Native produce on the menu at first Taste of Kakadu festival

Forage for bush foods and dine on native ingredients at the first A Taste of Kakadu festival, from May 12-21.

The food festival will showcase native produce of the World Heritage-listed national park, and will give visitors a chance to meet local Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginal people and learn about their culture.

Events will include a bush dining event featuring a 10-course degustation featuring locally sourced produce by pop-up dining experience Fervor, a masterclass with indigenous chef Zach Green and a champagne evening cruise with canapes.

Local Bininj kids will take part in a mini master chef competition, plus there'll be a traditional brunch with Bininj woman Mandy Muir and Ngemba Aboriginal chef Sharon Windsor, and numerous opportunities to forage for local produce including yam and honeybag.

Other activities include a bush breakfast, an interactive exhibition about food collection in Kakadu, a sunrise wetlands cruise, food basket weaving sessions, food walks, ground over cook ups and more.

Visitors to the festival can also take advantage of recent upgrades at Kakadu's Crocodile Hotel and appointment of an indigenous artist in residence, while Cooinda Lodge is also upgrading its lodge accommodation and campground, with safari-style tents available from late June.