Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge adds ensuites to glamping tents as Park’s major attractions open for the dry season

Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge

Kakadu’s Cooinda Lodge has upgraded its popular Outback Retreat glamping tents by adding ensuites in time for Kakadu National Park’s peak season.

The ensuites have been added to 10 of the Outback Retreat Plus glamping tents, which are capable of accommodating up to four guests in the main bedroom and bunkbed annex.

The 10 other Outback Retreats will have ensuites added at a future date.

The Outback Retreats, which were introduced in 2019, combine the rustic attraction of the ‘bush’ with modern creature comforts, including air-conditioning and high-quality bedding.

The glamping tents are built on an elevated platform to ensure year-round usability and minimal environmental impact. The canvas tents have one solid wall, a glass front door and a deck with outdoor furniture. All bedding features high-quality mattresses, toppers and linen.

Interiors have been designed to reflect the Kakadu bush-scape and incorporate many Australian-designed and hand-built elements, including locally produced Indigenous weaving and artwork.

 
The tents offer lighting, air-conditioning, a fan, a bar fridge, and USB charging ports, along with cabinetry, storage and occasional chairs.

Established on its own exclusive site in the grounds of Cooinda Lodge, the upmarket Outback Retreat tents are set beneath a canopy of shady trees and enjoy a premium position in the campground close to Home Billabong and the hotel’s reception area and guest facilities, which include Barra Bistro, Mimi’s Restaurant, fish and chip truck, coffee cart, two swimming pools, a general/gift store and petrol station.
Outback Retreat guests also have exclusive access to an amenities centre with kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.

General Manager of Cooinda Lodge, Jason Cleverley, said that while the Outback Retreats had been very popular over the past five years, the feedback from families had been that ensuites would really enhance the offer.

“We have a fantastic amenities block that is exclusive for Outback Retreat guests, but an ensuite is important for some guests, so we prioritised the family/group glamping tents for the ensuite upgrades,” said Mr Cleverley. “We will schedule the addition of ensuites for the remaining Outback Retreat doubles for a future season.

“We completed the upgrade in time for the reopening of three of Kakadu’s most famous attractions – Gunlom Falls, which starred in Crocodile Dundee, Jim Jim Falls and Maguk Falls. They offer outstanding rock pools that are ‘must dos’ for visitors to Kakadu.

“We offer guided 4WD tours from Cooinda to Gunlom, Jim Jim and Maguk, which is the best way of experiencing these iconic attractions.”

Cooinda is Kakadu’s most established tourist centre, located in the heart of Kakadu National Park, incorporating prime tourism attractions such as Yellow Water Cruises, Warradjan Cultural Centre and Kakadu Adventure Tours. It is also conveniently located to the Nourlangie rock art site, and for tours to Jim Jim, Twin Falls, Maguk and Gunlom.

Rates for the glamping tents during the peak season are from $379/night for a couples’ tent (Outback Retreat), and from $489/night for an Outback Retreat Plus tent (with ensuite) capable of sleeping four.

Further information and bookings: www.kakadutourism.com