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The upcoming September and October holidays present an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning Kakadu National Park. Visitors can enjoy two vibrant festivals during this period and avail a variety of special offers.

A highlight is the annual Kakadu Bird Week, which takes place from 25 to 29 September. The event showcases the park’s spectacular bird life, offering guided tours, wetland cruises and an immersive experience of Kakadu’s rich indigenous culture.

Kakadu National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, home to one-third of Australia’s bird species. This is an ideal place to learn about the variety of birds in this dual World Heritage-listed park.

Bird Week coincides with the migration of magpie swans to billabongs such as Yellow Water (Ngurungururudjba), where they feed as the water recedes at the end of the dry season. This is a unique opportunity to see the park’s birdlife and other exotic animals including crocodiles, buffaloes, brumbies and wallabies in their natural habitat.

Recognized as Australia’s top bird-watching destination by Australian Geographic, Kakadu is home to majestic sea eagles, colorful kingfishers, distinctive jabirus and remarkable jacanas, also known as ‘Jesus birds’ for their ability to walk on water. More information can be found here: Kakadu Bird Week.

Another exciting event is the Mayali Muli Festival, held on Saturday, September 6, at the Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp, just 15 minutes from Kuinda. The festival celebrates the Mayali Aboriginal language group of the Kakadu West Arnhem Plateau. “Mulil” means many, so Mayali Muli refers to a large gathering of people under the Mayali language and culture.

Festival-goers can engage in activities such as guided bush walks, traditional hunting tool making, weaving, art appreciation and enjoy Kakadu music and dance performances. This family-friendly event offers an authentic glimpse into Kakadu’s 65,000-year-old indigenous culture.

Accommodation options at Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp include eco-huts, camping or caravans. Additional accommodation is available at Cooinda Lodge. More details can be found here: Mayali Root Festival.

The September school holidays also coincide with most of Kakadu’s natural attractions being open and accessible, including Maguk Rock Pool, Jim Jim and Twin Falls Waterfalls, Naurlangi and Ubir rock art sites and Coolpin Gorge. Tours can be booked through Cooinda Lodge.

Special offers at Cooinda Lodge

Cooinda Lodge serves as an excellent base for exploring Kakadu with luxury villas, glamping tents, hotel-style rooms and extensive camping and caravanning facilities. Its proximity to Mayali Muli Festival and Kakadu Bird Week as well as Yellow Water Billabong makes it an ideal accommodation choice.

Special offers include:

• Stay two or more nights in a Cooinda Lodge room or Outback Retreat glamping tent and receive a $50 dining and drinks voucher.
• Take a Yellow Water Cruise and get another cruise for just $79 (saving up to $50 per person).
• Stay two nights at a Yellow Water Villa and receive two free Yellow Water Cruises (valued up to $258).
• Book an unpowered camping site and get a free pizza.

These special packages are available for stays from 1 September to 31 October and are subject to availability.