Trail Fast Facts
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Gallery Walk is a 1.9km, grade 2 hike in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Nestled within Kakadu National Park, the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Gallery Walk offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the world's oldest and most impressive rock art. This 1.9-kilometre loop trail, accessible year-round, takes you on a visual journey through time, transforming the landscape into an outdoor cultural museum.
The walk highlights the deep connection between the traditional Aboriginal custodians and their land. Rock art (known as kunbim) serves as a powerful expression of cultural identity and a link to the past. Notably, the act of creation holds greater significance than the individual artwork itself, leading to the layering of paintings across various eras.
One of the walk's focal points is the Anbangbang gallery and shelter. This site showcases a remarkable concentration of artistic styles, depicting everything from creation beings like Namarrkon (the lightning man) to fascinating X-ray style animal figures and even intriguing portrayals of European sailing ships, a testament to early contact.
The walk also incorporates the Kunwarddewardde lookout, offering breathtaking vistas of the Arnhem Land escarpment with its towering sandstone cliffs and sprawling savanna woodlands. During the dry season, seasonal guided tours delve deeper into the region's geology, archaeology, and the traditional custodians' way of life. These tours provide insights into how the Anbangbang shelter was utilized and shed light on the enduring cultural connection to the land.
Whether you choose to explore independently or join a guided tour, the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Gallery Walk promises a captivating journey through time, culture, and art.
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 60 m
Min elevation: 29 m
Total climbing: 81 m
Total descent: -81 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Located within Kakadu National Park, the trailhead is accessible via Stuart Highway. After entering the park through the park gates on the highway, follow the signs for Nourlangie Road. This road winds for approximately 25 kilometres, passing through scenic pockets of the park before arriving at the main park complex for Burrungkuy (Nourlangie). Here, you'll find designated parking for the rock art sites, where your exploration of the Burrungkuy Gallery Walk begins.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.