Hike at a Glance

Australia > Northern Territory > Caranbirini Conservation Reserve

Quick overview: Experience the unique allure of the Caranbirini Conservation Reserve in Northern Territory, just a short hop from Borroloola. This easy, 2km circuit trail starts and finishes at the Reserve Car Park, taking you through a surprising diversity of habitats and past the dramatic sandstone spires of the Lost City. Don't forget your camera to capture the remarkable landscape and wildlife found in the 25-metre high pillars. Please note, camping is not permitted in the Reserve.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 103m

Min elevation: 62m

Total Ascent: 72m

Start: Reserve Car Park

End: Reserve Car Park

Caranbirini Conservation Reserve

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Borroloola

From state capital: 937km

Latitude: -16.271124391059324

Longitude: 136.07896953821185

5 Reviews

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Hike overview

Discover the Lost City, or a series of impressive sandstone spires, in this small-scale reserve that protects a surprising diversity of habitats. Take the 2km Barrawulla Loop Walk and explore the Lost City, where impressive spires rise to 25m in height and provide shelter for wildlife. Bring your camera to make sure you capture images of this remarkable landscape.

Two distinctly different types of sandstone are found in the Reserve. One forms low stony ridges while the other has weathered to form interesting sandstone pillars known as ‘lost city’ formations. The pillars are up to 25 metres high and contrast strongly with the surrounding countryside. They also provide great shelters for wildlife.

If you have more time, the 7.5 km Jagududgu Loop Walk takes you to all of the reserve's habitats, and includes views that extend beyond its boundaries.

Camping is not permitted and visitors are advised to camp at either Borroloola or Heartbreak Hotel-Cape Crawford, around 64km west of the Reserve.

While you are there, check out the Caranbirini Waterhole - this walk leads to a birdhide overlooking a semi-permanent waterhole. A bird-watcher’s delight, particularly late in the dry season when surface water in the region becomes scarce. Distance: 200 m return Time: 10 mins Grade: 2 - easy

Aboriginal History
For thousands of years the area has been a favourite place for the local Aboriginal people, the Gadanji. They call the area Garambarini. For the Gadanji the waterhole is an important source of food like turtles, fish, mussels and waterlilies. Two important dreaming beings, Jagududgu the emu and Barrawulla the white cockatoo, form part of a dreaming trail that passes through the area. Barrawulla, who was born and still lives at Garambirini, never travels far from this site. Barrawulla is present as a pale stone high up on the escarpment overlooking the main waterhole. You can see Barawulla from the first lookout along the Jagududgu Walk.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Practical information

The most comfortable time of the year to visit is during the drier months, between May and October.
Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you.
All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
Pets are not permitted in the Reserve.
Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted.
Generators are not permitted in this Reserve.
A permit is required for Drone use - conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the Reserve.
Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and cane toads.

Trail features

Scenic Viewpoints

Walk map and GPX file
Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

Total distance: 2097 m
Max elevation: 103 m
Min elevation: 62 m
Total climbing: 72 m
Total descent: -72 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: Caranbirini Conservation Reserve.

The Caranbirini Conservation Reserve is reached via the Carpentaria Highway, 46 km south of Borroloola, and 64 km east of Cape Crawford. It is only 500 m to the carpark from the Highway and the gravel road is suitable for 2WD drive vehicles. The gate at the entrance is not locked.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Small Car Park

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Mataranka, Ngukurr, Robinson River, Roper Bar

About the region

Caranbirini is a remarkable reserve, protecting a large number of habitats within its small area. Featuring different sandstone habitats, such as the spectacular ‘lost city’ formations and less dramatic hills and ridges, it also includes examples of woodland, wetland and riverine areas. This 1200 hectare Reserve is located within the ecological transition zone between the subtropical and semi-arid regions and protects flora and fauna from both these regions. . Explore its sandstone hills and ridges, a semi-permanent waterhole surrounded by riverine vegetation, open woodland and interesting sandstone spires known as 'Lost City' formations. The reserve is located 46km south of Borroloola on the western extremity of the Bukalara Range. Download the fact sheet.

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Trail statusThis trail is OPEN.This trail is permanently CLOSED.Please only report permanent closures and provide evidence in the edit box below.

Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

Access Conditions (select all that apply)2WD Access4WD AccessAccessible ParkingAccessible ToiletBBQ FacilitiesBitumen RoadCampfire PitCamping AreaDrinking WaterEntry FeeGravel RoadLarge Car ParkPicnic ShelterPicnic TablePublic ToiletsPublic TransportSmall Car ParkSpeed BumpsSteep RoadUntreated WaterVehicle FordWinding Road

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Reviews
Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

5 Reviews on “Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)”

Overall rating

Trail Hiking Australia

Love this hike. Was there many years ago so will have to get back one day.

02/12/2024, 21:46

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Acknowledgement of Country

Barrawulla loop walk (2km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Practical information

Trail features

Walk map and GPX file
Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Access conditions

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Wild Dog Dreaming Walk (2.8km)

Rainbow Serpent Track (300m)

Katherine Rail Trail Walk (6km)

Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Gallery Walk (1.9km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

5 Reviews on “Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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