We recently spent a few days in Kakadu National Park which whilst only long enough to just scratch the surface of this incredible place, was enough time to make it one of our favourite places in the Northern Territory! All our research told us that a place we mustn’t miss was Ubirr, so visiting this place became a priority for us.
We stayed in a glamping tent at Cooinda Lodge whilst in Kakadu National Park. Ubirr was just over an our drive from Cooinda. Everything we had read said it was an incredible place to visit at Sunset, however in the Northern Territory you can’t drive hire cars before dawn or after dusk and sunset also isn’t a great time when you have a toddler. So, we decided to get there as soon as it opened at 8:30am and we lucked out as we weren’t just the only people there, but we didn’t see another person until we arrived back in the carpark over an hour and a half later! So whilst sunset would be magical, there is also something magical about having such a beautiful place all to yourself!
Just a reminder too that all visitors to Kakadu need to have purchased a National Parks Pass and have this on them to show a ranger at anytime whilst in the park. Our pass cost $80 for our visit to Kakadu.
Ubirr is definitely one of the most famous spots in Kakadu and it’s not hard to see why! It’s stunningly beautiful, showcases some incredible Aboriginal art sites and is also accessible in a normal car, whereas a lot of the other attractions in Kakadu require a four wheel drive to access.
The rock art is amazing, and is the best Aboriginal rock art I’ve seen! It showcases animals such as goannas, fish, turtles as well as an amazing picture of a Tasmanian Tiger and art that depicts other stories. The sites at Ubirr are actually considered to be some of the best rock art in the world and it’s incredible how old and how well preserved they are!
The walk itself is a 1km circular track that allows you to explore the rock art sites, with a steep 250m climb to the lookout. The views from the lookout offer 365 degree views of Kakadu and showcase Arnhem Land, the Nadab floodplain, woodlands and rainforest. I honestly did not know there was anywhere in Australia quite like it. You could be forgiven for thinking you were looking out over the plains of Africa! Definitely leave yourself enough time to enjoy these stunning views!
The walk is well signposted but you also require a moderate level of fitness for some parts, as well as decent shoes and the ability to walk on uneven ground and obviously climb rocks to get up to the lookout. Parts of the walk along the rock art are flat paths so would be more suitable for wheelchairs/prams etc.
We managed fine with Dan carrying Addie in our hiking pack and me being pregnant! As it is in most parts of the NT, it’s super hot and we definitely were glad that we visited early and avoided the hottest parts of the day, as well as taking a lot of drinking water and some healthy snacks with us.
Visiting Ubirr was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip to the Northern Territory! We will be back one day but definitely recommend visiting when you’re in the NT, it is amazing and we can see why it is a must do!
