yellow river cruise northern territory

• Kakadu National Park
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Yellow Water Cruises

Cruise boat on Yellow Water

Yellow Water Cruises take guests through the heart of Kakadu – offering a remarkable journey through the region’s wetlands.

The Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises takes you on a discovery tour through the rich wildlife, dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscape of world-famous Yellow Water Billabong.

Sunrise to sunset, the cruise winds its way through distinct ecosystems of Yellow Water Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River.

Yellow Water Cruises has exclusive use of Yellow Water Billabong. It operates year round and provides up to six cruises a day of either 90 or 120 minutes.

The sunrise and sunset cruise are very popular and advance bookings are recommended. Many people take more than one cruise during their stay to see the changes in the wildlife at different times of the day.

Birdwatching

Yellow Water Cruises will provide you with an intimate adventure tour that you will never forget. About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands.

Whistling ducks and magpie geese are the most abundant. Eagles can be seen hovering searching for prey, and at times you will see distinctive jabirus and may even get to see brolgas dancing. There are also plenty of crocodiles in their natural habitat, and buffalo on the floodplains.

The cruise offers a year-round spectacle, with different seasons providing a rich and ever-changing vista.

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South Alligator

Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)

(08) 8979 1500

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Departs from

Please meet at Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop 20 minutes prior to cruise departure.

Up to 6 times a day, 7 days a week

Awards and qualifications

Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Major Tour and/or Transport Operators

Eco Certified EcoTourism

2012 Australian Tourism Awards

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Yellow Water Cruise

The Yellow Water Cruise is one of the must do cruises in Kakadu National Park. The South Alligator river system, which is the largest in the Kakadu National Park, is made up of extensive river channels, blackwater swamps and floodplains.

1.5hrs / 2hrs

Gagudju Lodge Cooinda

The Yellow Water Cruise is one of the must do cruises in Kakadu National Park.  The cruise departs from Cooinda, which is 55 kilometers from the township of jabiru (the only town situated in Kakadu National Park).  Sit back and relax on a guided cruise on the Famous Yellow Water Billabong.  Yellow Water Billabong is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The South Alligator river system, which is the largest in the Kakadu National Park, is made up of extensive river channels, blackwater swamps and floodplains.

If you prefer to join a Kakadu Day Tour departing Darwin please See HERE

One third of Australia’s bird species are found in Kakadu, and 60 species are found in the wetlands. Some of the birds you may encounter here are Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, five different species of Kingfisher, Jabiru’s and Brolga’s.

Yellow Water Cruises provides you with a unique opportunity to experience the Saltwater Crocodile in it’s natural habitat, you may even spot a buffalo on the floodplains. See a myriad of birds, over 60 species. This is a great Kakadu Tour for all ages.

Yellow Water Cruises operate exclusively on the Billabong, running up to 6 cruises a day at various times. There are 1 ½ hour cruises or 2 hour cruises. The 2 hour cruises are well worth it as they take in the sunrise or sunset.

NOTE:*Children aged 5-15 years. 4 years and under travel free of charge on this Kakadu tour.

Rates as of April 2023

Phone bookings accepted: 08 89792548

Kakadu Tours and Travel

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Contact Details

Phone: 08 8979 2548 [email protected] Shop 6/13 Tasman Crescent Jabiru NT 0886

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Yellow Water Cruise In Kakadu, NT: Visitor’s Guide

Hop on board a Yellow Water Cruise and get a taste of Kakadu National Park, a 20,000km² nature reserve in the Northern Territory that boasts a plethora of magical landscapes, from ancient rainforests to sprawling wetlands and everything in between.

The park is divided into seven distinct eco-regions, from East Alligator to Nourlangie and Yellow Water, each region has its own unique features and natural attractions.

In the heart of it all sits Yellow Water Billabong which forms part of the South Alligator River system, although there are no alligators in Australia. They’re all crocs!

The wildlife at the Yellow Water Billabong is second to none. Covering vast wetlands, it is home to numerous species of native creatures that thrive in this environment.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – YELLOW WATER CRUISE KAKADU

Visiting Kakadu National Park is an incredible experience.

Not only is there an extensive amount of history and culture to soak up in the park, but the landscape surrounding the Yellow Water Billabong is also one of the best places to experience all of it.

Whether you are on the hunt for wildlife, want to see some of Australia’s most surreal landscapes, or simply want to try your hand at fishing, the billabong has you covered.

To get to see the breathtaking area around the waterways from a different perspective, hop on a billabong cruise and discover the truly remarkable landscape.

The Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises will provide you with a discovery tour through the dramatic scenery and ever-changing landscape of the world-famous Yellow Water Billabong that you will never forget.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

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Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

WHERE IS THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE

Yellow Water Billabong is part of the South Alligator River system, located at the end of Jim Jim Creek.

The river system is unique as it is included in its entirety within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park.

This is one of the must-do cruises while visiting Kakadu National Park .

The cruise departs from Cooinda, which is 55 km from the township of Jabiru, the only town situated in the park.

Yellow Water Cruises operate exclusively on the billabong.

BEST TIME TO VISIT YELLOW WATER BILLABONG

The north of the Australian Outback has a tropical climate, meaning a distinct dry and wet season, so any time of the year has advantages and disadvantages to traveling around Kakadu.

The transitional periods between the dry and wet seasons April – May, and September – October are arguably the best time of the year to visit Kakadu National Park.

Between April and June, waterfalls are usually pumping from their wet season top-up.

At the end of the dry season, before the first rains, huge numbers of birds and lots of other wildlife congregate around the receding waterholes.

There are up to 6 cruises a day at various times with 1 ½ hour cruises and 2-hour cruises on offer.

The 2-hour Yellow River Cruise Kakadu is well worth it as they take you out on the billabong for sunrise or sunset, which are the best times to do the cruise as it gets very hot during the day.

Due to its popularity, I highly recommend booking your tour in advance to secure your spot on the boat.

You might even want to consider planning your trip to coincide with Kakadu Bird Week. There are special Bird Week cruises at 4:30 pm (1-3 September and 26-28 September), which focus on the vast birdlife around the billabong.

There are guided bird-watching tours through the East Alligator River, South Alligator River, Nourlangie, and Mary River.

The Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge both offer special discounts on accommodation during Bird Week.

Pssst! Check out this EPIC Hiking Backpack!

Perfect for shorter day hikes, the Osprey Stratos 24L is a tough pack made from sustainable materials.

With great internal organization, this is all you need for your next adventure, no matter the weather!

BOOK THE YELLOW WATER CRUISE

Prices for the tour are very reasonable, $90 per adult, $65 per child, and children under the age of 4 can participate for free.

BOOK NOW → YELLOW WATER CRUISES

Meeting point for the yellow water cruise.

The meeting point is located at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, just a 5-minute drive from the Yellow Water Billabong.

There is a large car park with plenty of free parking spaces available, as well as toilet amenities and a cafe.

A shuttle bus will pick you up from the front of Cooinda Lodge and chauffeur everyone down to the boats to begin the cruise.

RELATED ARTICLE → NAWURLANDJA LOOKOUT

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YELLOW WATER CRUISES

This is one of the most popular and unique activities when visiting Kakadu and due to the ever-changing landscape, it will be a completely different experience for every tour.

Many people do two cruises at different times to experience and see the changes. The cruise moves super slowly, so there’s plenty of time to take photos from all different angles.

On the tour, you will be provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Saltwater Crocodile in its natural habitat.

You will most likely see more of these impressive, prehistoric creatures than you can count and you might even spot a buffalo on the floodplains.

If you are a bird lover, Kakadu will be a paradise for you as it is home to one-third of Australia’s bird species. An impressive amount of 60 species can be found in the wetlands.

On the cruise, some of the birds you may encounter are Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, five different species of Kingfisher, Jabirus, and Brolgas.

Australian Geographic has voted Kakadu the number one bird-watching destination in Australia.

WHERE TO STAY IN KAKADU

Luxury: mercure kakadu crocodile hotel.

MID-RANGE: COOINDA LODGE KAKADU

MID-RANGE: AURORA LODGE KAKADU

WHAT TO PACK FOR NORTHERN TERRITORY

When visiting NT, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Australia Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Australia!

FINAL THOUGHTS – YELLOW WATER CRUISE KAKADU

Whatever expectations you might have of this activity, I dare to say they will be exceeded and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

The magic of nature around Yellow Water Billabong is incomparable anywhere else and I guarantee it will be an adventure you’ll never forget.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Many thanks!

This trip was in association with NT Tourism and Backyard Bandits.

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1.5 hour yellow water cruise, kakadu, northern territory, wildlife cruise.

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Join us for a 1.5 hour Yellow Water Billabong cruise. Cruise Kakadu's most famous wetland and see the billabong come alive. Located at the end of the Jim Jim Creek, Yellow Water is part of the South Alligator River system. This river system is unique as it is included in its entirety within a UNESCO World Heritage listed National Park.

This tour operates year round.

Kakadu National Park. Nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listing renowned for both its cultural and natural values covering nearly 20,000km². Located 3 hours’ drive from Darwin.

What to expect

The essential Kakadu experience at any time of the year. Yellow Water Cruises will take you on a discovery tour of the world-famous Yellow Water Billabong and South Alligator River.

As you cruise the waterways our certified guides will explore the wildlife and birdlife of the region all while taking you through the rich and diverse history of Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu Tourism

Kakadu Tourism is an Indigenous owned collection of Kakadu wetland cruises, 4WD Kakadu tours, cultural experiences and Kakadu accommodation. It is the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu and is focused on positive Indigenous outcomes.

What is included

This is a 1.5 hour cruise, departing twice daily.

Cold water is available on board for your convenience.

A complimentary shuttle bus departs Cooinda Lodge and the Campground and Caravan Park 20 minutes prior to cruise departure.

Tours may depart from Home Billabong between November to April. Inquire with staff to check where the tour is departing. Full pre-payment is required for all tours bookings.

Bookings can be amended or cancelled up to 48 hours prior to departure with a full refund. Cancellation within 48 hours of departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Meeting point

Cooinda Lodge Bus Stop, Kakadu Hwy, Kakadu NT. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to cruise departure. The bus stop is located opposite reception and is well sign posted.

What to bring

• Make sure you have your camera ready to get an Insta-worthy pic of this incredible landscape and the bountiful wildlife.
• Bring some water, a hat and sunscreen. Insect repellent is recommended.
• Dress comfortably as we are famous for our warm days however during the cooler months June-August you may want to start the morning with a light sweater.
• Please remember to carry your Kakadu National Park Pass.

Terms and Conditions

YOUR EXPERIENCE PROVIDER

The Spirit of Kakadu

Kakadu National Park has been home to Australia’s Indigenous people for some 50,000 years, tending the land and creating a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The park is home to some of the oldest artworks on the planet. These rock art galleries tell the story of the oldest living continuous culture on the planet, with galleries found across the parklands. These sheltered rock formations have protected these artworks for thousands of years opening a window into Australia’s distant past, and stories across the millennia.

Kakadu is perhaps known best for its wildlife as one of the largest nature reserves in the world and the largest in Australia. Kakadu is most famous for its crocodiles from their appearance in ‘Crocodile Dundee’ but there are thousands of plant and animal species existing in the park. With wetlands teeming with fish perfect for fishing experiences to hundreds of bird species making it a bird watches paradise. Few reserves offer such an authentic and diverse natural heritage.

At the heart of the Kakadu experience is the fully-Indigenous owned operations. These modern caretakers inherited the land from their forefathers and are now sharing their ancestral knowledge to provide an authentic base to those who want to explore in this ancient land.

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Life changing experiences led by First Nations people.

When booking with Welcome to Country you are not only making unforgettable memories, you are empowering First Nations communities.

Your booking helps support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to grow through e-commerce.

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Yellow Water Cruises

Things to do jabiru , west arnhem , northern territory.

Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu’s most famous wetland, is located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, a tributary of the South Alligator River. The river system, which is the largest in Kakadu, contains extensive wetlands that include river channels, floodplains and backwater swamps.

The wildlife – About one third of Australia’s bird species are represented in Kakadu National Park, with at least 60 species found in the wetlands. Whistling Ducks and Magpie Geese are the most abundant.

The experience – Yellow Water Cruises, winner of the 2012 NT Brolga Tourism Award and 2012 Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Major Tour and/or Transport Operators, operates exclusively on Yellow Water Billabong. It operates year round and provides up to six cruises a day of 90 or 120 minute duration. The sunrise and sunset cruise are very popular and advance bookings are recommended. They can never guarantee what will happen on a cruise, but every time is a unique experience.

The guides – All Yellow Water Cruises’ experienced guides are ticketed with the Kakadu Knowledge certification and give fascinating insights into how the Bininj people use the flora and fauna to support their way of life.

From $105 to $129

Enjoy a two hour wildlife cruise on Yellow Water, a lush tropical billabong located in Kakadu National Park. This tranquil wetland is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Watch as native birds rest among waterlilies, see saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wallabies in their natural habitats and discover why this unspoiled wilderness is a World Heritage listed landmark

Disabled Access

Enjoy a one and a half hour wildlife cruise on Yellow Water, a lush tropical billabong located in Kakadu National Park. This tranquil wetland is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Watch as native birds rest among waterlilies, see saltwater crocodiles, wild horses and wallabies in their natural habitats and discover why this unspoiled wilderness is a World Heritage listed landmark.

Nearby Things to Do

Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp

Kakadu, West Arnhem

Kakadu Tourism Adventure Tours

Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)

Jabiru, West Arnhem

Budjmi Lookout

Yellow Water Fishing

Also in this location.

• Accommodation

Kakadu National Park - Seasons

But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons. � Kakadu Seasons - Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season - Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months. � Kakadu Seasons - Gudjewg - Monsoon Season - Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season. � Kakadu Seasons - Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season - Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail. � Kakadu Seasons - Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season - Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity. � Kakadu Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season - Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30�C and night-time temperatures are around 17�C. � Kakadu Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather - Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry.

Goholi Pty Ltd Postal: GPO Box 380, Darwin, NT 0801 Email: [email protected]

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Australian Tour Information - Mission Statement

Please note some of these links are supplied only as a link for information our company has no affliation some of these links. Important; This site is for the beneift of those researching for their next vacation to Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory Australia also know as the 'Top End'.

Australian Kakadu National Park travel guide and information is not the offical site - the offical government site is http://www.kakadu.com.au . This search site offering links to Kakadu, Litchfield, Uluru, Darwin and Northern Territory accommodations, tours, safaris, activities, nature parks, nature reserves and adventure activities.

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Experience Kakadu with us

Embark on the ultimate outback adventure from the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and Cooinda Lodge, with iconic attractions, tucker, tours and cultural experiences on your doorstep. Kakadu Tourism is Indigenous owned, and is the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu.

At the heart of the Kakadu experience is the fully-Indigenous owned operations. These modern caretakers inherited the land from their forefathers and are now sharing their ancestral knowledge to provide an authentic base to those who want to explore in this ancient land.

Stay with us

Mercure crocodile hotel.

View about Mercure Crocodile Hotel

Cooinda Lodge

View about Cooinda Lodge

Yellow Water Campground

View about Yellow Water Campground

Mother's Day Special

Stay at Cooinda Lodge for a FREE Yellow Water Cruise for Mum or Stay at the Crocodile Hotel and receive a complimentary bottle of wine and special gift. Valid for stays over 11th and 12th May 2024 - Book now!

NEW Bush Tucker Tour

MAY-OCT | This new walking tour delves into the flavours of Kakadu, exploring Indigeous bush tucker and uncovering traditional uses of various local plants and their cultural significance to the Bininj (Indigenous) people.

Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu (Taste of Kakadu)

24-26 May | Enjoy a range of activities from a Yellow Water canape cruise, a guided tour through World Heritage Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art sites, and lessons on how to weave pandanus grass or make traditional spears.

NEW Warradjan Online Art Store

Where traditional artistry has been practiced on Country for over 65,000 years. Warradjan is a legacy for the culture and history in Kakadu, with an interactive museum, art exhibit and meeting place to sit on country with our Traditional Owners.

Experience with us

Attractions.

Attractions you MUST see during your visit to Kakadu National Park. See places to swim, popular walks and sights to see in Kakadu

See Attractions

Yellow Water Cruise

The wetland wildlife is awake and ready to showcase the very reason to visit Yellow Water Billabong.

Find out more about Yellow Water Cruise

Kakadu Air Scenic Flight

Soar over the stunning landscape all year round and discover the breathtaking beauty of Kakadu National Park from the sky. Kakadu Air flights offer a unique perspective on the park's stunning landscapes.

Find out more about Kakadu Air Scenic Flight

Warradjan Cultural Centre

Where traditional artistry has been practiced on Country for over 65,000 years. Warradjan holds an interactive museum, art exhibit and meeting place to sit on country with our Traditional Owners.

Find out more about Warradjan Cultural Centre

Yellow Water Fishing

Try your luck at catching one of the territory's famous barramundi with a three hour fishing experience on Yellow Water Billabong or Home Billabong.

Find out more about Yellow Water Fishing

Kakadu Adventure Tours

Visit the stunning vistas of Kakadu's landscape with an experienced and knowledgable tour guide. Itineraries can include Kubara Rock Pools, Motor Car Falls, Boulder Creek, Ikoymarrawa Rock Hole or Maguk.

Find out more about Kakadu Adventure Tours

Acknowledgement Of Country

Kakadu Tourism is proudly Indigenous owned. We are the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu with a core focus on positive Indigenous outcomes.

Cooinda Lodge is Murumburr Country and Mercure Crocodile Hotel is Mirarr Country. It's a privilege to celebrate the Indigenous roots of this land.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders, both past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.

News & blog

Which is Better, Kimberley or Kakadu?

23/04/24 News

Explore Travel: Australian outback showdown - which is better, Kimberley or Kakadu? Picking one won't be easy, but our experts are here to help.

Is This The Most Australian Hotel? Crocodile Hotel, Jabiru

06/03/24 Blog

MR & MRS Romance: As far from the straight-up-and-down tower of a regular hotel as you can get, the Mercure Crocodile Hotel in Kakadu is as unique as its ancient, stunning surroundings. Here’s what to expect from this kitschy crocodilian crib.

Kakadu Tourism Launches New Products

15/03/24 News

Ocean Road Magazine: Tourism Kakadu will introduce a range of innovations in 2024 designed to make discovering the unique landscape even more attractive and authentic.

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Yellow River Cruise and Breakfast - Yellow Water Cruises

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Yellow River Cruise and Breakfast

The first time I did this cruise I couldn't stop raving about it but recently I took visitors and my second time was disappointing. The driver of the boat was very friendly but many became frustrated as we saw other boats moving up the river and we were dithering around, seeing birds but very slowly. The breakfast was also disappointing because by the time the last people got to the buffet lots of things were already gone. we at the back paid the same money for less. Can't help but feel it has become greedy with lots of people all paying their $100 so loads of income per day but the facilities and breakfast didn't cope with the numbers. Quality has been lost for quantity.

Early rise for the 45 minute drive from Jabiru. The sunrise tour was absolutely fantastic! Best time of the day to see the birds and wildlife, the variety was amazing and the commentary by the local guide was interesting, entertaining and informative. There are no toilets or food options at the site so be prepared!

We took the Sunrise Yellow River Cruise recently, and it was a highlight of our trip around the Northern Territory! We wish we had more time to do a cruise for each time of the day! Our guide, Adam, was fantastic! Very knowledgable about everything from the plants and animals to Yellow River itself and wider Kakadu and very friendly and funny too :) Great commentary to accompany the MAGICAL scenery. We stayed at the nearby Cooinda Lodges, who arranged for a shuttle bus for everyone to the cruise jetty and return trip with a huge brekky to finish off a great morning!! Seeing the river wake up with a stunning sunrise, with everything from Jabirus to Crocs and Kingfisher coming out to say hello! Just beautiful and highly recommended to all ages :) A very relaxing and breathtaking cruise. We can't wait to come back!

This cruise was one of the highlights for us during our trip to Kakadu.Beautiful sunrise and plenty of wildlife including crocs.We stayed in Jabiru though which meant an extra early start as it is about a 40 minute drive away.Would prefer to stay in accommodation closer if we were to come again.

A good tip is to get Local Card which I got from the Croc Hotel in Jabiru and you get 10% off the cruises and other Kakadu Tourism products such as the Croc Hotel and Cooinda as well as Tours and Cruises. We were four people and booked the sunset cruise. Lots of mosquitoes around do do take precautions. The boat cruise seemed more like a bird watchers trip, and we stopped and every single bird and never actually traveled very far at all. We did see a few crocodiles, and at sunset some buffalo could be seen in the distance. The youngster who was guiding us was knowledgeable and did a good job. Other than birds, and more birds which can be seen anywhere in Kakadu, there is not too much value for money. But I guess that tourism nowadays.

Yellow Water Billabong was part of our tour and came highly recommended by previous visitors. We loved this cruise. The tour guides were knowledgable and informative. The sights were fabulous. Just a great way to soak up the sights and sounds of the billabong. It was such a lovely peaceful cruise it was sad to come to the end. This is a must do for visitors to Kakadu.

Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

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Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

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