Yellow Water Villas: Luxury accommodation in Kakadu, NT
The newly-opened Yellow Water Villas provide luxury accommodation in Kakadu National Park – but at a hefty price. The villas are within the Cooinda Lodge complex next to the Yellow Water Billabong.
One of the major issues with visiting Kakadu National Park from Darwin has long been the standard and cost of accommodation. In Jabiru, the crocodile-shaped Mercure Hotel looks tired and is in need of a refurbishment, while the Anbinik Resort gives off cabins at a caravan park vibes.
4 Kakadu experiences worth booking in advance
- Full day Kakadu tour from Darwin.
- Corroboree Billabong wetland cruises.
- Full day Arnhem Land tour from Jabiru.
- The Yellow Water crocodile cruise in Cooinda.
Luxury accommodation in Kakadu National Park
Those who want a bit more luxury may now have an option, however, with Indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism opening the Yellow Water Villas in Cooinda.
The Yellow Water Villas opened in May 2023 and consist of five luxury, eco-sensitive retreats next to the Yellow Water Billabong. This is where the Yellow Water cruises – unquestionably one of the best things to do in Kakadu, depart from.
The new luxury villas in Kakadu are underneath a canopy of trees and built on stilts to minimise impact on the land.
Six amazing day trips from Darwin that will improve your visit
- Litchfield National Park day tour – including jumping crocodile cruise. (💲 Great value 💲)
- Tiwi Islands Indigenous cultural experience including ferry.
- One day or four day Kakadu National Park tour.
- Kakadu scenic flight – with gorges, waterfalls and epic floodplains. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Full day Katherine day tour – including Katherine Gorge cruise.
- Arnhem Land full day tour – with ancient rock art.
Yellow Water Villas facilities
The Yellow Water Villas have a barbecue and private bathtub on a large veranda. Inside, the villas are fully air-conditioned, have ensuite bathrooms and day beds. There are also high-quality, hand made king sized beds.
Decoration comes with an Indigenous theme, with art and crafts sourced from local Cooinda artists and the Marrawuddi Art Gallery in Jabiru.
The villas are within the grounds of the Cooinda Lodge, which has two pools, two restaurants, a fuel station and children’s playground.
For those wanting to arrive in style from Darwin, Cooinda Lodge has an airstrip, and private transfers can be arranged.
Yellow Water Villas prices
The rack rates at the Yellow Water Villas are an eye-watering $950 a night for two people, including breakfast. That said, special offers can bring this price down somewhat.
Alternative Kakadu accommodation includes the Aurora Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru.
Top sights between Cooinda and Jabiru include the swimming holes at Maguk, Jim Jim Falls and the Anbangbang rock art gallery.
