There’s no question Kakadu, one of only a few dozen places on earth to appear on the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural significance, should be on every Australian’s must-see list. The only challenge is where to start.

Kakadu, Australia’s largest terrestrial national park, spans almost 20,000 square kilometres of diverse terrain and is home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species and a quarter of its freshwater and estuarine fish species. Not to mention about 10,000 crocodiles. There’s a lot to see and do – and it’s all just a two-hour drive from Darwin.

A guided cruise on Yellow Water is a great way to get a taste of what the national park has to offer – and to see why the lily-lined billabong is one of Kakadu’s best-known attractions. Along with plenty of saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, visitors might see brumbies, buffalo and some of the many resident birds, including egrets, jabiru, brolgas, sea eagles, magpie geese, whistling ducks and other native species. Go for a sunrise or sunset cruise to see the billabong at its most beautiful.

The Top End is world-renowned for its fishing, with barramundi, saratoga, jewfish and snapper among the major drawcards in Kakadu. If you need any more excuse to throw in a line, season five of the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition starts on October 1, 2019. Catch one of more than 100 tagged fish that’ve been released across the Northern Territory to win cash and other prizes, including the big one: $1 million.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, going out with a guide is the best way to get a bit of local know-how – and a fighting chance at reeling in a prize-winning fish. The experienced guides at Yellow Water will provide all the equipment and coaching you need – and throw in a few good fishing yarns.

To learn more about Kakadu’s unique wildlife and natural beauty spots, visit northernterritory.com