Kakadu Air Cooinda -Scenic Flight - 60 Minute

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An hour over Kakadu from Cooinda, from the Yellow Water wetlands and the winding South Alligator River out to the Arnhem Land escarpment, with Jim Jim and Twin Falls on the route in the wet season.

Days

1 hour flight; check in 30 minutes before

Age

All ages; under-3s sit on a parent's lap

Group size

Shared scenic flight in a small plane

Start / finish

Cooinda Lodge / Cooinda Lodge

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

High-wing light plane, window seat for everyone

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Kakadu Air Cooinda -Scenic Flight - 60 Minute

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Included experiences

Yellow Water — see the billabong drain into the South Alligator River
Arnhem Land Plateau — fly along the escarpment and Mt Brockman (dry season)
Lightning Dreaming — on the route in both seasons
Jim Jim and Twin Falls — see the falls running (wet season)

Kakadu Air Cooinda -Scenic Flight - 60 Minute

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT COOINDA

Your flight starts at Cooinda, beside Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba), a billabong at the end of Jim Jim Creek that drains into the South Alligator River. You meet your pilot at the Cooinda Lodge reception and ride the minibus out to the airstrip. The plane is a high-wing aircraft, most often a Gippsland Airvan, built in Australia for bush flying, and every seat is a window seat. Kakadu Air has flown over the park since 1981, and the pilot talks you through the country as you go, with recorded commentary in between.

FIRST: YELLOW WATER AND THE SOUTH ALLIGATOR

From the ground you can't see how Yellow Water spills into the tidal South Alligator River, which runs almost its whole length inside the park, one of very few river systems in the world protected from source to sea. From the air it's laid out below you, with the floodplains changing colour as the river winds towards the sea. Tributaries and permanent waterholes dot the plain, and they hold the wildlife through the driest months. Then the land rises, and the second half of the hour belongs to the rock country. The route there follows the season.

DRY SEASON: THE ESCARPMENT, MT BROCKMAN AND JABIRU

In the Dry the flight heads for Namarrkondjahdjam (Lightning Dreaming), the home of Namarrkon, the Lightning Man, who brings the storms of the wet season. It follows the Arnhem Land Plateau, whose sandstone edge rises up to 300 metres above the lowlands, past Mt Brockman, a massif standing out from the main escarpment. Further north you pass the Ranger Uranium Mine, which produced uranium from 1980 until 2021, and the Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, built in the shape of a crocodile that only makes sense from the air.

WET SEASON: JIM JIM, TWIN AND DOUBLE FALLS

In the Wet, when the roads to the falls are closed, the route turns south to the waterfalls. Jim Jim Falls drops about 200 metres over the escarpment, and in flood it fills the gorge with spray. Twin Falls is named for the two streams that pour over its edge in the dry season. Double Falls comes down in two tiers. You also pass Lightning Dreaming and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), where the Lightning Man is painted on the rock, then cross the flooded plains and waterholes back to Cooinda, about an hour after take-off. In the changeover months either route may be flying.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cooinda Lodge reception, 30 minutes before your flight. Kakadu Air staff take you to the Cooinda airstrip by minibus; driving yourself to the airstrip is discouraged.
Departure time: Your flight time is confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children under 3 sit on a parent's lap with a child seat belt; children aged 3 to 12 have their own seat.
Fitness: You need to climb into a small plane with little help, as there is no lifting equipment; mention any mobility needs when you book. Each seat takes up to 130 kg, and you'll be asked your approximate weight when you book.
Please note: The flight needs at least two passengers; solo travellers can book on a to-be-confirmed basis and will hear closer to the date. The route follows the season, and the season changes with the weather rather than the calendar. Alcohol, matches and other dangerous goods can't be carried on board.

What to bring

Camera
Sunglasses and a hat
Comfortable clothes and enclosed shoes

What is included

60-minute scenic flight from Cooinda
Window seat
Live and recorded commentary from your pilot
Minibus between Cooinda Lodge and the airstrip

Not included

Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.