Barrk Sandstone Walk (12km)

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.