Jabiru Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Jabiru which includes art
Explore forested walking trails, learn about local Aboriginal culture and plan your tropical adventure at the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Set within the magnificent Arnhem Land Escarpment, Jabiru is the ideal place to start your adventure in Kakadu National Park. This town is a hub for services and accommodation within the park, and is an excellent starting-point for daytrips, hikes, scenic flights, boat rides and four-wheel drive tours. Explore Kakadu National Park’s beautiful and diverse landscapes and take in the area’s fascinating Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Begin your visit to Jabiru at the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you can speak with the informative staff and plan your trip within the park. Learn about the surrounding wetlands, waterfalls, escarpments and woodlands with the centre’s informative displays. Browse the library and discover the region’s Aboriginal custodians, the Bininj and Mungguy people, and their unique relationship with the land. Check out the centre’s Marrawuddi Gallery to find Aboriginal art, books and souvenirs. Refreshments are available at the neighbouring café.

Explore the area around Jabiru on foot or by bicycle. The Bowali bike and walking track begins at the distinctive Gagudju Crocodile Hotel and winds through woodlands to the Bowali Visitor Centre. The Illigadjarr circuit starts at the Malabanjbanjdju and Burdulba campsites, passing by Burdulba Billabong and grassy floodplains. Both trails are around 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Jabiru’s lake, play a round at the town’s 9-hole golf course or go for a swim at the Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Visit the tour operators in Jabiru to organise scenic flights, four-wheel drive tours, fishing trips and cruises around Australia’s biggest national park. Many of the hotels, resorts and campsites in Jabiru offer tour packages. Examine the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Don’t miss a stunning tropical sunset amid ancient rock paintings, some up to 20,000 years old.

Jabiru is 255 kilometres (158 miles) east of Darwin. Kakadu National Park has an entrance fee. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is drier and the waterways are full from summer’s monsoon season. Visit Jabiru in September to experience the Mahbilil Festival, an annual celebration of cultural diversity and local communities.

Aurora Kakadu Lodge
Aurora Kakadu Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Jabiru Drive, Jabiru, NT
The price is NZ$191 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$191
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday park in Jabiru. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (485 reviews)
"Very good location, close to town centre. The pool is next to the bar and bistro so you can enjoy a drink while splashing. I would love to have white coloured towels instead of milky colour like theirs. Other than that this place is great to stay."

Reviewed on 25 Dec. 2023

Aurora Kakadu Lodge
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1 Flinders Street, Locked Mail Bag 4, Jabiru, NT
The price is NZ$238 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$238
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Jabiru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"The Croc, as the locals call it, has been standing there in the excessive heat and humidity for a while now, so don't expect everything to be shining new and clean. The rooms are sizable and well furnished. But the bathroom and the "kitchen" area (doorway), although both well stocked, are very small ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
146 Dick Ward Drive, Coconut Grove, NT
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mindil Beach and Darwin Waterfront are located nearby. ...
7.8/10 Good! (461 reviews)
"Good value"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
4 out of 5
6 Carey Street, Darwin, NT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,484 reviews)
"The rooms are magnificent , views wonderful, breakfasts amazing.. Short walk to the city or Waterfront for amazing restaurants. ROOFTOP bar is fantastic, ,would recommend it to anybody ."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
4 out of 5
55 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, NT
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Darwin. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (341 reviews)
"I loved how central the location was. The mini kitchenette was helpful and they cleaned my room daily which meant fresh towels. The reception staff were particularly friendly and helpful. Would definitely choose the Metro again."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Metro Advance Apartments & Hotel, Darwin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Activities

Reviews of Jabiru

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 27.5%
4 - Good
19
" "4 - Good 47.5%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 17.5%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 7.5%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Great place to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Nov 2019

Nil

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Oct 2019

A cultural experience, a wonderful land, a must see for everyone.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Oct 2019

As an alternative to eating at the Bistro, which can be quite expensive, try heading into the town of Jabiru (5min drive) at the only supermarket in town. Purchase some really cheap meat/sausages and utilise the free bbqs on camping ground site.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
23 Aug 2019

It would be nice to see more rock Art...it was so limited that it was Almost a long way for very little.

4/5 - Good

Bev
23 Aug 2019

Lovely small town. Essential amenities, maintaining its culture.