Best trails in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is located in the Alligator Rivers Region in the Northern Territory of Australia, about 170km southeast of the city of Darwin. The Aboriginal people - the oldest living culture on earth - have been living there for more than 65,000 years. It is the largest national park in Australia. It has a varied landscape from one side to the park to the other, including woodlands, lowlands, mangrove-lined coastlines, sweeping stone country and endless floodplains and wetlands. It is home to a diverse fauna of wallabies, wallaroos, crocodiles and birds, among others.
Top trails
- (167)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrAn easy loop in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. One of Kakadu National Park's most famous spots, this walk passes several breathtaking Aboriginal art sites and leads up to a stunning lookout over the Nadab floodplain. A well marked route that starts out flat so you will see all the sites with such great information on the paintings. When you go to the lookout it becomes a steep climb with stairs and some rock climbing, but it’s short and sweet. It...
- (151)•Easy•1.1 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrAn easy loop in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. This walk has two main draw cards the rock art and the Nawurlandja lookout acrossAnbangbang Billabon to Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and the Arnhem Land escarpment giving you sense of the grand scale of the park. While short there are a few short climbs and some stairs in some sections. The plaques explaining the art is so well written and informative about the history and culture of the site. of the...
- (99)•Moderate•5.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrA moderate out and back walk in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. The route follows a clear path through the monsoon forest until the last turn off to the falls which involves a short rock scramble. Nice to cool off with a swim at the falls. The small pristine waterfall is a favourite in the summer/wet season when Kakadu’s larger falls are usually inaccessible. Look out for wallaroos, red-tailed black cockatoos, finches and lorikeets along the way. A...
- (56)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrA short trail in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. The trail route is a short rock hop along the creek to the plunge pool at the base of Jim Jim Falls. At 200m high it is the biggest waterfall not just in Kakadu but also in the Northern Territory. The 50 km road into the area is unsealed and often corrugated. Please observe the 60 km/hr speed limit. Only high clearance 4WD vehicles can continue from Garnamarr Campground to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. The...
- (64)•Easy•1.3 miA short undulating trail in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. The lush green walk leads you through a monsoon rainforest filled with wildlife like Rainbow pitas, emerald doves and spangled drongos the then opens up to reveal the large pool surrounded by the steep cliffs and the falls. Take your swimming gear. A 4WD is recommended to access the the car park, but many people have mentioned that had no issues in a 2WD Highlights of the walk: - Maguk...
- (59)•Moderate•0.4 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA short steep trail in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. Almost straight from the car park the trail starts to climb steeply up. Once you reach the platform you return back down via the same trail. Both the rock formations and the views of Nourlangie Rock are stunning. It is recommended to do the walk late afternoon timing your arrival at the lookout to watch the sunset.
- (64)•Moderate•0.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA short loop walk in the famous Kakadu a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. Walkers are rewarded with 360-degree views of the northern part of the park after a short but steep climb. A great spot for a picnic lunch as there is a shelter surrounded by trees. If hot it's best to set out early in the morning to avoid the heat/humidity.
- (43)•Easy•2.4 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrImmerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kakadu's woodlands on this delightful walk. The track to the gallery is a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. Listen for the calls of grey-crowned babblers, butcher birds, and finches as you walk, and keep an eye out for the rare white-throated grass wren. The landscape is full of native plants, and depending on the season, you might see the beautiful pink flowers of the turkey bush, or the ripening fruit of the Kakadu plum. It’s a wonderful way...
- (51)•Easy•1.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrAn interesting short loop walk in the famous Kakadu National Park a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. An easy but stunning route through layered sandstone terrain. It is not well marked so it is helpful to use a map or GPS. Section 3 features some rock art that should not be missed. This trail can be linked together with Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone River Walk which starts at the same car park for a longer hike.
- (36)•Easy•0.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA short walk in the famous Kakadu Park. Just a few hours drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. This beautiful boardwalk through the wetlands constantly changes from season to season. A perfect spot place to spot saltwater crocodiles. Plus there is also an information board explaining the area and local culture. You can also take a boat cruise year-round which is a great way to see more of the wetlands.
Showing results 1–10 of 37
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Kakadu National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kakadu National Park is Ubirr Aboriginal Art Walk, which has a 4.9 star rating from 167 reviews. This trail is 1.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 104 ft.
What is the longest trail in Kakadu National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kakadu National Park is Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls Walk. This trail is estimated to be 22.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Kakadu National Park?
There are 37 trails in Kakadu National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 1,253 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kakadu National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Kakadu National Park has you covered. Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 2,381 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Bilkbilkmi (Graveside) Gorge 4WD Track, which will get you 2,191 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Kakadu National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 camping trails in Kakadu National Park and the most popular is Kurrundie Falls via Yurmikmik Falls Trail with an average 4.2 star rating from 15 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Kakadu National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Kakadu National Park and the most popular is Bowali Visitor's Centre Walk with an average 4.2 star rating from 19 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with waterfalls in Kakadu National Park, including Yurmikmik Falls Trail via Motor Car Falls Trail, Jim Jim Creek and Falls Walk, Barramundi Gorge and Maguk Falls, Jim Jim Falls and Barrk Marlam Walk, and Gunlom Falls Walk.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic mountain peak view in Kakadu National Park: Mount Cahill via Mirray Lookout Walk.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with scenic viewpoints in Kakadu National Park, including Ubirr Aboriginal Art Walk, Nawurlandja Lookout and Burrunggu Walk, Yurmikmik Falls Trail via Motor Car Falls Trail, Nawurlandja Lookout, and Mount Cahill via Mirray Lookout Walk.
Are there any trails with rivers in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim Creek and Falls Walk, Barramundi Gorge and Maguk Falls, Jim Jim Falls and Barrk Marlam Walk, Gungurul Lookout Walk, and Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls Walk.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with archaeological sites in Kakadu National Park, including Ubirr Aboriginal Art Walk, Nawurlandja Lookout and Burrunggu Walk, Nanguluwurr Gallery Walk, Bardedjilidji Walk, and Badbong Wodjmeng Sandstone River Walk.
Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a bird hide or bird blind in Kakadu National Park: Mamukala Wetlands Walk.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim Creek and Falls Walk, Jim Jim Falls and Barrk Marlam Walk, and Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls Walk.
Are there any trails with lakes in Kakadu National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a lake in Kakadu National Park: Yellow Water Boardwalk.
Top national parks in Northern Territory
Suitability
Points of interest
- Yurmikmik (Motor Car) Falls
- Boulder Creek Falls
- Nadab Lookout
- Incline Gallery
- Anbangbang Gallery
- Yellow Water Billabong
- Yurmikmik Lookout
- Gunnwarrdehwarrdde Lookout
- Barramundie Creek
- Main Gallery
- Anbangbang Shelter
- Nawurlandja Lookout
- Jim Jim Creek
- Nawurlandja Lookout
- Rainbow Serpent
- Nanguluwur Gallery
- Gunlom Waterfall
- Rock Art
- Mabuyu
- Namarrkan Sisters