The Nanguluwur Gallery Walk offers a rewarding 3.4-kilometre return journey through Kakadu National Park's woodlands. This moderately easy grade 3 hike typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete, allowing ample time to appreciate the fascinating Aboriginal rock art at the trail's end.
Despite its relatively small size, the Nanguluwur gallery boasts a diverse range of artistic styles. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive white-throated grass wren as you meander through the woodlands. Upon arrival at the rock art site, take your time to explore the various depictions. You'll find hand stencils, dynamic figures adorned with elaborate headdresses and wielding spears and boomerangs, and representations of ancestral spirits and mythical beings, including the four-armed Alkajko. One particularly intriguing piece depicts a two-masted sailing ship – a reminder of early European contact, surprising to find so far inland.
The walk itself is a peaceful experience, offering a chance to appreciate the sounds of native birds like grey-crowned babblers, butcher birds, finches, and friar birds. Historically, Nanguluwur held significance as a major camping ground for Aboriginal people.
The interpretive signs will guide you through the diverse artistic styles on display, including hand stencils, depictions of food sources like fish and turtle, and the aforementioned "contact art" featuring the sailing ship. Take a moment to ponder the significance of this image, located far from any waterway. Learn about the female spirit Algaihgo and the importance of respecting the messages conveyed through Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
This walk transports you back in time, culminating at the remarkable Nanguluwur Gallery – a hidden gem tucked away at the end of a 1.7-kilometre path on the northern side of Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Here, you'll encounter powerful portrayals of ancestral spirits, animals, and a captivating glimpse into early European contact with Aboriginal Australians. The site showcases a rich artistic legacy, with depictions ranging from ancient hand stencils to more recent X-ray style animal paintings, some created as late as the 1960s.
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Total distance: 3857 m
Max elevation: 103 m
Min elevation: 26 m
Total climbing: 99 m
Total descent: -98 m
Getting to the trailhead: Kakadu National Park.
The Nanguluwur art site, near Nourlangie Rock, is reached via the Gubara Road, about 20 kilometres from the main service centre of Jabiru.
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
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Kakadu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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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