Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

The staff are what make this a place I'd recommend while visiting Kakadu. They're attentive and clearly put in a lot of effort to make guests' stays good. I watched Armando work two evenings, and he kept going out of his way to make sure everyone was happy, always with a smile and real commitment to the job. He's a real asset to the business. There's also a good bistro and bar, plus a restaurant that serves a nice breakfast.

Those mosquitoes were ferocious, so that cost the stay a star. Otherwise, the reception team made things easy when we arrived three days early because some campgrounds were still closed after the big wet season. They moved our bookings for a large caravan site and the dawn cruise without fuss or extra charges. We were very happy with how they handled it.

Dinner and breakfast were excellent, and everyone we dealt with was friendly, professional and genuinely helpful. Our group of four stayed in a Yellow Water Villa and an Outback Retreat Tent. Both felt private and very comfortable, with thoughtful touches throughout, including a veranda bath at the villa tent, plenty of space, Kakadu toiletries, welcome drinks and food plates for Accor Plus members, and a well-chosen collection of books. The setting made the stay especially memorable. Cooinda Lodge is beside Yellow Water Billabong and the displays at Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and it's the closest accommodation to Anbangbang Rock Art Site. Anbangbang, part of the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) outcrop, is often called Australia's "Sistine Chapel" and overlooks the Arnhem Land plateau. It was a wonderful surprise to find such guest-focused hospitality in this remote part of Kakadu National Park.

A handy, very clean stop for river cruises and fishing. The staff were friendly, there's easy caravan access, and fuel is available.