Trail Fast Facts
Bardedjilidji Walk is a 2.5km, grade 2 hike in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Bardedjilidji Walk is one of Kakadu National Park's most interesting short walks. The 2.5 kilometre trail winds through layered sandstone, woodlands and wetlands alongside the East Alligator River. You can complete it by yourself or join the guided walk on Mondays.
Bardedjilidji is the local Aboriginal word for walking track or pathway, and also refers to the roots of waterlilies growing in freshwater swamps and billabongs. Experience a number of different habitats on the trail, from sandstone formations that were islands in the sea in at the time of the dinosaurs, to monsoon vine forest and wetland areas. Look for the black wallaroo in the early morning among the shaded sandstone outcrops. Stop at the cave that provides daytime shelter for insects, geckos and bats, and which once would have been a cool shelter for Aboriginal people. Look carefully to see some rock art here, but please do not touch/rub the paintings.
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
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Trailhead
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Getting there
Situated within Kakadu National Park, the trailhead is easily accessible by car. If you're travelling along the Kakadu Highway, the walk is conveniently located midway between Jabiru and Cooinda, the park's two main service centres. The trail starts at a small car park 500 metres from the upstream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. Watch out for clear signage indicating the turn-off for the walk. Take this exit and follow the road for a short distance until you reach the designated carpark for the Mirray Lookout Walk. There, you can park your vehicle and prepare for the moderately challenging climb to the top.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed 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.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
Weather
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.