Pros & cons
PROS
- Secluded bush camping beside the water
- Excellent birdwatching and barramundi/saratoga fishing
CONS
- No facilities—bring all water and pack out rubbish
- 4WD-only track; often impassable or closed in the wet
- Crocodile habitat—no swimming
Overview
Red Lily Billabong (Djunda) is the quiet, wild side of Kakadu—more bush camp than campground. It’s the first of three billabongs (then Bucket and Alligator) along a single access track, prized by locals for its solitude, wildlife, and big-sky floodplain scenery dotted with namesake lilies.
Why go
If you’re after a low-key, uncrowded base with real outback vibes, this is it. The lily-cloaked water, open woodland, and wide horizons make it a gorgeous place to sit out sunrise and sunset, scan for birds, or cast a line.
Getting there
Turn off the Arnhem Highway roughly 2 km past Aurora Kakadu and follow the unsealed track about 18 km through savanna to the billabongs. This is 4WD country—expect rough sections, and in the wet season the track is often closed or impassable. You can link the track with Old Jim Jim Road for a longer loop when conditions allow.
What to do
- Birdwatching: The billabong draws a variety of waterbirds—bring binoculars and linger at dawn and dusk.
- Fishing: Locals target barramundi and saratoga. There’s no formal boat ramp; if you bring a tinny, you’ll be launching from the bank.
- Camping: Pick a shady spot near the fireplaces. It’s choose-your-own-site bush camping, spread across three secluded areas near the water.
Facilities (or lack thereof)
There are no toilets, no drinking water, no bins, no power, and no picnic tables. Parking is informal. You must be fully self-sufficient and pack out everything you bring.
Safety and wildlife
This is crocodile country—do not swim, keep well back from the water’s edge, and be vigilant when launching boats or fishing. Expect insects; repellent and covered clothing help.
Best time to visit
Dry season (June–November) for reliable access and clearer waterlines. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for bird activity, softer light, and cooler temps. Weekdays are typically even quieter, but this area rarely feels crowded at any time in the dry.
Where it is
-12.8533, 132.4900Tips for Red Lily Billabong
- 01Travel in the dry season and check road closures before you go.
- 02Bring all your drinking water and pack out all rubbish.
- 03Launch boats from the bank—there’s no ramp; a long bow line helps.
- 04Give the water’s edge a wide berth and never swim—croc country.
- 05Dawn and dusk deliver the best birdlife and photography light.
Amenities
Near Red Lily Billabong
All places →All trails →
3.5 mi awayYellow Water Viewing PlatformBoardwalk platform for classic Yellow Water croc and bird actionParking · Scenic Viewpoint
3.5 mi awayYellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)Croc-filled billabong with standout sunrise cruises and epic birdlifeRestroom · Parking
3.5 mi awayYellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) BoardwalkShort, flat stroll to epic croc and bird views at sunsetEasy · 0.7 mi · 15 min
3.5 mi awayYellow Water CruisesWetland cruise for crocs, birds and golden lightRestroom · Parking
4 mi awayWarradjan Aboriginal Cultural CentreAboriginal-led museum of stories, art and country near CooindaRestroom · Exhibit
6.1 mi awayMardukal Billabong WalkShady billabong loop with standout birdlife beside the campgroundEasy · 1 mi · 30 min
11.9 mi awayGungarre WalkFlat billabong loop with big birdlife and monsoon forest vibesEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
11.9 mi awayKungarre WalkEasy loop to a bird-rich billabong and shaded monsoon forestEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
