Sandy Billabong

When you think of Kakadu National Park, your mind probably jumps to the big-ticket names — Jim Jim Falls, Ubirr Rock or Yellow Water Billabong. But let me tell you about Sandy Billabong — a spot that’s often overlooked but bloody brilliant if you want a more chilled, authentic wildlife experience without the tourist crush.
I’ve been poking around Kakadu for years and Sandy Billabong is one of those places that sneaks under the radar. It’s a smaller billabong than Yellow Water but packs a punch when it comes to spotting crocs, birds and other critters. It’s also a real gem if you’re after a peaceful paddle or a quiet walk through the wetlands.

More Than Just Another Waterhole

When most people think of Kakadu National Park, their minds race to Jim Jim Falls or Ubirr’s rock art, but take it from someone who’s driven more Northern Territory tracks than I’ve had hot dinners—Sandy Billabong is one of those underrated spots that catches you off guard. It’s where early mornings mean still water, mirror reflections and the guttural call of magpie geese echoing through the morning mist. Sandy Billabong isn’t flashy. It’s not Instagrammed to death. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is—a thriving wetland ecosystem that offers a real window into the Top End’s birdlife, saltwater crocodiles and seasonal rhythms. If you want the real Kakadu National Park Australia experience, with a bit of dry grass on your boots and binoculars in hand, this is it.

The Lowdown on Access

You’ll find Sandy Billabong at the southern end of Kakadu National Park, near Muirella Park, off Muriella Park Rd & Kakadu Hwy. It’s a short hop from Nourlangie Rock (Burrungkuy) and Anbangbang Billabong. About 30 minutes from Cooinda Lodge if the road’s dry and your tyres are up to the task. The kilometre track can get rough, especially after the wet, so AWD or 4WD is best. Motorbike access is possible but not for the faint-hearted. In the dry season (May to October) the track is usually suitable for camper trailers and even caravans with care. After the wet though, it’s a different story. Roads disappear under sheets of water and even the Billabong Bore might be hard to find.

Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything in the Top End. Visit Sandy Billabong in the early dry (May–June) and you’ll catch the end of the wet season flush – the water is still high, morning reflections are golden and the landscape is lush with savanna woodlands and gum trees. By the late dry (August–October) the water has receded, half-submerged branches are poking out of the water, water birds are congregating near the shore and sandy banks are exposing croc tracks. You’ll see more black tree trunks, dead branch clusters and water lilies floating lazily. Avoid the build-up (October–November) unless you like humidity that will melt your socks off. And during the wet season (December–April) access is often closed. Top Tip: Sunrise is the golden hour. Pack your billy and watch the morning colours change across the peaceful woodlands.

What You’ll See

This tranquil bend of floodplain in Kakadu is a magnet for wildlife — especially in the dry season when water is scarce elsewhere. You’ll spot magpie geese, egrets, jabirus and maybe a salty croc or two sunning on the banks. The sunsets here? Pure magic. Bring binoculars, bug spray, and a healthy respect for what’s lurking beneath the lily pads.

Crocs, Crocs, and More Crocs

Salties love Sandy Billabong—and they’re not shy about it. You’ll often see them basking on tree stumps, or gliding silently through the water like prehistoric submarines. Don’t even think about swimming here. This is croc country, and they’re the kings.

Birds by the Bucketload

If birds are your thing, you’re in heaven. We’re talking:

Magpie geese by the hundreds
Radjah shelducks
Comb-crested jacanas (a.k.a. Jesus birds)
Egrets, herons, and spoonbills
Azure kingfishers
White-Bellied Sea Eagle circling above

Bring your binoculars and a bird book. This is a top birding site in Australia Sandy Billabong territory.

Other Wildlife

Keep an eye out for:

Agile wallabies near the water’s edge
Goannas dragging their tails through the dust
Dingoes at dusk
Green tree frogs tucked into paperbark trees

Camping Nearby

You can’t camp right on the billabong’s edge, but Muirella Park Campground near the Muirella Park Airstrip is your best bet. It’s a managed rural camp with:

Fire pits (BYO wood or grab some from Cooinda)
Toilets (long drop but clean)
Caravan parks access
Drinking water (check availability)
Campground shade under grey trees, and more.

Practical Tips

The best time to visit Sandy Billabong is during the dry season (May to October), when access roads are open and wildlife viewing is at its peak. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget your insect repellent — the mozzies here don’t muck around. There are basic facilities nearby, but it’s a remote spot, so come prepared and always check road conditions before heading out.

What to Bring:

3L+ drinking water per person
High-energy snacks
Wide-brim hat
Long sleeves for mozzie & sun protection
Camera gear (copies of images backed up)
NT Parks Pass
First aid kit
Offline maps
Trip planning advice printed out
Gumboots if venturing near boggy edges

What Not to Do:

Don’t swim
Don’t feed wildlife
Don’t veer off-track
Don’t rely on reception

Seasonal Warnings and Access Issues

Don’t go in the wet unless you’re in a chopper. Tracks disappear. Sandy Billabong Bore and Billabong Bore flood out. Member-only access and camper trailer access might still be restricted by park management during early or late season clean-ups. Watch out for the heat, and be aware of seasonal fire management and camp crackdown periods. Keep your gear tidy—rangers don’t like noisy camps or unsafe setups.

My Personal Story

I first found Sandy Billabong a few years ago on one of our dry season scouting trips. It was a hot day, sky blue, and the billabong water was still — a perfect mirror for the paperbarks and pandanus.

I paddled quietly in my tinnie and spotted a massive croc just a few metres off the bank. It stared me down with that cold, calculating gaze that only a croc can. I froze, heart racing, until it slipped underwater. A jabiru flew overhead, moments later, and a jabiru circled overhead.

These moments are exactly what we aim to share on our 1 day Kakadu tours from Darwin — no tour buses, no crowds — just pure, wild and raw. That’s what Sandy Billabong is all about.