What is Kakadu wetlands?

Kakadu is famous for its biodiverse wetlands, especially the South Alligator and East Alligator river systems that flood across the Top End during the tropical wet season from November to April. These floodplains are listed under both the World Heritage Convention and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, recognising them as among the most ecologically significant wetlands in the world.

During the wet season, monsoon rains can pour up to 1,500 millimetres of water onto the Top End, turning Kakadu's floodplains into vast inland seas. Magpie geese, whistling kites, jabirus, and millions of other waterbirds gather to feed on aquatic plants and small fish. As waters recede in the early dry season, the floodplains contract to permanent waterholes such as Yellow Water near Cooinda, where saltwater crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, and visiting tourists all converge.

Kakadu's wetlands support more than 60 mammal species, 280 bird species, 120 reptile species, 60 freshwater fish species, and at least 10,000 insect species, alongside more than 1,600 plant species. The floodplains also include large stands of paperbark and pandanus, mangrove forests along tidal estuaries, and seasonal billabongs that ripple with lotus flowers. Saltwater crocodiles up to six metres long live in the rivers and tidal creeks and are the apex predator of the system.

Aboriginal people have lived in and managed these wetlands for at least 65,000 years. The Bininj and Mungguy Traditional Owners use a six-season calendar (Gudjewg, Banggerreng, Yegge, Wurrgeng, Gurrung, and Gunumeleng) rather than the four European seasons, with each marking shifts in animal behaviour, plant availability, and climate. Cultural burning manages the country, and traditional fishing and hunting continue under joint management arrangements with Parks Australia.