KATIE’S JAM-PACKED ONE-DAY ITINERARY FOR VISITORS

6.30am: Breakfast is served

Wake up in your tent at one of Kakadu’s lesser-known attractions, MAGUK (1), about an hour from Jabiru, and enjoy coffee on the campfire with bacon and eggs.Walk past the paperbark trees and freshen up in the clear water before making waves for COOINDA LODGE, a 40-minute drive north on the Kakadu Highway. 9am: All aboard Take a YELLOW WATER CRUISE (2), a two-hour journey on the South Alligator River system where you’ll spot crocodiles, eagles, jabirus and dancing brolgas. 11.30am: Ancient lessons Head to the nearby WARRADJAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE to exercise your mind in the exhibition space. Hear Traditional Owners’ stories

of growing up in Kakadu and see tools, message 1pm: sticks and Sliders artworks. and swims

Fuel up on lunch at COOINDA LODGE (you can’t go wrong with the wallaby sliders with plum sauce, or the veggie crudites with native mint yoghurt). Cool off in one of the two swimming pools before making tracks for JABIRU. 3pm: Afternoon arts

Back in town, combine great art and coffee at MARRAWUDDI (3; 4), then continue a little further down the road to BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE to find out about ranger talks and guided walks. 4pm: Soak up the sunset

Nip into the INJALAK ARTS CENTRE pop-up shop at MANBIYARRA (BORDER STORE) to peruse the artworks, then sit back and watch the mandarin sun sink into the ancient earth from the NADAB LOOKOUT at UBIRR (5). Make sure you’re out by 7pm as the gate is locked when the park closes. 7pm: Dinner date

Pop back to Jabiru and check into the famous

MERCURE ‘CROC HOTEL’ and treat yourself to the generous buffet and a Green Ant Gin. 9pm: Lights out

Retire to your suite to enjoy sweet dreams.