Barrk Sandstone Walk is a 12km, grade 4 hike located in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 6 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Enjoy spectacular views, experience a variety of habitats and see the Nanguluwurr art site. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) is a large sandstone outlier that stands above the surrounding woodland like an island. An initial steep climb takes you to the top of this rocky outcrop where you're greeted by Kakadu's unique plants and animals.Branching off the Nourlangie lookout track, just past the main gallery, this is a long and difficult walk through the sandstone country of Nourlangie. It takes you past the Nanguluwur art gallery and back to the Nourlangie car park. Carry plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes and start the walk early to avoid the heat of the day.
Halfway through this rugged walk you'll find one of the park's cultural wonders at the Nanguluwurr art site. Paintings depicting spirits, animals, ships and people from different periods are all found here.
As you leave Nanguluwurr you will pass through a transitional zone of sandstone outcrops, rock slabs, prickly spinifex and open woodland. Bongka, the black-palmed monitor marauds the bush, and barrk, the black wallaroo calls this place home. During the wet season you may also find alyurr the colourful Leichhardts grasshoppers sitting on their favourite food plants, the pityrodia bush. Meanwhile the camouflaged doddorok, the chestnut-quilled rock-pigeon, may not be easy to see but you'll certainly hear it if it takes off near you.
The final stretch along the woodland floor offers spectacular views of Burrungkuy's western cliffs.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 189 m
Min elevation: 22 m
Total climbing: 406 m
Total descent: -405 m
Tips
- 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
Trail location
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Getting there
Access to the trail head is via Nourlangie Rock Road, Kakadu National Park, Kakadu, Northern Territory
Gallery
Image credit: Parks Australia
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About the region
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.