Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the Bubba Wetlands Walk in Kakadu National Park, a delightful 4km circuit trail located near Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Perfect for nature-lovers, this easy Grade 2 walk immerses you in diverse wetland habitats, offering views of ghost gums, white egrets, and the iconic Burrungkuy Rock. Suitable for moderate fitness levels and best explored in the dry season (August-November), this walk is a must-add to your Kakadu adventure.

Length:

4km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Wetlands Walk Carpark

End: Wetlands Walk Carpark

Kakadu National Park

Northern Territory

Nearby town: Jabiru

From state capital: 285km

Latitude: -12.85301714876585

Longitude: 132.75256573535387

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Hike overview

Immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna of Kakadu National Park with the Bubba Wetlands Walk. This 4-kilometre loop trail, suitable for walkers of moderate fitness (Grade 2), is a rewarding exploration of the park's wetlands.

The walk typically takes around 2 hours to complete and is best undertaken during the dry season (August to November). Be sure to check the daily Kakadu access report for road conditions before setting off, as the trail is only accessible during this drier period.

The starting point for the Bubba Wetlands Walk is Djarradjin (Muirella Park) campground, situated in the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region. The trail meanders through diverse wetland habitats, showcasing the unique beauty of Kakadu. Keep an eye out for the stark white trunks of ghost gums, the graceful silhouettes of slender white egrets, and the ever-present silhouette of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock in the distance. The wetlands themselves are a haven for birdlife, while the fringing paperbarks and freshwater mangroves add another layer of visual interest.

This walk is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the traditional uses of the paperbark tree by the Bininj people. The thick bark of this tree provided them with a versatile material for everything from bedding and bandages to cooking utensils and even rafts.

If you're looking for a pleasant way to spend a few hours in the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region and appreciate the natural wonders of Kakadu, the Bubba Wetlands Walk is a perfect addition to your itinerary.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Bubba Wetlands Walk (4km)

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Main image: Parks Australia

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Kakadu National Park.

Reaching the Bubba Wetlands Walk is straightforward. Located within the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region of Kakadu National Park, the trailhead is situated near the Djarradjin (Muirella Park) carpark. Travellers coming from Jabiru township can travel south along the Kakadu Highway for around 38 kilometres. Keep an eye out for signs directing you towards Nourlangie Rock and follow this road for 2 kilometres. The carpark for Djarradjin (Muirella Park) will be clearly marked along this route. Once parked, the starting point for the Bubba Wetlands Walk can be easily found within the park itself.

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

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide River, Arnhem Land, Batchelor, Cooinda, Darwin, Gunbalanya, Humpty Doo, Jabiru, Kakadu Village, Katherine, Maningrida, Mary River, Nourlangie, Pine Creek

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Kakadu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Bubba Wetlands Walk (4km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Bubba wetlands walk (4km) 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

Walk map and GPX file
Bubba Wetlands Walk (4km)