Jabiru, Australia Guide
Jabiru is a small town located in the heart of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It serves as a vital service hub for the park and a base for exploring its natural wonders. The town was originally built to support the Ranger Uranium Mine, but today tourism is a major driver of the local economy. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Jabiru offers easy access to iconic Kakadu attractions like Ubirr, Nourlangie Rock, and the Yellow Water Billabong. Visitors can experience ancient Aboriginal rock art, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets. The town itself provides essential amenities, including accommodation, restaurants, a supermarket, and a visitor centre.
Food & Cuisine
Dining options in Jabiru are limited but cater to a range of tastes. You'll find restaurants offering Australian cuisine, including grilled meats and seafood, as well as options for pizza and Asian-inspired dishes. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel has a restaurant that offers a more upscale dining experience. The Jabiru Foodland supermarket provides supplies for self-catering. For a unique experience, consider joining a guided tour that includes a bush tucker demonstration and tasting, where you can learn about and sample traditional Aboriginal foods.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Jabiru is relatively quiet, reflecting its location within a national park. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel has a bar that is a popular spot for evening drinks. There are also a couple of other bars and pubs in town where you can relax and enjoy a meal or a drink. Entertainment options are generally focused on enjoying the natural environment, such as sunset cruises or stargazing tours.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jabiru and Kakadu National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the park's attractions. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and potential flooding, which can restrict access to some areas.
Transportation
Jabiru is a small town and easily navigable by car. Car rental is available at the Jabiru Airport. There is a local taxi service available. Limited public bus services operate within Jabiru and to some key locations within Kakadu National Park, but schedules can be infrequent. Check with the Jabiru Visitor Centre for the most up-to-date information.
Airport
Jabiru Airport (JAB) is located approximately 5 kilometers from the town centre. Car rental is available at the airport. Taxi services are also available for transportation to and from the airport. Some accommodations may offer airport shuttle services; it's best to check with your hotel directly.
Attractions
Nanguluwur Art Site
Discover a smaller but equally fascinating rock art site featuring paintings of sailing ships, hand stencils, and mythical figures. The art provides insights into the interactions between Aboriginal people and early European settlers. The site is accessible via a short walk.
Border Store
Visit the Border Store, a remote outpost located near the East Alligator River crossing. It's a place to purchase supplies, souvenirs, and learn about the local area. It also serves as a starting point for some tours and cruises.
Ubirr Rock Art Site
Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries showcasing depictions of animals, ancestral beings, and traditional stories. Climb to the top of Ubirr for panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains, especially stunning at sunset. Learn about the cultural significance of the site from informative displays.
Nourlangie Rock (Burrungkuy)
Explore Nourlangie Rock, another significant Aboriginal rock art site in Kakadu. Discover the Anbangbang Gallery, featuring depictions of creation ancestors and Dreamtime stories. Take a walk around the base to appreciate the rock formations and learn about the area's cultural significance.
Ubirr Rock Art Site
Visit Ubirr, a prominent rock formation within Kakadu National Park, renowned for its exceptional Aboriginal rock art galleries. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains and escarpments, especially stunning at sunset. Learn about the stories and meanings behind the ancient paintings.
Gubara Pools
Hike to Gubara Pools, a series of natural swimming holes located within Kakadu National Park. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation. The walk to the pools offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Kakadu National Park
Explore the vast Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, witness diverse wildlife, including crocodiles and birds, and hike through stunning landscapes of wetlands, waterfalls, and escarpments. Take a Yellow Water Billabong cruise for an unforgettable experience.
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Hike to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), a beautiful waterfall and plunge pool in Kakadu National Park. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters and relax on the sandy beach. The walk to the falls offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Twin Falls
Discover the beauty of Twin Falls, another spectacular waterfall in Kakadu National Park. Take a boat shuttle and walk through a boardwalk to reach the falls. Swim in the natural pool at the base and admire the cascading water and surrounding cliffs. Note that access may be restricted during the wet season.
Jim Jim Falls
Experience the grandeur of Jim Jim Falls, one of Kakadu's most iconic waterfalls. During the dry season, access the plunge pool at the base of the falls via a challenging 4WD track and a walk through monsoon forest. Marvel at the towering cliffs and the pristine natural environment.
Yellow Water Billabong Cruise
Embark on a guided boat tour through the Yellow Water Billabong, a part of the South Alligator River system. Observe a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, and other native animals, in their natural habitat. Enjoy the serene beauty of the wetlands and learn about the ecosystem.
East Alligator River Cruise
Embark on a guided cruise along the East Alligator River, also known as the Border Store River, which forms part of the boundary between Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. Spot crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife while learning about the area's ecology and Aboriginal culture.
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. Learn about the history, traditions, and art of the Bininj/Mungguy people, the traditional owners of Kakadu. Explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, stories, and information about the park's natural and cultural heritage.
Nadab Lookout
Located at the top of Ubirr, Nadab Lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains, escarpments, and wetlands. It's a popular spot for watching the sunset and taking in the vastness of the Kakadu landscape. A short climb is required to reach the lookout.
Mamukala Wetlands
Visit Mamukala Wetlands, a birdwatcher's paradise within Kakadu National Park. Observe thousands of migratory birds during the dry season from the observation hide. Learn about the wetland ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting this vital habitat.
Day Trips
Embark on a Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) cruise through the wetlands of Kakadu. This is a fantastic opportunity to see a wide variety of birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Learn about the ecosystem and the cultural significance of the wetlands from knowledgeable guides. Choose from sunrise or sunset cruises for different perspectives.
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Jabiru to Cooinda (Yellow Water departure point) Jim Jim Falls is a spectacular waterfall cascading down a high escarpment. Access is typically only possible during the dry season (June to November) due to flooding. A challenging 4WD track leads to a walk through monsoon forest to the base of the falls, where you can swim in the plunge pool (check for crocodile safety).
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Jabiru (4WD required, dry season only) Twin Falls is another stunning waterfall in Kakadu, also only accessible during the dry season. A boat shuttle and a boardwalk lead to the falls, where you can swim in the plunge pool (check for crocodile safety). The boat trip through the gorge is a highlight in itself.
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive from Jabiru (4WD required, dry season only, plus boat shuttle) Maguk, also known as Barramundi Gorge, offers a beautiful swimming hole and waterfall. A relatively easy 1km walk through monsoon forest leads to the plunge pool. It's a great place to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Jabiru (4WD recommended) Yellow Water Billabong is a significant wetland area within Kakadu National Park, teeming with diverse wildlife. Take a cruise to observe crocodiles, birds (including jabirus, magpie geese, and sea eagles), and other native animals in their natural habitat. The billabong is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Ubirr Cahills Crossing is a causeway across the East Alligator River, famous for its large saltwater crocodile population. It's a popular spot for viewing these apex predators, especially during high tide when they gather to hunt fish. Be extremely cautious and observe from a safe distance. The crossing also provides access to Arnhem Land with a permit.
Approximately 15 minutes drive from Ubirr Nourlangie Rock, also known as Burrunguy, is another significant rock art site in Kakadu. Discover paintings depicting Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, and other important figures. Take the Anbangbang Billabong walk for scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Explore the Anbangbang Gallery, a shelter with impressive rock art.
Approximately 1 hour drive from Jabiru Twin Falls is another stunning waterfall in Kakadu National Park, accessible only during the dry season (June to November) and requiring a 4WD vehicle and a boat shuttle. The falls cascade down a cliff face into a deep gorge, creating a beautiful and secluded swimming spot (check for safety conditions).
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive from Ubirr (dry season only, 4WD required, plus boat shuttle) Ubirr is one of Kakadu National Park's most famous rock art sites. Explore ancient Aboriginal paintings depicting animals, ancestral beings, and traditional stories. Climb to the top of Ubirr for panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains, especially stunning at sunset. Learn about the cultural significance of the site from interpretive displays.
Approximately 45 minutes drive from Jabiru Jim Jim Falls is a spectacular waterfall cascading down towering cliffs into a plunge pool. Access is seasonal, typically only possible during the dry season (June to November) and requires a 4WD vehicle. The dramatic scenery and refreshing swim (check for safety conditions) make it a rewarding destination.
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Ubirr (dry season only, 4WD required) Nourlangie Rock, also known as Burrunguy, is an iconic rock formation in Kakadu National Park. It features several Aboriginal rock art sites, including Anbangbang Gallery, which showcases depictions of creation ancestors and other significant figures. The area also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Approximately 45 minutes drive from Ubirr Gunlom Falls, also known as Waterfall Creek Falls, offers a rewarding climb to the top of the falls, where you'll find a series of natural plunge pools with breathtaking views over the southern hills of Kakadu. The lower pool is also a great place for a swim.
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Ubirr (check road conditions) Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Cruise
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Jim Jim Falls (Seasonal Access)
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Twin Falls (Seasonal Access)
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Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
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Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Billabong
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Cahills Crossing
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Nourlangie Rock (Burrunguy)
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Twin Falls (seasonal)
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Ubirr Rock Art Site
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Jim Jim Falls (seasonal)
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Nourlangie Rock (Burrunguy)
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Gunlom Falls (Waterfall Creek Falls)
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