaped inn is a very comfortable four-star Indigenous-owned motel, with all mod cons, tasteful decor, a relaxing swimming pool, a great restaurant and a collection of quality Indigenous art.

The Mercure Kakadu Hotel is shaped like a crocodile (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Wings)

The hotel is also in a prime location in the township of Jabiru. Jabiru is a gateway to the northern end of Kakadu and is home to a few must-see cultural attractions. For example, Marrawuddi Arts and Culture Centre is just a croc’s waddle away, the perfect place for a cuppa and a glimpse at some exquisite local art.

Address: 1 Flinders St, Jabiru NT 0886

4. Anbinik Kakadu Resort

Best for: Budget

With self-contained cabin offerings, Anbinik Kakadu Resort is the perfect retreat for families, groups and budget-savvy travellers. There are different styles of accommodation, ranging from ultra-basic rooms with shared bathrooms to suites that have a touch of luxe with their ensuite outdoor showers. The two-bedroom suites are great for families travelling with teens, sleeping up to five in total.

Immerse in the wilderness at Anbinik Kakadu Resort.

The accommodation is rustic but breezy, clean and comfortable, conveniently located in Jabiru town near shops and attractions. There’s a local IGA, but visitors might want to consider doing a shop before arrival. There’s an onsite restaurant serving Asian cuisine, or guests can cook up a storm in the camp kitchen or communal BBQ.

Anbinik Kakadu Resort evokes a homey and rustic vibe.

Address: 83 Jabiru Dr, Jabiru NT 0886

5. Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park

Best for: Budget, caravan and camping

Surrounded by tropical, landscaped gardens, Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park is a tranquil oasis. With a lagoon-style pool and poolside bar, Aurora is the perfect place to kick back and cool off in the afternoon. Located in Jabiru town, it’s also a convenient base from which to venture out into Kakadu National Park.

Make yourself at home in Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park.

As well as peaceful outdoor spaces, Aurora offers powered and unpowered sites for campers, as well as self-contained lodges. The two-bedroom cabins sleep up to seven people, perfect for larger families or groups.

If you’re camping or caravanning, the park doesn’t take reservations, but don’t fear – there’s always plenty of space available.

There’s even a pool where you can relax.

Address: Jabiru Drive, Kakadu NT 0886

6. Basic camping

For lovers of the outdoors, there is perhaps no better way to experience Kakadu than at a campsite. For those who prefer the adventure of pitching a tent or pulling up to an unpowered spot, we’ve collated the best places to camp around Kakadu.

In terms of amenities, some sites just have little more than a composting toilet. They’re ultra-basic, but they’re free!

Camping in Kakadu is best to unplug and unwind. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Some campsites such as Merl, Muirella Park, Mardugal and Gunlom have flush toilets and solar-powered showers and cost around $15 per night.

If you’re camping, it’s important to be prepared and bring enough drinking water. Consult the Parks Australia website for more information.

Want to know more about staying and playing in Kakadu? We’ve got your ultimate guide to Kakadu National Park right here.