Gagudju Lodge Cooinda is situated on the Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, providing an idyllic holiday destination. Yellow Water is a tranquil land locked billabong 10 kms in area, flooding during the wet season to become part of the Jim Jim Creek and South Alligator River system.
Surprisingly, approximately one third of Australia's birdlife is found in Kakadu. This spectacular natural aviary of birdlife is well represented at Yellow Water, from the comb crested Jacana, hawks and eagles, to the spectacular Brolga and Jabiru. Yellow Water Billabong also supports a wealth of fish which provide the essential food source for the large population of estuarine crocodiles. Along the foreshores there are paperbark forests, pandanus and freshwater mangroves and the occasional sighting of wild horses.
Amidst the wonders of one of the world's great nature reserves lies the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda, offering 48 air conditioned lodge units, 34 twin share budget rooms, a 375 site camping ground, petrol station, general store, airport and tour desk. Cooinda is well located within the Park. Besides being the doorway to the famous Yellow Water Cruise, there are many local attractions within easy travelling distance.
The latest "big" attraction is the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, better known as "The Turtle", which opened in May 19~5. Located less than 1 km by road or 15 minutes bush walk from the Hotel, "The Turtle" offers a walk- through Aboriginal Cultural Display area, cinema shows and an Aboriginal Arts and Craft shop."
The 48-room lodge consists of:
- 4 family rooms (1 queen bed, 2 single beds)
- 6 Triple rooms (3 single beds)
- 38 Queen Single rooms (1 queen bed, 1 single bed)
All rooms are equipped with cot and rollaway options, with a maximum of 4 people accommodated in a room. Each Room Features:
- Private outdoor sitting area
- Non smoking and smoking room options
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom facilities with shower recess
- Television - Four free to air and four pay TV channels offered without charge.
- Iron and ironing board
- Hair dryers (available at reception)
- Wake up call facilities
- Disabled access
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda also offers 24 backpacker-style Outback Quarters:
- 4 double rooms (one double bed)
- 4 triple rooms
- 16 twin rooms
The Outback Quarters feature light bedding, air
conditioning, coin-operated barbecue and eating area, shared bathroom and
toilet facilities.
With full use of all leisure facilities, the camping ground and caravan area
contains:
- 80 powered sites
- 310 unpowered sites
The layout of the outback resort provides facilities for all travellers on any budget: independent group, backpacker, family and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Restaurants & Bar
The Mimi Restaurant takes pride in having a predominantly Australian wine list, which features wines from top producers throughout the country accompanying local delicacies such as Kangaroo, Barramundi, Emu and Crocodile served with tangy fruits and aromatic herbs.
The Barra Bistro offers guests the experience of cooking their own local delicacies on a supplied barbecue with an accompanying buffet.
The Barra Bar has takeaway beverage facilities and is open until late, with live entertainment provided by Mr. Wilson between May and November.
| Breakfast | - Barra Bistro 6:00 am - 9:30 am |
| Lunch | - Barra Bistro and Bar (snack food) 11:30 am - 2:30 pm |
| Dinner | - Mimi Restaurant 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm |
| Barra Bistro and Bar 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm |
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda dining options are limited between 1st December and 19 March. Please check for details via email or telephone.
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda Gift Shop and General Store
Operating during the following hours:
- 6:00 am - 9:00 pm (April to November)
- 6:30 am - 7:00 pm (December to March)
- The petrol station pumps are a 24hr facility
The shop's friendly and well-trained staff are on hand to assist with and essentials that may be required. Essentials offered at the general store:
- Cold drinks
- Snacks
- Essential groceries - bread, cereal, eggs, fresh vegetables
- Ice (blocked or crushed)
- Insect repellant
- Ice-creams
- Pharmaceuticals (limited)
- Fishing lures
- Newspapers and magazines
- Stamps and phone cards
Yellow Water Cruises
Gagudju lodge Cooinda is the base for the world renowned Yellow Water
Cruises, where crocodiles, birds, fresh water mangroves and exotic tropical
trees are a regular sighting amongst this extraordinary territory.
The cruise offers passengers pristine Wetlands and
the opportunity to see wildlife (crocodiles and birds) at close quarters. In
their commentary, the guides orientate the passengers; describe the river
system and the importance of the wetlands, identifying the flora and fauna
explaining their behavior in connection with the ancient culture of the
Gagudju People. Yellow Water Cruises depart 365 days a year and operate in
two seasons:
April to November
- 6:45 am - 2 hours
- 9:00 am - 2 hours
- 11:30 am - 1 1/2 hours
- 1:15 pm - 1 1/2 hours
- 2:45 pm - 1 1/2 hours
- 4:30 pm - 2 hours
- 8.30 am - 1 1/2 hours
- 11.45 am - 1 1/2 hours
- 1.30 pm - 1 1/2 hours
- 3.30 pm - 1 1/2 hours
Lodge Activities
The activities department has introduced varied entertainment for guests.
Activities alter with seasons and days of the week and may include bingo
nights, slide shows, stargazing, bush walks, bird watching tours, and
bush-tucker talks.
While entertainer Mr Wilson performs Wednesday to Sunday from April to November, the open-air Cooinda Cinema nights and live bands have become unique outback events. Films like Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit Proof Fence, and Yolungu Boy and performers Darryl Braithwaite, Frank Yarma and Shellie Morris have entertained visitors. Email or phone Gagudju Lodge Cooinda for forthcoming events.
The Gagudju Lodge Cooinda swimming pool is available to all Lodge, Outback Quarters, and Campground guests. The tour desk has full details and booking facilities for all Kakadu National Park attractions. Many tours depart daily from Cooinda and are able to be booked as part of the Gagudju Dreaming holiday experience. As tours are often exclusive to small numbers, it is recommended that bookings be made prior to arrival in Kakadu to avoid disappointment.
As an environmental measure, Gagudju Lodge Cooinda has entered into the Green House Challenge and the Northern Territory Tidy Town Competition. Being a fully self-sufficient property in the middle of Kakadu National Park, the Lodge is keen to show a conscious effort to preserve the precious landscape and surrounding cultures.
Location
