Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 54m
Min elevation: 35m
Total Ascent: 82m
Hike overview
Unwind amidst the beauty of Kakadu National Park on the Kubara Pools Walk, a scenic 6-kilometre loop trail (Grade 3) suitable for most fitness levels. This delightful journey, typically lasting 3-4 hours, can be enjoyed year-round, showcasing the ever-changing landscapes of Kakadu.
The trail winds through a captivating tapestry of ecosystems. Traverse savanna woodlands, towering sandstone formations, and pockets of lush monsoon rainforest. Each season brings a unique floral display. During the tropical wet season, vibrant lilies and orchids come alive. The early dry season transforms the landscape with a burst of colour from eucalypts, grevilleas, and swamp bloodwoods, their hues ranging from yellow to crimson red.
While accessible throughout the year, the Kubara Pools Walk reaches peak popularity during the wet season. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your walk into a memorable day trip, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Kakadu. Keep your eyes peeled for animal tracks in the sand, a testament to the region's diverse wildlife. You might even spot dingos, wallabies, or lizards as you make your way towards the main creek.
Upon reaching your destination, a haven of tranquility awaits. Escape the midday heat and soak in the idyllic setting of the Kubara Pools. The sound of cascading water over boulders and the gentle shimmer of sunlight on the rippling surface create a truly peaceful ambience.
This serene environment might welcome you with the vibrant colours of a rainbow pitta or offer a glimpse of a banded fruit-dove. Look out for an azure kingfisher diving for prey, or perhaps a Mertens water monitor basking on the rocks. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the symphony of nature, and reconnect with the beauty of Kakadu National Park.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 54 m
Min elevation: 35 m
Total climbing: 82 m
Total descent: -82 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.
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.
Gallery
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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.





