Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 16m
Min elevation: 12m
Total Ascent: 15m
Hike overview
Nestled beside the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park, the Manngarre Rainforest Walk offers a trio of interconnected loops, perfect for families, time-conscious explorers, or those seeking refuge from the midday sun. These easy Grade 2 trails, totalling 1.9 kilometres, can be completed in roughly one hour.
The convenient location, close to Manbiyarra (Border Store), Cahills Crossing viewing platform, Merl campground, and a short drive from Ubirr, makes this walk a perfect stop for various itineraries. Stroll beneath the cool, shady canopy of the monsoon rainforest and discover the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Look out for fascinating creatures like flying foxes, spectacular golden orb spiders, orange-footed scrub fowl, and the vibrantly coloured rainbow pitta.
A highlight of the walk is the vantage point overlooking the East Alligator River. Keep your eyes peeled – this is a prime location for croc-spotting, allowing you to observe these prehistoric predators in their natural habitat.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â 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
Max elevation: 16 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 15 m
Total descent: -15 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.
Reaching the Manngarre Rainforest Walk is convenient for those exploring Kakadu National Park. Situated near the East Alligator River, the trailhead is accessible by car. If you’re travelling south on the Kakadu Highway from Darwin, follow signs towards Jabiru. Shortly before Jabiru, you’ll see the turnoff for Cahill’s Crossing. Take this turnoff and continue for a short distance until you see signs for the Manngarre Rainforest Walk and car park on your left. Remember, a Kakadu National Park pass is required for entry. These can be purchased online in advance or at park entry points.
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.





