Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 19m
Min elevation: 7m
Total Ascent: 49m
Hike overview
The Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone River Walk in Kakadu National Park presents a challenging 7.5-kilometre loop trail for experienced hikers. With an estimated completion time of 4 hours, this Grade 4 hike traverses alongside the East Alligator River, offering a glimpse of sandstone formations, pandanus- fringed pools, and the river itself.
Due to the trail's difficulty and potential dangers, a good level of fitness is essential. It's strongly recommended to complete this walk with a companion. While the opportunity for crocodile spotting exists, remember these predators are highly effective hunters. Stay a safe distance from the river and its pools at all times. The walk also provides a chance to observe marrawuddi, the white-bellied sea-eagle, known for snatching fish with their powerful talons.
Track grade
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 19 m
Min elevation: 7 m
Total climbing: 49 m
Total descent: -49 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Kakadu National Park.
Reaching the Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone River Walk trailhead requires a four-wheel drive vehicle due to the track’s unsealed and potentially rough terrain. If you’re staying at Merl Campground, head south on the Kakadu Highway for approximately 13 kilometres. Turn left onto the Jim Jim Road, a dirt track, and continue for 19 kilometres. The trailhead is located a further 7 kilometres along this track, marked by signage for the Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone Walk. Remember, this is a remote area, so ensure you have a full tank of fuel and let someone know your planned route before setting off.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Adelaide River, Arnhem Land, Batchelor, Cooinda, Darwin, Gunbalanya, Humpty Doo, Jabiru, Kakadu Village, Katherine, Maningrida, Mary River, Nourlangie, Pine Creek
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Kakadu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





