Northern Territory · Attraction
Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)
Wetlands alive with birds and crocodiles
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Ngurrungurrudjba, the Yellow Water Billabong, sits at the heart of Kakadu's World Heritage-listed wetlands on the South Alligator River floodplain near Cooinda. Boat cruises run year-round and offer close encounters with saltwater crocodiles, magpie geese, brolgas, jabirus and sea eagles across one of the most biodiverse billabong systems in northern Australia.
Yellow Water Cruises, which is Indigenous-owned, operates several cruises daily in 90-minute and two-hour formats. The sunrise and sunset cruises are the most sought-after, as light quality and animal activity are at their peak at both ends of the day. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the dry season from May to October when visitor numbers are at their highest.
Approximately one third of all Australian bird species have been recorded in Kakadu, with at least 60 species present in the wetlands. Whistling ducks and magpie geese dominate the floodplains, while rare sightings of brolgas dancing and sea eagles hunting are possible on any given cruise. Saltwater crocodiles are abundant, with large individuals exceeding four metres commonly seen.
Beyond the cruises, a 2.6-kilometre return walking trail leads to the Home Billabong viewing platform. The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre provides an introduction to Bininj and Mungguy culture and is open daily. Cooinda Lodge offers accommodation, dining, fuel and tour booking services on site.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba).
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