Seasons in Kakadu National Park from Darwin

Where is Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 253 kms East of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed area that has been listed for it's cultural and natural heritage and Kakadu is the largest terrestrial national park in Australia. Life in the park does depends on the water, also in respect to the tropical monsoon climate that produces the downpours of the tropical humidity of the "wet" season, and the milder weather of the "dry" season.

Kakadu National Park is the gateway to Arnhemland. The sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway. The Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru in Kakadu National Park is located 253 km from Darwin in Northern Territory Australia via the Arnhem Highway entrance. If travelling by road, you should allow 3 hours travelling time from Darwin.

Kakadu is the second largest national park in the world and and is home to approximate number of species: Mammals: 62, Reptiles: 123+, Birds: 280, Freshwater Fish: 51, Insects: 10,000, Frogs: 25, Plants: 1,275. (many are rare and occur only in Kakadu)

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Kakadu National Park seasons

But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons.

Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season
Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months. It is the pre-monsoon season of hot weather that becomes more and more humid. Thunderstorms build in the afternoons and scattered showers bring a tinge of green to the dry land. As the streams begin to run, acidic water that washes from the floodplains can cause fish to die in billabongs with low oxygen levels. Waterbirds spread out as surface water and new growth become more widespread. Barramundi move from the waterholes downstream to the estuaries to breed. This was when Bininj/Mungguy moved camp from the floodplains to the stone country, to shelter from the violent storms of the coming wet season.

Gudjewg - Monsoon Season
Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season. It is a time of thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding. The heat and humidity generate an explosion of plant and animal life. Spear grass grows to over 2 metres tall and creates a silvery-green hue throughout the woodlands. Magpie geese nest in the sedgelands. Flooding may cause goannas, snakes and rats to seek refuge in the trees. Eggs and stranded animals are a good food source for Bininj/Mungguy during this time.

Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season
Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail. The vast expanses of floodwater recede and streams start to run clear. Most plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young. Violent, windy storms early in this season flatten the spear grass; they are called 'knock 'em down' storms.

Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season
Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity. Early morning mists hang low over the plains and waterholes. The shallow wetlands and billabongs are carpeted with water lilies. Drying winds and flowering Darwin woolly butt tell Bininj/Mungguy that it is time to start burning the woodlands in patches to 'clean the country' and encourage new growth for grazing animals.

Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season
Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 17°C. Most creeks stop flowing and the floodplains quickly dry out. Burning continues, extinguished by the dew at night. By day, birds of prey patrol the fire lines as insects and small animals try to escape the flames. Magpie geese, fat and heavy after weeks of abundant food, and a myriad of other waterbirds crowd the shrinking billabongs.

Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather
Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry. It is still 'goose time' but also time for Bininj/Mungguy to hunt file snakes and long-necked turtles. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Field Island and West Alligator Head and goann as rob their nests sometimes. White-breasted wood swallows arrive as thunderclouds build, signalling the return of Gunumeleng.

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Kakadu National Park seasons

The Climate of the Kakadu Region

Kakadu is located in the tropics, 12 to 14° south of the Equator.

The climate is monsoonal, characterised by two major seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The 'build up' describes the transition between these two seasons.

During the dry season (April/May to September), dry southerly and easterly trade winds predominate. Humidity is relatively low and rain is very unusual.

At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for June-July is 32°C. During the 'build up' (October to December) conditions can be extremely uncomfortable with high temperatures and high humidity.

However 'build up' storms are impressive and lightning strikes are frequent. In fact the Top End of Australia records more lighting strikes per year than any other place on earth.

At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for October is 37.5°C.

The wet season (January to March/April) is characterised by warm temperatures and, as one would expect, rain.

Most of the rain is associated with monsoonal troughs formed over Southeast Asia, although occasionally tropical cyclones produce intense heavy rain over localised areas.

At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for January is 33°C.

Annual rainfall in Kakadu National Park ranges from 1,565 mm in Jabiru to 1,300 mm in the Mary River region.

The following charts provide an indication of rainfall, temperatures and humidity within the Kakadu region. Data for the charts was sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology, Darwin.

What to do in Darwin

Things to do in Darwin Crocosaurus Cove Darwin is a great way to spend 1-3 hours if you have a layover in Darwin or overnight and need a time filler. It's in the heart of the CBD. If you can't find time to go on a crocodile cruise and there are many from Darwin then this is the next best thing that will let you be real close to a live Australian saltwater crocodile. Crocosaurus Cove is actually Crocosaurus Cove Aquarium which is modeled after a typical Top End river system in Northern Territory. I actually liked the display of Australian Reptiles they had and they displayed some 70+ species of reptiles truly fascinating as we spent hours and I went round 3 times and I'm a local here. There are around 180 crocodiles there so they established a little interaction for you called the 'cage of death'.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 257 kms East of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Kakadu National Park gateway to Arnhemland.The sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway. Even though access to kakadu natinal park is sealed it can be flooded in the wet season on the North Anrhem Highway at the wetlands area. Also Ubirr and Nourlangie have 2wd access, so does Cooinda and Yellow Water though the flass and gorges are all 4wd access on unsealed roads and limited 4wd hire operators allow you in see Australia 4wd Rentals for a good selection of Darwin 4x4 rentals.

Litchfield National Park

About Litchfield National Park Together with stunning tropical waterfalls and swimming holes, this is a truly beautiful destination found just south of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Litchfield National Park features numerous waterfalls which cascade from a sandstone plateau called the Tabletop Range, monsoon rainforests, intriguing magnetic termite mounds and historical sites. Litchfield National Park is chosen by local Darwin residents and tourists as 1-3 day destination for it's waterfalls and magnetic termite mounds. Also noted are the 4WD tracks into some of the more remote parts of Litchfield National Park and surrounding region. Litchfield National Park lies approximately 130km's southwest of Darwin near the town of Batchelor and covers around 1,500 sq km's.

Darwin, Kakadu and Crocodiles

Warnings about crocodiles How many crocodiles are there in the Northern Territory well its estimated to be somewhere around 100 000 crocodiles in the wild. Now protected but once hunted to near extinction around here. Crocodile skins used to be a major export product from Australia. But always be aware for the signs and warning when going to the rivers and parks in the Top End on crocodiles. Scary well folks did you know that the world’s largest reptile is our very own Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile. The picture is of a crocodile trap in Darwin Harbour. So if you want to see crocodiles then take a cruise or eco adventure tour that includes a fresh water sightseeing cruise. www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/

Nitmiluk National Park

Where is Nitmiluk National Park Nitmiluk National Park was also before as Katherine Gorge and still referred to it as both names. Katherine Gorge approx. 356klm south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway and passing some really interesting outback towns such as Pine Creek and Adelaide River. Adleaide River is located on the Stuart Highway, 150 kilometers south of Darwin, Hayes Creek is a gateway to World War II sites and the Northern Goldfields loop with easy access to Litchfield National Park, Batchelor, Pine Creek and the Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park. The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities available. The picnic area provides gas barbecues, picnic furniture and toilet facilities. With launch tour boat jetty and canoe hire. A public swimming area is provided in the picnic area.

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Kakadu and Litchfield eco tours

About guided eco adventure experiences from Darwin Darwin is the starting or departing point for most Darwin based adventure tour companies and safaris. What is the difference between a safari and tour. We have over 300 tours listed thru us and with 1000's of travelled and happy memorable occasions for our clients our suppliers know we are experts in this industry and we can offer you greater service and even protection than booking direct by it's not just you we represent 1000's of clients to our suppliers and there is power in numbers. Way outback tours and Adventure tours from Darwin.

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Outback waterholes and falls Katherine

Apart from Kakadu travel south to the Katherine region See the Southern Rockhole, Mataranka Springs, Bitter Springs, Edith Falls and the pristineNitmiluk National Park just 24klm down Maud Creek road before Katherine. There are so many natural wonders around the top end of Northern Territory well there is too many to list here. But whether your in a 2wd or 4wd we can help you plan a family kakdu and katherine vacation in either a self drive motorhome rental from Darwin return or oneway to a range of fully guided soft eco adventure tours from Darwin.

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Darwin car hire

About Darwin car rentals Darwin e small, compact and large car hire options are cost effective vehicles to hire and offer return or oneway rentals for 5 people. We also have 8 seat people movers for that large family or group of friends to travel around the country and enjoy the vast Australian landscape.

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Darwin 4wd campers

About Darwin 4x4 hire Four wheel drive off road campers for 4 with double rood top tent and 5 berth campers. We also offer 5 seat 4wd wagons with ground camping gear and 2 and 3 berth four wheel drive pop top campers for hire oneway or return hire. Facebook 4WD Rentals

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Darwin motorhome hire

About Darwin RV motorhome hire Darwin motorhome self drive hire and campervan rentals offer you from older budget brands to premium quality 1-2 year Maui RV motorhome hire from Darwin. We have budget, family and premium brands for up to 6 adults travelling.

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