Yellow Water Villas: Kakadu’s latest luxury eco-sensitive accommodation

In May, a new luxurious and eco-sensitive accommodation opened in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Yellow Water Villas comprises of five luxury retreats in Cooinda, adjacent to the region’s most famous natural water habitat, NgurrungurrudjbaYellow Water Billabong.

Nestled under a rich canopy of trees, each of the Yellow Water Villas balances luxury with a commitment to environmental sustainability. ‘Planet, People, Profit’ is the strong ethos of fully Indigenous-owned Kakadu Tourism and the development of the new Yellow Water Villas demonstrates this spirit throughout.

Built on stilts to minimise any impact on the land, not one tree was cut down to accommodate the retreats. The absolute preservation of the land was the key priority of Traditional Owners. Every item used in the construction and operation of the Villas has been procured sensitively, to ensure guests can harmonise completely with Kakadu’s rich natural tapestry.

The luxury Villas have a barbeque and private bathtub on the large veranda. The fully air-conditioned Villas boast a high-quality handmade king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, dining area and lounge area with daybeds.

Each of the five retreats is named after an Indigenous animal of the Kakadu area, themed throughout with personal stories of the local community – from the pillows to the interior decorations.

Art and crafts decorations have been sourced from local Cooinda artists as well as the famed Marrawuddi Art Gallery in Jabiru. The attention to detail in the hand-crafted joinery and interior fit-out sets the villas apart.

Located within the grounds of Cooinda Lodge, guests have access to two restaurants and a bar, two resort-style swimming pools, a tour desk, a retail shop, fuel service, and a children’s playground. Indigenous-themed dining is a feature of Mimi’s Restaurant. The menu features Top End staples such as barramundi, crocodile, buffalo and local bush foods, and a Full Moon Feast is held to celebrate each of Kakadu’s six distinctive seasons.

One of Australia’s most spectacular nature experiences is available on the Villas’ doorstep, with renowned Yellow Water Cruises operating daily, providing a curated view of Kakadu’s rich wildlife and flora.

The Spirit of Kakadu Adventure Tours also operates from Cooinda Lodge taking visitors to many of Kakadu’s most spectacular sites such as waterfalls, rock pools and landmarks, many of which were showcased in the legendary Crocodile Dundee films.

Cooinda Lodge boasts its own airstrip, from which scenic flights can be arranged along with transfers to Darwin Airport, making an indulgent stay in Kakadu even more accessible. Kakadu’s remarkable landscape dates back millions of years and has been home to the Indigenous clans of Kakadu for over 65,000 years. The story of the local Murumburr community is told at the nearby Warradjan Cultural Centre, which also tells the story of Kakadu’s evolution through the generations via interactive displays and audio-visual exhibits. Local community members demonstrate their arts and crafts at the Centre, which also plays host to major events such as the annual Taste of Kakadu. The opening of Yellow Water Villas launches the newest chapter in Australia’s oldest and most significant cultural heritage story.

Cooinda Lodge is located 3.5 hours drive southeast of Darwin. Charter flights are available to fly visitors from Darwin Airport to Cooinda Airport.