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Kakadu’s tropical summer encompasses three Aboriginal seasons: Gungmeleng, the pre-monsoon period, Gudjewg (monsoon) and Bang Gereng, which usually arrives in March bringing clear skies to the region.

The season offers remarkably rich experiences for visitors including spectacular lightning shows, thundering waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and tours that are only available over the tropical summer season.

Sealed roads allow visitors to experience many of Kakadu’s prime attractions throughout the season, including the renowned rock art site at Nourlangie, cooling swims in waterholes such as Motor Car Falls and Moline, and daily cruises on Yellow Water Billabong, home to crocodiles, buffalo, brumbies and over 200 bird species.

The rising waters also allow special seasonal tours including the Guluyambi Cruise, which provides an atmospheric cultural cruise through the paperbark forests from Majella Creek.

It is also the best time to view Kakadu National Park from the air, with operators such as Kakadu Air, North Australia Helicopters and The Scenic Flight Company providing a range of tours that showcase the Kakadu landscape at its most awe-inspiring.

Special Tropical Summer packages announced

Special packages are available over Tropical Summer at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, and Cooinda Lodge, next to Yellow Water Billabong, offering discounts of over 50% (compared to peak-season rates).

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (‘The Croc’, as it is known locally) is offering a special package including overnight accommodation, a bottle of wine on arrival and a Yellow Water Cruise for two for just $199 per night (for two people)*.

The fully refurbished and upgraded Cooinda Lodge has a package that includes overnight accommodation, a $90 dinner voucher for two in Barra Bar and Bistro, and a Yellow Water Cruise*.

For the first time over the green season, Cooinda Lodge will offer its new Outback Retreat glamping tents. They come with full air-conditioning and fans to make sleeping very comfortable, and there is a choice of tents for couples and families, with an annex offering two bunk beds for children. Rates start from $129 per night.

Bookings can be made via www.kakadutourism.com, using the promo-code TROPICAL to access the special packages. Bookings are valid till 31 March 2020. *A full list of conditions can be viewed on the website and bookings are subject to availability.

An extra incentive to visit Kakadu this tropical summer is the prospect of hooking a Barramundi with a million-dollar tag. This season there are SIX Barramundi with million-dollar tags, along with 100 Barramundi with $10,000 prize tags and 20 purple-tagged fish worth $2500 to the angler and $2500 to a pre-approved charity of the angler’s choice.

Last year a number of $10,000 tagged fish were caught in Yellow Water Billabong, but so far the million-dollar tagged Barras have proven elusive, though even if you don’t catch a tagged Barra it will still provide a million-dollar tasting experience. https://www.milliondollarfish.com.au/.

Bookings and itinerary ideas – www.kakadutourism.com or 1800 500 401