Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Kakadu Air Scenic Flights
Kakadu Air Scenic Flights
Kakadu Air Scenic Flights
5
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursAir ToursDay Trips
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Kakadu is spectacular to look at, but immensely more interesting when on a Kakadu Air flight you receive a running commentary about the things you see, and many that you can't. On fixed wing aircraft flights the commentary is researched, recorded and delivered by long term Kakadu experts, via headsets.
Jabiru, Northern Territory, Australia
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Kakadu Air Scenic Flights
Adventure Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 93% of travelers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$180
per adult
Air Tours
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$111
per adult
from
$659
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
834 reviews
Excellent
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60
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13
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10
Alexandra28
Adelaide, Australia6 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We did the day trip leaving from Darwin which included a Scenic Flight + Katherine Gorge Cruise + Lunch + Arts / Cultural Centre + Return flights
Our Katherine in a day tour included return flights from Darwin to Katherine, 1.5 hours of stunning scenic flying over Kakadu, flying over Katherine Gorges, followed by the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise & a visit to Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Cultural Centre & then a lovely lunch. Then we departed Katherine on a 1 hour ferry flight back to Darwin
The Itinerary:
Started our day with a 2 hour scenic flight over Mary River, Kakadu and Katherine National Parks. The pilot immersed us in the history, beauty and culture of Kakadu National Park. The highlights of this scenic flight were seeing the amazing river systems including Adelaide, South and East Alligator, Mikinj Valley, Arnhem Land Plateau and Lightning dreaming. The scenery was breathtaking but the pilot tremendously enhanced the entire flight by providing a perfect balance of commentary on history of the National parks, ecology, aboriginal culture and heritage etc The pilot was also really funny and such a gracious host we felt like we were visiting with family and felt extremely safe & supported throughout the entire day. Completely 5 star service.
We booked in at the last minute but the service we received was truly special.
Our Katherine in a day tour included return flights from Darwin to Katherine, 1.5 hours of stunning scenic flying over Kakadu, flying over Katherine Gorges, followed by the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise & a visit to Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Cultural Centre & then a lovely lunch. Then we departed Katherine on a 1 hour ferry flight back to Darwin
The Itinerary:
Started our day with a 2 hour scenic flight over Mary River, Kakadu and Katherine National Parks. The pilot immersed us in the history, beauty and culture of Kakadu National Park. The highlights of this scenic flight were seeing the amazing river systems including Adelaide, South and East Alligator, Mikinj Valley, Arnhem Land Plateau and Lightning dreaming. The scenery was breathtaking but the pilot tremendously enhanced the entire flight by providing a perfect balance of commentary on history of the National parks, ecology, aboriginal culture and heritage etc The pilot was also really funny and such a gracious host we felt like we were visiting with family and felt extremely safe & supported throughout the entire day. Completely 5 star service.
We booked in at the last minute but the service we received was truly special.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod D
Darwin, Australia79 contributions
Sep 2022
Our family did an early morning 1 hour flight of Kakadu and absolutely loved it.
Our pilot was first class ensuring that safety was of his highest priority closely followed by ensuring that we experienced the trip of a lifetime.
By doing an early morning flight we were able to make the most of the calm, clear air at that time of morning ensuring a more enjoyable flight as well as excellent conditions to view the sights of Kakadu.
I would highly recommend spending the money to do experience a flight of Kakadu because until you do you do not really appreciate the beauty and rugged scenery of this very special part of the Northern Territory.
Our pilot was first class ensuring that safety was of his highest priority closely followed by ensuring that we experienced the trip of a lifetime.
By doing an early morning flight we were able to make the most of the calm, clear air at that time of morning ensuring a more enjoyable flight as well as excellent conditions to view the sights of Kakadu.
I would highly recommend spending the money to do experience a flight of Kakadu because until you do you do not really appreciate the beauty and rugged scenery of this very special part of the Northern Territory.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel_M802
Brisbane, Australia240 contributions
Mar 2022
My sister and I took the 60 minute wet season fixed wing flight with Kakadu Air, and had a fantastic flight. The scenery itself is simply stunning, and is really only viewable in the wet season from the air. The sight of Jim Jim and Twin falls from up above is truly amazing, and we were lucky enough to see both on the 8am flight. When we first took off there was still a little cloud but that quickly burnt off.
Our pilot Daryl was great, made sure both sides of the plane got great views of all the major sites, gave really informative commentary for the whole trip, and checked in to make sure everyone was feeling ok and warned of any patches where he was going to have to do some turns - keep up the Top Gun theme song on take off Daryl ;) Thanks for a very memorable flight.
I'd definitely recommend doing the flight if you can afford it, particularly in the wet season.
As a side tip, i'd recommend taking a motion sickness tablet before taking the flight. We've both done several light plane flights before without issue, but both came off this one feeling a little off, i suspect from the sheer heat in that part of the world in March.
Our pilot Daryl was great, made sure both sides of the plane got great views of all the major sites, gave really informative commentary for the whole trip, and checked in to make sure everyone was feeling ok and warned of any patches where he was going to have to do some turns - keep up the Top Gun theme song on take off Daryl ;) Thanks for a very memorable flight.
I'd definitely recommend doing the flight if you can afford it, particularly in the wet season.
As a side tip, i'd recommend taking a motion sickness tablet before taking the flight. We've both done several light plane flights before without issue, but both came off this one feeling a little off, i suspect from the sheer heat in that part of the world in March.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! thanks so much for taking the time to leave your amazing review. we really appreciate it!
Kakadu is such a diverse and stunning part of Australia - and we think the best way to see it is definitely from the air. We really are lucky to have such a great team of pilots working here who are always going out of their way to ensure that our customers walk away feeling like they have been given a 5-star experience so we are so happy to hear that this was the case for you! We wish you all the best for your future travels. Kind Regards, Taylah.
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
921coolchange
Sydney, Australia42 contributions
May 2021
My wife &I booked this flight 2 months in advance as an option with AAT after the yellow water cruise. Date ,5th.june 2021. The primary reason, it was advertised as the best experience to view the jewels in the crown at Kakadu, Jim jim and associated Falls. What we were not advised is, they do not fly over this area in the dry season,
And this is not the standard reason given, such as no water, its because the now local owners, won't give permission. They are also told they can not fly below 1500 feet.
So the alternative route offered is a flight over the flood plain, the closed uranium mine, the desolate town of Jabaru. In short I feel people are mislead, and not advised of the realities ,what is appening in Kakadu.
I advise future tourist be very aware of the flight itinerary before they pay their money. Also the company use fixed wing aircraft, not Helicopters,
And this is not the standard reason given, such as no water, its because the now local owners, won't give permission. They are also told they can not fly below 1500 feet.
So the alternative route offered is a flight over the flood plain, the closed uranium mine, the desolate town of Jabaru. In short I feel people are mislead, and not advised of the realities ,what is appening in Kakadu.
I advise future tourist be very aware of the flight itinerary before they pay their money. Also the company use fixed wing aircraft, not Helicopters,
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,597 contributions
Apr 2021
This was an add on with the AAT Kings 2-day Kakadu & Alligator river tour and was the highlight of the trip for me. It’s $250, but a once in a lifetime experience, so totally worth it.
I got to sit up the front in the cockpit and got spectacular views over the NP and Jim Jim & Twin Falls. Cameron was our pilot and Director/leader of the company and seasoned aviator. I found out he owns a property in Cairns in the same suburb as me (small world).
The plane seated 6 and flew low enough for us to see plenty of the park from the wetlands to the rocky bluffs/cliffs and savannah/open woodland forest. The highlight was passing the falls and circling around and swooping in to get as close as possible. We had commentary the whole way on the cultural significance of the area, the controlled burning in the park that happens in consultation with the indigenous owners, and much more.
The ride was smooth with minimal turbulence though it gets hot inside the plane. Cameron set the scene with music on take off (Danger Zone from Top Gun) and landing (Icehouse’s Great Southern Land). The team of energetic young guys who assisted with bus transfers and safety briefings were very professional and did a great job. The photos I got were okay, though they won’t do what you actually see justice (you get reflection off the window glass, so focus on the experience is my advice). In retrospect I wish I had a photo of Cameron & all of us in the plane or a group shot afterwards, if only I’d thought of it!
All in all, this was an unbeatable way to see Kakadu and an experience I’m grateful to have had. Thanks team!
I got to sit up the front in the cockpit and got spectacular views over the NP and Jim Jim & Twin Falls. Cameron was our pilot and Director/leader of the company and seasoned aviator. I found out he owns a property in Cairns in the same suburb as me (small world).
The plane seated 6 and flew low enough for us to see plenty of the park from the wetlands to the rocky bluffs/cliffs and savannah/open woodland forest. The highlight was passing the falls and circling around and swooping in to get as close as possible. We had commentary the whole way on the cultural significance of the area, the controlled burning in the park that happens in consultation with the indigenous owners, and much more.
The ride was smooth with minimal turbulence though it gets hot inside the plane. Cameron set the scene with music on take off (Danger Zone from Top Gun) and landing (Icehouse’s Great Southern Land). The team of energetic young guys who assisted with bus transfers and safety briefings were very professional and did a great job. The photos I got were okay, though they won’t do what you actually see justice (you get reflection off the window glass, so focus on the experience is my advice). In retrospect I wish I had a photo of Cameron & all of us in the plane or a group shot afterwards, if only I’d thought of it!
All in all, this was an unbeatable way to see Kakadu and an experience I’m grateful to have had. Thanks team!
Written April 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradDarwin
Darwin, Australia30 contributions
Mar 2021
My husband and I really enjoyed our day trip to Kakadu from Darwin. Our pilot Peter was friendly and professional. We were picked up at Jabiru airport and whisked to the Crocodile hotel to the waiting bus and onto the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise along the flooded Magela Creek with the towering paperbarks reflected in the clear water and the groves of waterlilies. Roman and Robert were excellent guides. Following the cruise we bussed to Ubirr with the knowledgeable Trevor Wie as our guide and enjoyed the wonderful art and wetland views from the rock. We returned to the Crocodile Hotel for lunch , then back onto the Cessna and Peter ensured we saw every raging waterfall on the escarpment while competently avoiding the storms on our return to Darwin. It is a very comfortable way to see the majesty of Kakadu in the wet season....and very good value for money.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma P
11 contributions
Mar 2021
We used Kakadu Air to travel out to Wurrumiyanga for the annual Tiwi Islands Grand Final and Art Sale. All of our interactions with them before the day were excellent - with clear communication and an excellent price! On the day their pilots were all great fun, flights were smooth, and when our departure time was pushed back to get off the island at the end of the day, the communication again was fantastic. All of their services were delivered with a smile, and when we arrived back at the airport in Darwin, we were gifted a photo from our departure, along with a discount code to fly with them in Kakadu.
All 15 of us who booked with them were incredibly impressed with the service provided and will 100% travel with them in the future.
All 15 of us who booked with them were incredibly impressed with the service provided and will 100% travel with them in the future.
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sallygeorge
Australia156 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We did the Kakadu Cultural Experience one day trip from Darwin. It was a fantastic day trip, well organised, and we saw so much! An incredible part of the world. Our pilot and driver was Steve who was not only a lovely guy and great pilot (two perfect landings…thank you!) but also happy to share his knowledge of the areas we visited.
We flew from Darwin to Jabiru in the morning, the scenic leg of the flight which was nothing short of amazing. Commentary on what we were seeing below from Steve our pilot made it all the more interesting. By minibus from Jabiru to Ubirr where we walked the circuit around the rocks to view the ancient rock art and then up to see the views across the floodplains. A truly special place. Steve then brought out the picnic lunch which we enjoyed in the shade. A quick minibus trip to the Eastern Alligator River where we boarded a boat (we joined with some other people for this section) and met our local guide (Gleeson?) who took us up the river. He shared info about his culture and pointed out wildlife as we went up the river and back. It was peaceful and quiet there, only one other boat. We saw dozens of crocodiles (on the shore and close by in the water), sea eagles, kingfishers, a shark and other fish.
We returned by minibus to Jabiru and then flew back to Darwin, landing at 5pm
We had been looking for a small group experience (there was only seven in our group) and I didn’t fancy sitting in a bus for hours and hours. We were very happy with Kakadu Air. Thanks for a memorable day in an incredible part of the world Steve!
We flew from Darwin to Jabiru in the morning, the scenic leg of the flight which was nothing short of amazing. Commentary on what we were seeing below from Steve our pilot made it all the more interesting. By minibus from Jabiru to Ubirr where we walked the circuit around the rocks to view the ancient rock art and then up to see the views across the floodplains. A truly special place. Steve then brought out the picnic lunch which we enjoyed in the shade. A quick minibus trip to the Eastern Alligator River where we boarded a boat (we joined with some other people for this section) and met our local guide (Gleeson?) who took us up the river. He shared info about his culture and pointed out wildlife as we went up the river and back. It was peaceful and quiet there, only one other boat. We saw dozens of crocodiles (on the shore and close by in the water), sea eagles, kingfishers, a shark and other fish.
We returned by minibus to Jabiru and then flew back to Darwin, landing at 5pm
We had been looking for a small group experience (there was only seven in our group) and I didn’t fancy sitting in a bus for hours and hours. We were very happy with Kakadu Air. Thanks for a memorable day in an incredible part of the world Steve!
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussiemum70
Queensland, Australia200 contributions
Jun 2022
We chose to see Kakadu this way as we were limited by the fact that we travel with a dog. We popped our little mate into a dog care and took the most amazing flight out to see as much as we could in one day. Our young pilot Steve gave excellent commentary while we flew above wetlands, river systems and then over the magnificent rock formations near Jaburu. After we landed, we were escorted by Rod who chauffeured us to the Imbirr rock art site and showed us his favourite pieces of art. After a tasty lunch made with traditional herbs, spices and fruits, we headed to the east Alligator River for a cruise with an indigineaous guide. Other items on the itinerary included indigineous art galleries and croc watching. Highly recommend and if you're short in time, it's a Great way to get a good introduction into this amazing place. Well worth every penny!
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mpf2811
Cairns, Australia2 contributions
Nov 2022
The trip was intended to be a bit of a splurge to celebrate my 60th Birthday, in retrospect, my partner and I both agree that it is the only way to get an appreciation of the majesty and spectacle of Kakadu.
After booking, Teagan went above and beyond to ensure that the trip went ahead smoothly, on arrival we were greeted warmly by our pilot Hayden who far exceeded our expectations as a tour guide and pilot, with informative and relevant commentary throughout the day. Finally our guide at Yellow Water Billabong, Jess, was able to help us understand the area both from a cultural and zoological perspective.
An exceptional team that delivered a first class service.
After booking, Teagan went above and beyond to ensure that the trip went ahead smoothly, on arrival we were greeted warmly by our pilot Hayden who far exceeded our expectations as a tour guide and pilot, with informative and relevant commentary throughout the day. Finally our guide at Yellow Water Billabong, Jess, was able to help us understand the area both from a cultural and zoological perspective.
An exceptional team that delivered a first class service.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Humbirdi
Caloundra, Australia
Can someone tell me does the airplane have wings above or below your sight level. We are looking to book a flight but have conflicting information on whether this companies planes give a good view or obstructed view because of the wings. Many thanks
Written February 24, 2019
I think the answer depends on what happens on the day... our plane changed on the day to a larger one with wings below our windows but I also think they have smaller planes with wings above the windows. We didn't have any problem with the view as the pilot made sure we all got a good view from either side.
Written February 25, 2019
Just wondering about the best time of day to fly from Cooinda around now. Are the planes cool? Thinking of early morning or sunset flight.
Written August 29, 2018
Hello! All hours of the day are great to fly - you can't go wrong.
In the morning and late afternoon it is a little bit cooler.
If you are travelling with young kids I would recommended early morning.
In the middle of the day even though the flight is warmer, you will have the sun overhead so you will be able to take gorgeous photos without any shadow.
I hope this helps with your decisi9on
Written August 30, 2018
Wondering how much the helicopter trip is and do they fly every day.Coming up in feb.
Thanks.
Written January 11, 2018
We had a half hour flight from Jabiru and the price and times would depend on the time of the year and length of flight. Contact the company direct as they were a very friendly crew.
Written January 11, 2018
Planning on doing a 1hr flight (fixed wing)(next week) in late April over kakadu. Is there a better time of day to do this? Was thinking midday due to possibly clearer weather but unsure of glare re photos. Anyone have any suggestions ?
Written April 22, 2017
kakaduair2014
Darwin, Australia
Hello - The flights in the mornings are cooler, but light is best mid day. Here is a few hints on taking photos. Our aircraft have plastic windows, the best photo will be on the downside when the aircraft is turning and the window is in shadow. Being seated in the main cabin under the wing is also a good spot. Also hold the camera near but not on the window, cupping it with you hand also works. Your seat, the co-pilots seat is forward of the wing, great photo spot but better with the above advise, Hope this helps. Cheers Ngaire Company owner
Written April 24, 2017
About $250 for 40 min on shared flt but worth every penny
Written December 8, 2016
I am planning to go to Kakadu in March 2017 to fly over the waterfalls in the wet season.
Do you get a better view from fixed wing aircraft or helicopter?
Gerard
Written August 18, 2016
Hi Gerard
Definitely the chopper. While more expensive it allows you to get low and hover over the falls - just brilliant.
Written August 18, 2016
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