Cooinda Lodge celebrates 40th anniversary of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu’s longest-established tourism accommodation operator, Cooinda Lodge & Camping, is marking the 40th anniversary of Kakadu National Park by unveiling a complete refurbishment of its Lodge rooms as well as the launch in June of the new glamping village Dreaming@Home Billabong.

Cooinda is in the heart of Kakadu National Park, and incorporates prime tourism attractions such as Yellow Water Cruises and Warradjan Cultural Centre as well as Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventure Tours. It is also very conveniently located to the Nourlangie rock art site, and well positioned for tours to Jim Jim, Twin Falls and the Maguk and Gunlom waterfalls and rock pools.

The major upgrade to accommodation at Cooinda comes at a time when Kakadu celebrates the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Kakadu National Park, establishing Kakadu as one of Australia’s most important natural and cultural destinations.

Dreaming@HomeBillabong

Dreaming@HomeBillabong, featuring 20 permanent upmarket tents, supplied by Eco Structures Australia, will make their debut in June 2019 after the success of three previous seasonal ‘pop up’ Flash Camp villages. The new glamping tents are being built on wooden platforms to ensure year-round usability and minimal environmental impact. The canvas tents will have one solid wall, a glass front door and a deck with outdoor furniture.

Ten of the units will be configured for couples with a queen size bed, while the remaining ten will have additional bunk-style accommodation to cater for families. All bedding will feature high quality mattresses and linen. The tents will have electric lighting, air-conditioning, fan and bar fridge, along with cabinetry and occasional chairs.

Fully landscaped and set in a very shady area, the tented village site enjoys a premium position in the campground close to Home Billabong and the hotel’s reception area and guest facilities. Dreaming@HomeBillabong will have its own dedicated share bathroom and cooking facilities.

Rates for the glamping tents will start from A$149 per night.

Upgrade to Cooinda Lodge

All Lodge rooms at Cooinda have now completed a full interior refurbishment, with new bathrooms, air-conditioning, lighting, interior decoration and furnishings, providing a fresh, contemporary design with distinctive Indigenous design themes upgraded comfort and facilities. Gardens surrounding the lodge accommodation are also being refreshed.

Cooinda is now able to offer quality Lodge and glamping accommodation, complemented by sites for temporary camping and caravans. Guests in all accommodation have full access to Cooinda Lodge’s facilities, including the restaurant, bar, shop and two swimming pools.

Special events 2019

10 – 19 May: A Taste of Kakadu

The Festival celebrates the best of Indigenous food and culture and will include a number of events at Cooinda, including Canapes and Cruises with Yellow Water Billabong.  Sunset & Canapes (each evening, 12 – 18 May): will present Kakadu’s wetlands and wildlife from a completely different perspective, with canapes featuring local Northern Territory cuisine, accompanied by drinks and expert commentary. Anme Garringun Ganji Mayambolk (17 May) – ‘Dining under the Milky Way’: This new event presents stargazing from a local Indigenous perspective on the airstrip of Cooinda Airport. The crystal clear skies are rich in Indigenous Dreamtime folklore, and along with a fascinating local interpretation of the stars, guests will enjoy local inspired canapes featuring the best of Kakadu produce accompanied by a beverage package.

28 September – 7 October: Kakadu Bird Week

One of the most spectacular natural shows on earth, Kakadu Bird Week features over 250 bird species across Kakadu National Park, including millions of Magpie Geese on the wetlands around Yellow Water Billabong. There are specialist talks, Aboriginal bird experiences, and special activities for children. Yellow Water Cruises at Cooinda operates special interest bird viewing and interpretation cruises throughout the week.

Further information: www.kakadutourism.com