Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip by Air Including Yellow Water Cruise
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The Darwin Day Tripper is the perfect one day visit to Kakadu from Darwin.
This tour includes over 2 hours of scenic flights, the MUST DO Yellow Water River Cruise, adequate time on ground to lunch at Cooinda, a visit to an Aboriginal Visitor Centre and still be back in Darwin for late afternoon and evening activities.
This iconic tour is ideal for the time poor due to the long distances involved. The bonus of aircraft travel is not just limited to saving time though, it's really about the 2 hours of extraordinary views of the Arafura Coast, vast floodplains, winding rivers, stunning Arnhem Land Plateau, Jim Jim and Twin falls (in the wet season) and so many other major sites!
With a guaranteed window seat on all our flights sit back and take in the majesty of Australia's largest National Park whilst absorbing the informative commentary.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check In: All flights require a check in 30 minutes prior to the advertised departure time. A late departure is likely to affect passengers on following flights. Our Goal is to remain on time, if your arrival is likely to be delayed please inform us urgently, we will offer you alternative options.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. A minimum of 4 people per booking is required.
Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking. Please don’t be offended or concerned, Kakadu Air operates light aircraft, take-off weight is a safety issue, we will not fly over weight, or compromise safety.
Due to the safety and weight / balance of the aircraft, we have a weight limitation of 130kg. If you are this weight please contact our reservations direct.
The Company reserves the following rights, to cancel, or to postpone any flight without notice should a circumstance occur that might represent a threat to the safe conduct of the flight or tour.
Reservations cancelled inside 24 hours from departure will forfeit payment in full.
Kakadu Air respects the “Kakadu National Park managements” voluntary code of conduct known as the “The fly neighborly policy”. This policy limits flights to a certain minimum height above terrain, and distance lateral from about 30 locations in Kakadu. Jim Jim and Twin falls are two of these locations. These Falls are viewed freely in our WET SEASON flights as the roads are closed. In the DRY SEASON when the roads are open there are no flights over Jim Jim and Twin Falls.
The Company and the pilot in command may refuse the carriage of a passenger, if that passenger could be regarded as likely to cause annoyance or offence to, or threaten the safety of the flight or any person on that flight.
In refusing service to any person or persons for reason of drunkenness, annoyance, offence, or threat to flight passengers or crew, the company refuses liability for any inconvenience or cost related to our refusal for the passenger or freight to travel.
What To Expect
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is dual-listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding natural and cultural values. No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a visit to this iconic National Park.
Options
Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip by Air Including Yellow Water Cruise
What‘s Included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Yellow Water River Cruise
National Park fees
All taxes, fees and handling charges
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Live commentary on board
Lunch & Drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Customer car park
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
excellent
GrandTour36435595789,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00this was a great experience, truly enjoyed it, our guide was very informative and easy to talk to.
Kakadu, Crocs and birds!
Marieinsd,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Max was our pilot. He was very professional and did a great job at guiding us as we flew over Kakadu National Park. The cruise along the Yellow river was beautiful. Amazing birdlife and lots of crocs!
Don't miss this adventure.
bettyw566,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have wanted to go back to Kakadu since my first visit there in the mid 1990's, whilst in Darwin I could not turn up the chance to revisit the area. Being remote from Darwin and not wanting to sit for 13 hours in a couch, light aircraft was the only option. The flight in a Cessna 208 caravan was exceptional, the view of the landscape from above was unbelievable, had always wanted to see Twin and JimJim falls and also cruise on the Yellow waters. Lunch au Cooinda was brilliant, over all ,an exceptional day adventure, many pictures taken so we can show others of what awaits.
Do not miss!
LuvMexico94560,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish this was truly an amazing adventure! The flight was great! Lunch at the lodge, the cultural center and then the boat cruise! We loved every minute and each guide we encountered was exceo
Breathtakingly Beautiful Kakadu
freefamilyseven,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unforgettable way to experience Kakadu in one day! We didn't have time to travel out to Kakadu during our short stay in Darwin, so this was the next best thing! An exhilarating scenic flight afforded stunning views of the river systems, floodplains and Kakadu National Park. Our pilot, Callum, was an amazing host for the day and given that there were only the two of us passengers on board, we enjoyed his undivided attention and company. He was very knowledgeable on both the history and geography of the lands we flew over. Being on the cusp of the wet and dry season, it was incredible to see the land so green still, the waterfalls flowing and the vast space of wetlands. He skilfully led us past the falls, with both a left and right pass, so each side of the plane could enjoy their spectacular display. The escarpments of the Arnhem Land Plateau were simply breathtaking. The other highlight of the day was the Yellow Water River Cruise - a visually stunning meander through this extraordinary billabong. Captain Dennis (with two 'n's!) and his first mate, a Adam, expertly guided us through the billabong, ensuring we located the main object of our adventure - the saltwater (or more accurately, estuarine) crocodile. Seeing them in their natural environment was surreal. We also enjoyed observing the comb-crested jacana bird and the white belly sea-eagle. Dennis' engaging (and somewhat humorous!) commentary was informative and interesting. He even offered me (Catherine with a 'C') a job as trainee tour guide - thanks, Dennis! The day was rounded off with a delicious and relaxing meal in the delightful Cooinda Lodge, followed by a wander through the intriguing Warradjan Cultural Centre and gift shop. Overall, the day trip was definitely the highlight of our Top End short-term holiday. Highly recommend this brilliant experience for anyone interesting in seeing Kakadu in all its splendour and glory!
Fantastic day! Once in a...
leahcalder,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day! Once in a lifetime opportunity to see Kakadu from the air in all its beauty. Our pilot Jake was a great bloke, very capable and shared interesting knowledge along the way. Even if your not short on time I would highly recommend this trip
Best option if time limited in the Top End.
Graham W,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to see Kakadu when limited with time. Service was great, flight was great, scenery fabulous, lunch great, Yellow Water cruise was very informative with plenty of crocs on show and Matt ( our pilot ) was full of knowledge and helped make the day memorable. Highly recommended.
Best Day Ever
andrewsF8766LC,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daniel & Max gave us an incredible tour with vast knowledge of Kakadu, its history and the Aboriginal culture. We thoroughly enjoyed our scenic flight, the cruise and our lunch & visit to the Aboriginal Cultural centre. Highly recommend this tour, Kakadu Air and a huge thanks to the 2 young lads for a spectacular day out.
Great way to see Kakadu
JoAV606,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our pilot/ guide, Matthew was great. Flew over spectacular waterfalls and gave us a great narrative of the area. The yellow water boat ride was interesting and even got to see several crocodiles. Lunch was good and enjoyed the aboriginal cultural center.
Great experience!
Pascaleinbkk,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day with Hamish! A very nice, kind, informative pilot/guide! He made our day! I highly recommend this day trip! Lots to see even in December!
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Operated by Kakadu Air Services