Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK 415
Tips Bushwalking Tips
Try to plan your walk in the early morning or late afternoon, especially in
the Wet, as the heat can dehydrate you quickly. If you want to camp at an
undesignated campsite on an overnight walk, you will need a camping
permit from the rangers at the Bowali Visitor Centre, which can take a
week to arrange.
Centre. Note: These can take a week to process, so plan ahead. Bring a mosquito
net, as mosquitoes here carry the potentially dangerous Ross River virus. RID and
Aerogard are two brands that help protect against it.
You need a 4WD to reach some national park campgrounds, and most are
closed in the Wet.
The best-equipped campsites are at Gagudju Lodge Cooinda (see “Where to
Stay & Dine” below), which opens year-round. Campers are free to use all of the
facilities here, although in extremely busy times, the pool may be available only
to bungalow guests.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
There are few options to stay in Kakadu, and prices aren’t cheap, especially in
the high season (usually Apr 1–Nov 30).
Aurora Kakadu This property is near the northern entrance to the park. The
downside is that it is the farthest accommodation from major attractions like
Yellow Waters and Nourlangie, although many tour operators pick up here. The
upside is that the resort’s green lawns and tropical gardens adorned with wandering
peacocks and goannas and chattering native birds are a wonderfully restful
haven from the harsh surrounds of Kakadu outside. Don’t yield to the
temptation to dive into the lily-filled lagoon down the back—like every other
waterway in Kakadu, it is home to saltwater crocs! A 3.6km (2-mile) nature trail
winds from the hotel through monsoon forest and past a billabong. All but the
end rooms of the neatly decorated motel-style accommodations have pitched
timber ceilings, and all have restful views from a balcony or patio. Nonsmoking
rooms are available, hair dryers are free at reception, and there are barbecues on
the grounds. Keep an eye out for regular special deals on offer. There are also 60
unpowered campsites.
Arnhem Hwy., South Alligator (41km/24 1 ⁄2 miles west of Bowali Visitor Centre), Kakadu National Park, NT
0886. & 1800/818 845 in Australia, or 08/8979 0166. Fax 08/8979 0147. www.aurora-resorts.com.au. 138
units. High season A$197 (US$128) double; low season A$138 (US$90) double. Additional person A$31–A$37
(US$20–US$24); children 5–14 50% discount. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; cafe;
bar; shaded outdoor pool; day/night tennis court; Jacuzzi; tour desk; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C, TV, fridge,
coffeemaker.
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda This modest but pleasant lodge set among tropical
gardens is at the departure point for Yellow Water Billabong cruises. Simply
furnished tile-floor bungalows are big and comfortable, and there are also
“budget rooms”—just bunk beds (four have double beds) in an air-conditioned
corrugated iron demountable (portable cabin) with shared bathrooms. They
rent on a “per bed” basis, so you may share with a stranger. The lodge is something
of a town center, so there is a general store, gift shop, currency exchange,
post office, fuel, and other useful facilities. Cook up a ’roo steak in the nightly
do-it-yourself barbecue in the rustic and ultra-casual Barra Bar & Bistro, or go