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Kakadu Highway, Kakadu, Northern Territory
Photo: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Northern Territory, Australia The Northern Territory

Kakadu Highway

Kakadu Highway, Arnhem Highway · Pine Creek → Jabiru

Leisurely128 mi2 hr 25 min2,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 900 ftOne way
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The drive

The Kakadu Highway is the long way through the park. It starts at Pine Creek on the Stuart Highway and runs 205 km (128 mi) north-east to the Arnhem Highway and Jabiru, entering Kakadu National Park where it crosses the Mary River. The road is sealed and mostly straight, with gentle bends and low rises, and the park's escarpment, gorges and wetlands sit off to the side rather than on the road.

It is a quiet, remote drive and the main south entrance to Kakadu. Roads to places such as Gunlom and Jim Jim leave it as separate side roads and are not part of this drive. The route ends at Jabiru, where the Bowali Visitor Centre can help with park conditions, and the Arnhem Highway runs west toward Darwin.

Along the way

  1. Pine Creek
  2. Jabiru
Elevation
2,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 900 ft
Pine CreekJabiru
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Pine CreekJabiru
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A Kakadu park pass is needed inside the park; it is valid for 7 days, free for NT residents, and can be bought online or at the Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru and Cooinda Lodge.
  • Rain and flooding in the tropical summer can make parts of the park inaccessible, so check conditions before you go.
  • The Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru takes park questions by phone on (08) 8938 1120 during operating hours.
  • The Kakadu Access Report lists whether the highway is open and is updated daily.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Kakadu Access Report.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Kakadu Highway take to drive?

From Pine Creek to Jabiru, the Kakadu Highway is 205 km (128 mi) and takes about 2 hr 25 min without stops.

Do you need a pass for the Kakadu Highway?

Yes, once you enter Kakadu National Park. A park pass is valid for 7 days, is free for Northern Territory residents and can be bought online or in person at places such as the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Is the Kakadu Highway open in the wet season?

It can depend on the rain. Rain and flooding in the tropical summer can make parts of Kakadu inaccessible, so check the Kakadu Access Report before driving the Kakadu Highway.

Is the Kakadu Highway sealed?

Yes, the Kakadu Highway is sealed from Pine Creek to Jabiru. Side roads to some sites, such as Gunlom and Jim Jim, are not part of this drive.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kakadu Highway, from Pine Creek to Jabiru