Yellow Water Cruises - Kakadu Tourism

Location: Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT 0886 Australia

Experience a Yellow Water Cruise to a place forgotten by time where nature is raw, crocodiles rule and a prehistoric landscape is enlivened by sightings of jabirus, sea eagles and whistling kites along the floodplains. All of this is revealed by the expert guides of Yellow Water Cruises, one of Kakadu National Parks famed wilderness experiences.

Hours: Daily: 6:00 am — 8:00 pm

Description

Operated by Kakadu Tourism, an Indigenous-owned and operated business, Yellow Water Cruises offers multiple daily journeys, year round, through the world-famous Yellow Water Billabong—one of Australia’s most spectacular wetlands. Guests are guided by a mix of certified Bininj (local Indigenous) and Balanda (non-Indigenous) guides, who share the culture, stories, and deep connection to Country of Kakadu’s Traditional Owners; the Murumburr people.
Celebrated for excellence and sustainability, Yellow Water Cruises has won the Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction, been a multi-year winner of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, featured in the 2024 National Geographic Luxury Travellers edition, and is ECO Certified by Ecotourism Australia as well as Quality Tourism Accredited.
Every cruise offers the chance to explore Kakadu’s stunning landscapes, rare species of birds and wildlife, and cultural heritage, all while supporting Indigenous culture and enterprise.

Cancellation Policy

•Kakadu Tourism reserves the right to remove a traveller from a tour if it is reasonably believed that their health and/or fitness will interfere with the tour operation or other traveller’s experience
•Kakadu Tourism reserves the right to cancel any tour at the discretion of the Tours/Operations Manager due to factors beyond its control including but not limited to minimum numbers not being attained weather conditions and vehicle/mechanical failure. In such cases we will offer to tour on the next available tour or at an alternative tour of equal value. If this is not possible or you decline this offer we will issue you as the agent a full refund if payment has been received.
•Kakadu Tourism takes no responsibility for any costs incurred or action taken as a result of a delayed or cancelled tour.
•A forty-eight (48) hour cancellation policy applies to all reservations. For reservations of more than twelve (12) guests will be subject to a fourteen (14) day cancellation policy. Please contact your booking agent to cancel or amend your booking.
•Changes/cancellation within penalty window are charged in full.
• Failure to arrive on-time failure to board or no-show will be charged in full.
• All persons under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult guardian at all times.

Map

Directions

Getting to Yellow Water Cruises:

Yellow Water Cruises is located approximately 300km east of Darwin, within Kakadu National Park.

From Darwin, follow the Stuart Highway south, then turn onto the Arnhem Highway and continue east towards Kakadu. When you reach the Kakadu Highway, turn right and travel approximately 54km to the Cooinda turn-off. Follow Cooinda Road for around 5km, then turn right for Yellow Water.
This road leads directly to the Yellow Water car park, just a short walk from the boat ramp.

Parking & Complimentary Transfer:

Guests are welcome to park at Cooinda Lodge and take advantage of the complimentary Yellow Water tour bus.
The bus departs from the Cooinda Lodge bus stop, located across the road from Reception, approximately 20 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

Arriving at Cooinda Lodge:

Yellow Water Cruises operates from Cooinda Lodge, a relaxed, resort-style oasis in the heart of Kakadu National Park. On site you’ll find a fuel station, general store, large lagoon-style swimming pool, two bars and restaurants, and a wide range of accommodation — from luxury safari villas and Outback Retreat tents to lodge rooms and campgrounds.

Guests not staying at Cooinda Lodge are welcome to use day parking, dine at the restaurants, refuel, and explore Cooinda’s many experiences, including the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, fishing tours, Kakadu adventure tours, or simply relaxing with a drink by the shaded lagoon pool.

News

New Indigenous artwork now wraps our Yellow Water Cruise boats! Each vessel now carries the stories, spirit and creativity of the Bininj people, brought to life by five Kakadu artists: David Cameron, Jacqueline Cahill, Aysha Alderson, Lennie Murabura and Billy Badwana.

Awards

2025 ECO Certified by Ecotourism Australia 2025 Quality Tourism Accredited 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award 2024 Featured in National Geographic Luxury Traveller 2012 Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction 2009 NT Brolga Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction 2011 NT Brolga Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction

Special events

Taste of Kakadu Canapé Cruise Usually held in late May, Taste of Kakadu — Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu — is a rare celebration of food, culture and Country. Across the festival week, guests can immerse themselves in cooking demonstrations, cultural workshops, bush tucker trails, dining experiences and live performances. The special canapé cruise offers a memorable way to experience the festival on water, blending Kakadu flavours, storytelling and sunset views. Kakadu Bird Week Held in late September during the Bininj Kurrung season, Kakadu Bird Week marks an extraordinary time when thousands of magpie geese and more than 60 rare bird species gather at Yellow Water Billabong. Specialist birdwatching cruises give guests the chance to observe this seasonal spectacle, alongside Kakadu’s ever-present wildlife, set against clear skies and peak dry-season conditions.