Red Lily Billabong

When you think Kakadu National Park, you probably think Jim Jim Falls or the infamous Yellow Water Billabong cruise. But there’s another spot that deserves a look: Red Lily Billabong. It’s quieter, less crowded and a real deal taste of the Top End’s wetland magic without the busloads of tourists.
If you’re planning a trip to Kakadu and want to add a peaceful, wildlife-packed spot to your itinerary, keep reading. I’ll cover the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the water and why this billabong is a gem for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Plus I’ll throw in a few warnings, local tips and a cheeky nod to the mozzies you’ll want to tackle head-on.

What You Need to Know

Hidden in the wild north of Kakadu National Park, Red Lily Billabong isn’t the kind of place you’ll find splashed across the pages of a brochure. It’s quieter, calmer and far more rewarding for those who like their adventures a little on the raw side. This permanent billabong, named for the red lilies that cover the surface during the right season, is a haven for birdwatchers, fishers, croc spotters and solitude seekers.
The billabong is part of a connected wetland system in the South Alligator region — and it’s a living breathing part of the Top End’s natural rhythm. Red Lily, along with the nearby Bucket and Alligator Billabongs, attracts life in all forms: jabirus, jacanas, brolgas, magpie geese and saltwater crocs all call it home. It’s one of many beautiful billabongs in the region, like Anbangbang Billabong, Marlgu Billabong and Jim Jim Billabong — each a little different, each worth a yarn of its own.
If you want quiet beauty with a bit of wild edge, this billabong’s got your name on it — just don’t expect signs or selfie sticks.

Why Visit Red Lily Billabong?

Why bother with the detour? I’ll tell you straight:

It’s wild and off the beaten track — no tour buses here.
Amazing birdlife — some of the best twitching in the national park.
Croc country — from a safe distance, it’s fun to spot them basking in croc-infested water.
Peaceful fishing spots — with a permit, you can fish in the dark water or near access to water.
Perfect for painters and photographers — the lilies, reflections and distant escarpments are magic, especially the pink water lily flower and giant water lily leaf.

Plus it’s a great base if you want to escape the Kakadu crowds. You’re not far from Mamukala Wetlands or the East Alligator River — but you’ll feel like you’re in your own world. Fellow travellers often post their blue camping adventure tales on the Traveller App or in reply threads on content. View posts about the Top End.

Getting There

Right, here’s the part where you need to listen up. Red Lily Billabong isn’t right off the highway. You’ll need to tackle a corrugated dirt road, often rough and muddy in the wet. Access is via a turn-off from the Arnhem Highway, about 30km west of Jabiru. Once you hit Red Lily Access Road you’ve got another 14km of dirt track. The road links into the Jim Jim Road if you’re also heading to Jim Billabong or deeper into the park. 4WD is essential — and I don’t mean your mate’s shiny SUV. I’m talking high clearance, decent tyres and a spare — proper Alligator Billabong 4WD conditions here. Expect rough road conditions with uneven surfaces and the odd deep water crossing if you’re doing the extended track. During the wet season (Nov–April) it’s often closed or impassable. Dry season (May–October) is your best bet, roads are mostly firm and wildlife is still active. That’s when the adventurous travellers come. There’s limited signage so make sure your GPS is charged but also trust your instincts. Oh and let someone know where you’re going. This isn’t the place to break down solo.

When to Visit

You’ve got two seasons to think about up here — the Wet and the Dry.

Dry Season (May to Oct): Best time to access. Lilies start blooming mid year and the billabong is buzzing with birdlife. Water level is more stable and easier for land based travellers.
Build-Up (Oct to Nov): Hotter, stickier, fewer travellers. Storms start to roll in.
Wet Season (Dec to Apr): Lush and green but mostly inaccessible. Billabongs overflow and tracks flood. Great for a wetland at sunset photo — if you can get there.

If you want the full Red Lily bloom and croc spotting without the bog, aim for June to August. Just bring your hat and mozzie spray.

What to Do

Not a theme park — and that’s the point. Here’s what you can do:

Birdwatching: Bring your binos. You might see jabirus, brolgas, magpie geese, kingfishers or white-bellied sea eagles.
Photography & Painting: The reflections and lilies at dawn are epic.
Fishing: With a Kakadu Parks permit, try your luck for barramundi. Be croc-wise.
Croc Spotting: From the bank — no swimming here, obviously.
Sit and listen: Honestly, this is half the fun. Let the birds, frogs and rustling reeds do the talking.

Nearby sites like Corroboree Billabong or Anbangbang Billabong Walk are also worth adding to your trip planning if you want a full billabong loop.

Gear Checklist

Don’t turn up unprepared. Here’s what you’ll need:

4WD vehicle (not optional)
Insect repellent (tropo mozzies love fresh meat)
Binoculars (for birdwatching)
Camera or sketchpad
Fishing gear & permit
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
Plenty of drinking water or bottled water
Offline maps or GPS
Spare tyre, jack, recovery gear
First aid kit

Optional but handy:

Camp chairs & picnic setup in a shady spot
Bird guidebook
Camping equipment if staying nearby

A Few Warnings

Let’s not beat around the bush — Red Lily is beautiful but she bites if you don’t respect her.

Crocodiles: Both saltwater and freshwater crocs live here. Stay back from the water’s edge.
No Swimming: Not negotiable. This is not a swimming hole.
Limited Facilities: No loos, no water, no phone signal. Plan accordingly.
Weather: The Top End gets hot — we’re talking mid-30s with 80% humidity. Plan early morning visits.
Road Closures: Always check the Parks Australia or NT Road Report site before you head out.

Camping

You can’t camp at the billabong, but there are options nearby:

Bucket Billabong Camp Area: Just down the track — basic bush camping, bring everything in and out. One of the coldest campsites overnight during the dry.
Muirella Park & Mardugal Camp: About 20km away, offering limited camping facilities like a camp kitchen. Great for Camper Trailer access.
Aurora Kakadu Lodge (Jabiru): A bit more comfort, if you’re after hot showers and a Swimming pool. Operated by Aspen Parks, it’s part of the Aurora Kakadu Resort group.
Discovery Holiday Parks or Coroboree Park Tavern: Other options in the area if you’re weaving this stop into a broader camping trip.

Always camp responsibly — leave no trace, secure food from wildlife, and observe fire rules in this nature conservation park.

Raw Thoughts from My First Visit

I’ll admit, I was expecting just another billabong. But as soon as the boat slid onto the glassy surface dotted with those red and white lilies, I was hooked. The air was thick with birdcalls, and the light shimmered off the water in a way that made you stop talking.

We saw a jabiru sidle along the edge, stalking fish with deadly patience, while a pair of whistling kites performed lazy aerial loops. And the crocs? They kept their distance — probably as curious about us as we were about them.

Best of all, it wasn’t packed. Just a handful of other travellers were drifting quietly, all soaking up the calm. If you’re considering 1 day Kakadu tours from Darwin, this spot is a must. If you want that Kakadu feeling without the crowds, Red Lily Billabong will deliver.