Kakadu National Park
There are a number of safety-related aspects of travelling in Kakadu National Park: crocodiles, disease-carrying insects, large feral animals, dehydration, and what to do if a member of your group gets injured or lost.
Two types of crocodiles inhabit Kakadu-estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles.
Estuarine crocodiles live in fresh, estuarine or saltwater environments, such as floodplains, billabongs, rivers and coastal waters. They are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu.
Please make sure you are aware of the estuarine crocodile signs and obey the 'no swimming' warnings.
Remove rubbish from around your campsite: it can attract crocodiles.
You should scale and clean fish at least 50m away from the water's edge.
When camping in areas near water bodies, set up the tents at least 50 metres from the water's edge.
Freshwater crocodiles generally inhabit the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers. They are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, particularly during the breeding season (September and October).
Please do not approach freshwater crocodiles.
Some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season.
Please read the crocodile warning signs in each plunge pool and gorge area and consider their information carefully.
Insects such as mosquitoes can carry and transmit very debilitating viruses - the Ross River virus is an example - so always cover up and if necessary use a repellent.
Large animals such as buffaloes and pigs can be dangerous. If you see them, keep at a safe distance and do not to approach them.
Throughout the year, daytime temperatures in Kakadu are consistently warm to hot. September to December is extremely hot and humid.
Prevention
Make sure your are suitably dressed in loose-fitting clothing that is cool but provides protection against sunburn.
Your must have plenty of drinking water with you, wherever you go. In a climate such as Kakadu's, most people need between 4 and 8 litres of water a day. A minimum of 2 litres per person should be carried for short walks.
Dehydration symptoms
Among the early symptoms of dehydration are feeling thirsty, headache, dizziness and nausea. If the symptoms continue, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death can be the result. Children are at particular risk.
First aid
If a member of your group becomes lost or injured it is important to stay calm and pay attention to your own safety.
Please help prevent wildfires. Make sure your cigarette butts and matches are out and put them in rubbish bins, not on the ground. Use the fireplaces provided and, especially where no fireplace facilities are provided, ensure that you clear the area around your campfire. Always put your fire out before you leave.
Frolicking in the rock pools above and below the waterfalls can be a highlight on a trip to Kakadu for many visitors. However, there is potential hazard here during the months of October to April. Flash flooding can happen suddenly and without warning in the gorges, creeks and streams in the stone country. It is possible for a flash flood to be generated by a heavy rainstorm that occurred many kilometres upstream and more than a day earlier.
Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the water levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water contained within a flash flood can be deceptively strong, causing strong currents when crossing waterways and dangerous swimming conditions.
When walking on trails or entering/swimming in rock pools above and below the waterfalls during these months, watch for rising water levels and flood debris. Be mindful of the possible dangers of sudden and unexpected flooding.
