The Barrk Sandstone Walk is a challenging 12-kilometre, grade 4 hike in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Expect to spend approximately 6 hours completing the trek.
This strenuous journey rewards walkers with a variety of experiences. The hike begins with a steep ascent to the summit of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), a large sandstone formation that rises like an island above the surrounding woodlands. From this vantage point, you'll be greeted by Kakadu's unique flora and fauna.
The main trail branches off from the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) lookout track, just beyond the main art gallery. This extended and demanding trek traverses the sandstone terrain of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Be sure to carry ample water, wear sturdy footwear, and commence the hike early to avoid the heat of the day.
As you traverse the pathways and escarpments of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), you'll encounter a range of habitats typical of Kakadu's sandstone environment. Plant and animal species have adapted to survive in this hot, dry environment over a long period of time, resulting in a high degree of endemism (uniqueness) within these sandstone communities.
Halfway through this rugged trek lies Nanguluwurr, one of the park's significant cultural sites. This location features paintings from various periods, depicting spirits, animals, ships, and human figures.
Leaving Nanguluwurr, the trail progresses through a transitional zone characterised by sandstone outcrops, rock slabs, spiky spinifex grasses, and open woodlands. Keep an eye out for resident wildlife, such as the black wallaroo (barrk) and the black-palmed monitor lizard (bongka).
During the wet season, you might encounter the vibrantly coloured Leichhardt's grasshopper (alyurr) perched on its favourite food source, the pityrodia bush. The camouflaged chestnut-quilled rock-pigeon (dodorok) might be more challenging to spot, but you'll likely hear it take flight if you get close. The final leg of the hike traverses the woodland floor and offers spectacular views of Burrungkuy's western cliffs.
Walk notes (anti-clockwise)
The Barrk Sandstone Walk commences with a challenging ascent through a rocky valley. You'll traverse a seasonal creek and encounter pockets of unique flora like sandstone pandanus, diverse ferns, and a monsoon forest nestled at the base of waterfalls that flow during the wet season.
Reaching the summit rewards you with panoramic views showcasing the contrasting beauty of the lowlands and the escarpment. This serves as a suitable turnaround point for those seeking a shorter trek.
The path progresses onto a plateau characterised by heathland and sandy soil. This section is crisscrossed by seasonal stream channels and features familiar lowland trees like Darwin woollybutt and fern-leaved grevillea.
As you delve deeper, the landscape transforms into a dramatic sandstone environment. Towering layered pillars and conglomerate rocks with embedded stones become prominent features.
The route navigates between massive boulders and a narrow ridge before following a small creek down into a shallow valley. On the opposite side, a series of rock slabs leads you up to a stand of termite-resistant native cypress pines. This vantage point offers a breathtaking view of Mirrai and the surrounding lowlands.
Following markers closely and taking care on uneven terrain, you'll reach a sloping rock platform leading down to the valley floor. This descent is rugged, with large rocks and loose stones underfoot.
Upon reaching the valley floor, the path becomes easier as it traverses open woodland towards the Nanguluwur Gallery. Depending on the season, you might encounter tall spear grass along the way.
Nanguluwur Gallery is a significant cultural site adorned with paintings depicting spirits, animals, ships, and human figures. Take time to appreciate the artistry and ponder the stories these paintings might tell.
Departing from Nanguluwur, the trail transitions through a zone with both sandstone outcrops and open woodland. This habitat overlap often attracts a wider variety of birds.
The path winds its way through boulders, rock slabs, and prickly spinifex as it crosses a low rocky ridge. The final leg on the woodland floor offers a spectacular conclusion to the hike, revealing awe-inspiring views of Burrunggui's western cliffs.
- Best time to visit: Dry season (January to October)
- Park pass: A park pass is required to enter Kakadu National Park. Consider purchasing your pass online before your trip to save time.
- Heat stress and dehydration are very real dangers here. Take simple steps to keep you and your family safe. Temperatures are considered extreme once it reaches 36 degrees Celsius or above.
- Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour
- Take frequent breaks to eat healthy snacks
- Carry a first aid kit on long bushwalks
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 10171 m
Max elevation: 189 m
Min elevation: 22 m
Total climbing: 360 m
Total descent: -360 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Kakadu National Park.
Located within Kakadu National Park, the trailhead is accessible via Stuart Highway. After entering the park through the park gates on the highway, follow the signs for Nourlangie Road. This road winds for approximately 25 kilometres, passing through scenic pockets of the park before arriving at the main park complex for Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Here, you’ll find designated parking for the rock art sites, where your exploration of the Barrk Sandstone Walk begins.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listing renowned for both its cultural and natural values. See breathtaking horizons from the top of a Kakadu escarpment. Cruise on the stunning Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat, including millions of migratory birds who in part call the park's wetlands home.
Not only is Kakadu spectacular, but you can feel yourself come alive among the lush rainforests, rocky gorges, serene swimming pools and the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. With more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites in the park, the Bininj/Mungguy people have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years. Here they'll teach you about their ancient culture and the regions' dramatic seasons.
Connect with the oldest living culture on earth. The rugged and remote beauty of Kakadu has stories to share that will take your breath away and touch your heart. In Australia's biggest national park you'll find ancient landscapes with thundering waterfalls, lush rainforests, wandering wetlands, exotic wildlife and ancient rock art.
Kakadu offers unrivalled walks to immerse you in nature, satisfy your appetite for adventure, or nurture your curiosity. Only three hours' drive from Darwin, Kakadu National Park has been waiting for you.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide River, Arnhem Land, Batchelor, Cooinda, Darwin, Gunbalanya, Humpty Doo, Jabiru, Kakadu Village, Katherine, Maningrida, Mary River, Nourlangie, Pine Creek
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Kakadu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
