Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia? If you're planning to go to Kakadu National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Kakadu National Park
  2. Important essentials for Kakadu National Park
  3. Activities for Kakadu National Park
  4. Kakadu National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Kakadu National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Kakadu National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Kakadu National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Kakadu National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Kakadu National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Kakadu National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Kakadu National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Kakadu National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Kakadu National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Kakadu National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Kakadu National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Based on the climate and weather in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kakadu National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia by month

January

January here can be excruciatingly hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February can be sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Kakadu National Park can be very hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

If you vacation in Kakadu National Park during April, you are likely to see that it is sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

May

May here is sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

If you are traveling to Kakadu National Park in June, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you vacation in Kakadu National Park during July, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

August

If you vacation in Kakadu National Park during August, you might notice that it is a scorcher and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

September

If you are traveling to Kakadu National Park in September, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you vacation in Kakadu National Park during October, you might see that it can be blisteringly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

November

If you visit Kakadu National Park during November, you will probably see that it is a scorcher and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

In December, Kakadu National Park can be sizzling and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Kakadu National Park, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Australia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kakadu National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

What to do in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Kakadu National Park is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Australia. Located in the Northern Territory, this vast park spans 20,000 square kilometers of breathtaking landscapes that includes magnificent waterfalls, lush rainforests, and sandstone formations that are millions of years old. It is home to some of the country's most incredible wildlife, ranging from kangaroos and wallabies to saltwater crocodiles.

If you are planning a trip to Australia, you can't afford to miss Kakadu National Park. Here are some of the top tourist attractions you should make time to visit.

1. Ubirr Rock Art Sites

The rock art at Ubirr is one of the most significant cultural attractions in the park. The art depicts ancient stories of the Indigenous people who have lived in the area for more than 50,000 years. The art is beautifully preserved and is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.

2. Gunlom Falls

Gunlom Falls is one of the park's most iconic attractions. The falls are a series of stepped pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The top pool offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photographers.

3. Yellow Water Cruise

The Yellow Water Cruise is a highlight of any visit to Kakadu National Park. The cruise takes you through the Yellow Water Billabong, one of the most picturesque waterways in the park. You'll have the chance to see saltwater crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife up close.

4. Jim Jim Falls

Jim Jim Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the park. The falls are a towering 200 meters high and are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The falls are only accessible during the dry season, so plan your visit accordingly.

5. Nourlangie Rock

Nourlangie Rock is home to some of the most impressive rock art in the park. The art depicts ancient stories of the Indigenous people and is a fascinating insight into the area's history. The walk to the top of the rock offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

6. Twin Falls

Twin Falls is another stunning waterfall in the park. The falls are only accessible by boat, but the journey to get there is part of the adventure. You'll travel through the remote gorge and arrive at the falls, where you can swim and relax.

In conclusion, Kakadu National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Australia. From ancient rock art to stunning waterfalls, there is no shortage of incredible attractions to explore. Plan your visit today and experience the wonder of this unique and awe-inspiring destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Evje, Norway, Rock County, Wisconsin, United States of America, Garrison, North Dakota, United States of America, Afton, Minnesota, United States of America, Tobacco Caye, Belize, University Heights, Ohio, United States of America, Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom, Anantnag, India, Gurzuf, Russia, Marysville, California, United States of America, and Maastricht, Netherlands.