The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu (Ayal) was created in 2008 to share traditional Indigenous culture with visitors to Kakadu National Park (Kakadu). Ayal provides guests with an authentic, cultural experience delivered by a local Indigenous guide who lives in Kakadu. Ayal is family owned and operated. Our guests are hosted by Victor Cooper an experienced elder of Kakadu who has deep knowledge of the cultural and historical significance of the areas that we visit on our tours. Tour Products & Services: Guests can join Ayal on one of our day tours that visit the world famous rock art sites in Kakadu, provide unique insights into the Indigenous and European history of Kakadu, experience the rivers, billabongs, wetlands and the magnificent wildlife of the National Park. Private charter tours can be arranged within Kakadu and west Arnhemland with a specifically designed itinerary to suit your needs. Ayal provides ‘Step on Guide’ services for commercial tour operators who require a qualified, local Indigenous guide to enhance their Kakadu experience. Victor Cooper is also available for consultancy services such as cultural talks and presentations; tourism mentoring and training of tour guides in Kakadu National Park. The Ayal tourist vehicles and driver can be privately chartered for transport of guests throughout Kakadu when and where needed. Experience & Expertise: Victor is a Traditional Owner of Kakadu and holds the Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides Accreditation. As a Minitja man, Victor has the Indigenous credentials to tell and interpret the stories that are attached to the sites visited on the Ayal tours. Victor’s experience is firstly field-based as one of the first Indigenous rangers for Kakadu National Park looking after the country and then later he was based in management at Park Headquarters. Victor’s other roles in the community, past & present, include member of the Kakadu Board of Management representing the Minitja clan group. Currently Victor is acting Chair of the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee.

Kakadu is spectacular to look at, but immensely more interesting when on a Kakadu Air flight you receive a running commentary about the things you see, and many that you can't. On fixed wing aircraft flights the commentary is researched, recorded and delivered by long term Kakadu experts, via headsets.

Arnhemlander an exceptional Aboriginal cultural & heritage day tour into Arnhemland. With an experienced guide, owned and operated by traditional owners. Meet artist's along the way at Injalak Art Gallery. Travelling into the Mikinj valleys stunning scenery and billabongs, wildlife. World famous rock art sites, escarpments, forests, birdlife, floodplains.

Ubirr, home to some of the world's most outstanding Aboriginal rock art, depicting sources of food, wildlife and the creation ancestors. The panoramic views at the top show surrounds of Kakadu National Park, the East Alligator River and Arnhem Land, a view that is favoured at sunset.

A short monsoon rainforest walk delivers you to this stunning location where lush vegetation and beautiful wildlife is found. A pristine waterfall that flows into a crystal clear plunge pool surrounded by steep gorge walls. Located only an hours' drive south of Cooinda and is accessed off of a 14 kilometre 4WD track off Kakadu Highway.

The Guluyambi Cultural Cruise is a unique boat tour on Kakadu's scenically spectacular East Alligator River. Take in the Wonderful pristine wilderness of this world heritage Landscape as you leisurely cruise up stream. An Aboriginal guide provides guests with an insight into their culture, local mythology, the river's abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals as well as the bush survival skills. Disembark on the Arnhem Land side of the river for a display of traditional hunting & gathering implements. Limited to 25 guests, the cruise ensures an intimate & personalized cultural experience. Departs Daily April to November

Spectacular all year - see this area from the ground in the dry season, and from the air in the wet season.The Jim Jim Area is only accessible by 4WD during the dry season. Visitors can explore the spectacular and challenging walks or take a boat shuttle ride to Twin Falls over crystal clear waters (charges apply). Scenic flights are also very popular, and allow visitors to see the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, which are in full flow only during the wet season

One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Climb the stairs to the pristine plunge pools at the top of the waterfall with an infinity view of the park, or swim under the cascading waterfall at the base with a sandy beach and clear waters. Spend the night at the nearby Gunlom campground.