Mardugal is one of Kakadu’s main camping grounds, it is also my favourite. Small fire pits to be used primarily for cooking. Wood is easy to find. It is the middle of Kakadu. Running water, hot showers. Rubbish bins (underrated!) too.
Easy to get into, at $10pp per night, it’s a great stop.
It can get midgees though, like most of Kakadu. Smoke helps, otherwise wear light, loose fitting clothing. I swear that’s the reason for these pants.
Ikoymarrwa isn’t on any map. It is a small water hole that rangers are concerned could damaged if large crowds started to descend on it. It is down a very short but rocky 4WD track. The water there is freezing. It is best for those in a 2WD who want to find a place to swim. Just leave your car on the road. The rangers will generally give you directions if you ask, as will most tourist stops like caravan parks.
Maguk is an easy-moderate walk with some small water pools on the way. When you arrive, it is a large waterfall in a large rockpool. Generally pretty empty too, no clue why as it one of the best spots in Kakadu.
On the temperate scale of Kakadu water, it is probably the warmest place you can swim. Big crowds are rare for some reason.
There is a camp site which I haven’t stayed at, alcohol isn’t allowed.
There is also some rock pools above the waterfall. There are signs everywhere saying you aren’t supposed to go up there, yet I see guided tour groups using those trails regularly, so I don’t really know the answer.
Ubirr is easily accessible in a 2WD in the dry, but you may need a 4WD in the wet, as the road tends to flood. The walk to rock art is very easy, the walk to the lookout is easy to moderate. Is a view over the wetlands, and the sun sets right over it.
One of the best places that you can go in Kakadu. The sunset and view is incredible.
Do my a favour though and don’t bring alcohol. The traditional owners let everyone go to this sacred site for free, the only thing they ask is that you don’t drink. Every single time I’ve been I’ve seen some pinhead drinking, it is rude, and unnecessary – wait an hour before you are back at you camp.
Bukbukluk has a nice view, and is a very short walk. Definitely worth it when you are driving through Kakadu, as it doesn’t take long to see.