Unofficial guide · verify with Parks Australia

Kakadu National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Bardedjilidji sandstone walk

Guide updated · Track conditions, the Kakadu Access Report, park-pass prices, camping fe…

A 2.5 km Grade 2 loop through sandstone pillars, monsoon-forest pockets and paperbark along the East Alligator. Official page notes a cool cave, public rock art (do not touch), and typical viewing May–December — [VERIFY] Access Report.

  • Grade 2
  • ~2 hours
  • 2.5 km loop
  • Effort: easy
  • Best for: Sandstone pillars, monsoon pockets, East Alligator paperbark — quieter than Ubirr sunset

Distance, grade, time and open/closed status change. Always verify current conditions, fees and closures with Parks Australia / Bowali Visitor Centre (08 8938 1120) and the Kakadu Access Report.

Official Parks Australia info (verify status)
Illustrative sandstone path along an Ubirr-style outcrop above a tropical floodplain
Bardedjilidji — Ubirr sandstone country (illustrative)xAI Imagine · AI-generated · illustrative · AI illustration — not a photograph

Where you start

Small car park ~500 m from the upstream boat ramp

Parks Australia: the walk starts at a small car park 500 m from the upstream boat ramp in the East Alligator / Erre area. Not the Ubirr sunset car park. Confirm the pin on the official walk page.

How to get there

  1. Same sealed corridor as Ubirr / Cahills Crossing. Park pass required. Access Report mandatory — this river country floods.
  2. Official seasonal note: “See it: May to December.” Treat that as a planning hint, not a promise. [VERIFY] Access Report.
  3. No public transport. Fuel at Jabiru.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Start in the cool hours. Carry water. This is still crocodile country beside the river — stay on the marked loop.
  2. Look for public rock art on walls; do not touch or rub paintings. Official notes also mention grinding holes and a shady cave used as shelter.
  3. Complete the 2.5 km loop and return to the small car park. Do not wander down to the river edge for a closer look.

Heat, water and crocodile kit: see the gear hub after the Access Report. Amazon searches live there only — not on this walk page.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on the Access Report and kakadu.gov.au before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Extra tips

  • Good morning pair after a previous evening at Ubirr — not a same-night stack after sunset.
  • Bardedjilidji is a local word for walking track or pathway; official notes also link the name to waterlily roots. Use public material only.
  • [VERIFY] seasonal access before you drive out.

Often paired with Ubirr— only if energy, heat and the Access Report allow.

Area guide: Ubirr, Cahills Crossing & East Alligator (Erre)

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Darwin / Jabiru / Cooinda / Katherine / Pine Creek beds. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official park passes, camping and walk permits are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub — not pushed on every trail.

Nearby stays

Jabiru · Cooinda · Darwin

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official Parks Australia camping and walk permits are never affiliated.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Kakadu park passes, official camping and walk permits are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Kakadu park passes, official camping and walk permits are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub