Just 171 kilometres southeast of Darwin, Northern Territory, is Australia’s biggest and most famous national park – Kakadu National Park.
World Heritage listed, it’s an absolute treasure that’s ideal for exploring in a 4WD with creek crossings, off-road adventures and incredible wildlife. If you’re coming to this part of the world, it’s an absolute MUST to get up before dawn to watch the sunrise over the wetlands.
Sunrise and Wildlife on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise
One of our highlights was the Yellow Water Billabong Sunrise Cruise. Leaving our campsite at Kakadu Lodge and arriving at the cruise at about 6.30am, we made our way onto the boat just as daylight was breaking.
The water so still, only a ripple every now and then from a passing crocodile…
Our guide Dean from Gagudju Dreaming turned the engine of the boat off and we sat in silence in the middle of the wetlands as the most magnificent vibrant orange sun rose from behind the water lilies. A fog lifted with the sun and right before us was a four-metre saltwater crocodile staring at us calmly before it slipped under the water. Eerie yet exciting.
As we cruised the wetlands, we saw hundreds of birds and crocodiles at every turn and a Jabiru sitting on a lilypad. I have never seen so much wildlife in a short period of time, all showing no fear of the boat or us. Almost as curious of us as we are of them.
Reluctantly, our cruise came to an end after two hours, and we made our way back to Kakadu Lodge with incredible images filling our heads to create amazing memories.
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