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Kakadu lies 150 miles east of Darwin,
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in a region Australian’s fondly call, The Top End.
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While Canberra, might be the seat of the nations power,
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Kakadu is one of those few places where you’ll discover the country’s soul.
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World Heritage Listed Kakadu is a geological,
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biological, and cultural wonderland,
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…it’s more than just a national park,
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it’s a national treasure.
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The Bininj and Mungguy people have been caring for this country for over 50,000 years,
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and today, are happy to share parts of their Country, knowledge and Dreaming, with you.
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A three hour drive from Darwin, Kakadu is open year round,
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but most visitors come during the Dry Season, from May to October,
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when most of the park’s roads are open. Just because this is the Outback,
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don’t think you have to rough it. There’s comfortable hotels and campsites,
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and visitors centers where you can stock up on supplies, fuel and information.
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You’ll need to set aside a few days to fully explore Kakadu, and once there,
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the best way to experience the park is by off-road vehicle and on foot.
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The park has around 25 marked trails, from short walks to multi day hikes.
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The walk to Jim Jim Falls is only half a mile, but it’s a walk that you’ll never forget.
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Clamber through a lost world of hidden canyons,
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…past waters that mirror the sky,
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…before arriving at an ancient a plunge pool surrounded by perfect beaches and 500 foot cliffs.
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Six miles away, is Twin Falls. Here, at the end of forested gorge,
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is the sort of place many dream about, but few will ever see.
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Another great place to cool off is Gunlom Falls. From the campground,
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hike to the top of the falls for views all the way to far-off Arnhem Land,
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then take your pick from a series of crystal clear pools shaded by eucalypts.
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Kakadu is dotted with thousands of art sites,
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with some ancient galleries featuring paintings dating back over 20,000 years.
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Created using local ochres, and sometimes even blood,
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these artworks give an insight into the lives of Aboriginal peoples throughout the centuries.
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Nourlangie Rock was the wet-season home to generations of Aboriginal people.
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Here you’ll come face to face with Namarrgon, The Lightning Man, who, every wet season,
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splits open the clouds with his axe, bringing thunder and new life to the country below.
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A couple of hours drive to the north, are the galleries of Ubirr.
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See paintings of the Rainbow Serpent,…the wildlife of the wetlands below,…and above,
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in impossibly high places, paintings said to be created by mimi spirits.
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At the end of the day,
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climb up to the outlook and wait, as Mother Nature paints her own masterpiece across the sky.
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Another great way to explore Kakadu is by boat. Take a cruise through the park’s richest wetlands,
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the Yellow Water Billabong. Drift across lotus-covered flood plains,
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… past Jabiru and Magpie Geese,…and say G’day to the parks most famous residents,
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the salt and fresh water crocodiles.
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But to really appreciate the incredible scale and majesty of Kakadu,
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take to the air. A chartered flight will have you soaring over the East Alligator River,
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…Dinosaur Ally,…The Magela Wetlands,… places untouched by the hands of time.
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So, if you’re dreaming of adventure, don’t just dream ~ do it.
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Come and share the spirit of Kakadu, it’s been waiting here since the dawn of time,
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just for you.