The Lost City - Barrawulla Loop Walk is a 2km, grade 2 hike located in the Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, Northern Territory. The hike should take around 1 hr to complete.

Length: 2km

Duration: 1 hr

Grade: 2

Style: Circuit

Start: Reserve Car Park

End: Reserve Car Park

Location: Caranbirini Conservation Reserve

Closest town: Borroloola

Northern Territory

From state capital: 937km

Longitude: 136.07896953821185

Latitude: -16.271124391059324

Leave a review

Organise this hike as an event

Check the weather

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.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 2097 m
Max elevation: 103 m
Min elevation: 62 m
Total climbing: 72 m
Total descent: -72 m

Download file: Barrawulla Loop Walk.gpx

Trail features

Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Scenic Viewpoints

Tips

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 location

Getting there

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.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Small Car Park

Gallery

Upload your photos

If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

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.

Suggest an edit

Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.

Reviews

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Similar trails

Gear to consider

My 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. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

The HiiKER app helps you to find 1,000’s of the best bushwalking and hiking adventures, with reviews, photos, and great places to stay. I’m excited to have partnered with HiiKER to offer members of Trail hiking Australia Community an exclusive deal to help you get outdoors with extra confidence with premium mapping, planning and tracking features. Claim your offer here.

Let someone know

Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.

Weather

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.

Hike overview

Route and GPX file

Trail features

Tips

Trail location

Getting there

Access conditions

Gallery

About the region

Suggest an edit

Reviews

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Similar trails

Gear to consider

Let someone know

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Tips and advice

Get involved

About

Can you support me?

Barrawulla Loop Walk (2km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Start your outdoor adventure here

Tips and advice

Get involved

About

Can you support me?