Why you should take a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park

Arcadia
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Arcadia
July 11, 2025
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Aerial view of Jim Jim Falls cascading through rugged cliffs and tropical forest in Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia's most iconic natural wonders, a vast landscape of rugged escarpments, cascading waterfalls, and ancient rock art. It's a place of breathtaking beauty and cultural significance. A scenic flight over this Northern Territory UNESCO World Heritage site offers amazing views of the ancient landscapes of East Alligator Valley, the Arnhem Land Escarpment, the vast Stone Country and lush Magela Wetlands.

If you're looking to experience this breathtaking destination with a touch of luxury, Fun Over 50 Holidays offers all-inclusive tours tailored for active seniors with a sense of adventure. Our Northern Territory tours are among our most popular. Join us now and explore some of the fabulous reasons to experience Kakadu from the air.

Discover the beauty of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu - a mighty big place to explore

Kakadu National Park, located in the Northern Territory, is the largest national park in Australia and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located 150 kilometres north of Darwin, the park covers a massive 20,000 square kilometres and stretches from the coast and estuaries in the north, through floodplains, to rugged, rocky ridges in the south.

The park is renowned for its rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and diverse wildlife. Taking a scenic flight with local operator Kakadu Air is a popular way to appreciate the vastness and beauty of this stunning national park. Contact us today to book your Kakadu tour and get set for a Top End adventure of a lifetime.

What makes Kakadu so unique?

Kakadu National Park boasts exceptional cultural and natural values. 65,000 years of Aboriginal history and stories are reflected in ancient rock, and the park is home to a vast and diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife.

Spiritual connection

Kakadu is crucial to the cultural identity and spiritual connection of the Bininj Aboriginal people in the northern part of the park and the Mungguy people of the south, who continue to practice the oldest living traditional customs like art, language, and ceremonies.

Rock Art

Kakadu's rock art sites are among the longest historical records of any people in the world, offering insight into human history from before the last ice age.

Wildlife

Kakadu National Park's diverse ecosystem supports a fascinating array of flora and fauna, including a quarter of Australia's land mammals, one-third of its bird species and thousands of insects. It’s a place teeming with wildlife, most famously its saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

Scenery

Kakadu Air scenic flights over the Northern Territory's famous Kakadu National Park highlight the spectacular beauty of this unique area with its dramatic escarpments, rock formations like the rock archway, winding rivers, floodplains and wetlands.

Why take a scenic flight over Kakadu?

Kakadu scenic flights are the best way to experience the beauty of Kakadu as you soar over its captivating landscapes. Flights over Kakadu provide unique aerial views of ancient escarpments, wildlife, and culturally significant sites that are difficult to see from the ground or inaccessible by road.

  • A unique perspective: Kakadu Air scenic flights provide a bird's-eye view of the park's diverse geography, from rugged cliffs and escarpments to vibrant wetlands and river systems like the East Alligator.
  • Saves you time: As Kakadu is Australia's largest national park, an exciting half-hour scenic flight enables you to enjoy its vast beauty easily.
  • Comprehensive commentary: Your Kakadu Air pilots offer fascinating insights into the surrounding scenery, sharing their knowledge about its geography, geology, history and stories while pointing out significant landmarks.
  • Cultural significance: Flights over Kakadu National Park offer guests a unique opportunity to learn the cultural and historical significance of the land.

What are the best scenic flights over Kakadu?

Fun Over 50 Holidays chooses to fly with Kakadu Air, a business that local Territorians have proudly owned since the 1980s. They offer scenic flights in fixed-wing and scenic helicopter flights ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, including the East Alligator River, Mikinj Valley, Magela Wetlands, Ranger Uranium Mine, Mount Brockman and the escarpment.

Can you fly over Kakadu from Darwin?

Yes! Our luxury coaches take you from Darwin on a fascinating drive to the township of Jabiru to board your Kakadu National Park flights. Many scenic flights over Kakadu National Park depart from Jabiru Airport, a convenient gateway to exploring this world heritage-listed area.

Jabiru Airport provides easy access to the park's iconic landmarks. The anticipation builds as you prepare to take to the air for an unforgettable aerial tour of Kakadu.

What is the best month to visit Kakadu?

The best time for scenic flights in Kakadu National Park largely depends on what you want to see. During the wet season, from November to April, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, and the floodplains are lush and teeming with life, but the heat and humidity can be oppressive.

March–April marks the end of the wet season, and the rains have filled the billabongs and floodplains, turning them into a lush, green tropical paradise, bursting with life.

The Northern Territory's dry season runs from May to October and is popular with visitors. The days are sunny, there is little to no rain, the humidity is lower, the skies are clearer, and the mornings and evenings are cooler.

Can you stay overnight in Kakadu?

Yes, an incredible variety of options are available to take in the wonders of Kakadu National Park. Visitors can choose from camping to resort-style hotels. Of course, as a Fun Over 50 Holidays guest, you'll be spoiled in one of Kakadu's most famous properties - The Crocodile Hotel!

Tips for First-Time Flyers

For first-time flyers embarking on a Kakadu Air scenic flight, here are some helpful tips to enhance your experience. Preparing beforehand is key, and that involves just a few simple steps:

  • Arrive early for check-in and your pre-flight briefings.
  • Dress comfortably and wear sunglasses if you're affected by glare.
  • Bring a camera, or your phone, to capture the beauty of Kakadu from the air.

Listen carefully to the pilot's commentary to learn about the park's history and ecology. With these tips, you're ready to enjoy the beauty of Kakadu.

A traveller relaxing beside a serene rock pool with a waterfall at Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.

Why choose Fun Over 50 Holidays for your Kakadu Adventure?

If you want to experience a breathtaking tour through Kakadu National Park... and beyond, with a touch of luxury, join one of our Fun Over 50 Holidays all-inclusive tours.

A scenic flight over Kakadu National Park is a must-do activity for any visitor to the region. The aerial perspective offers unparalleled views of the park's stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Soar over the floodplains and escarpments, witnessing the grandeur of this world heritage area in a way that is simply impossible from the ground.

At Fun Over 50 Holidays, we tailor our tours exclusively for Australians over 50, offering exciting destinations and experiences to ensure your holiday is enriching, relaxing, comfortable and fun! Whether you're flying over Kakadu's wetlands or exploring its ancient terrain, our tours are designed for those young at heart and ready to embrace the wonders of the Top End.

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