Ubirr

Many people visit the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park for its changing landscapes and wildlife. They also come to learn about local Aboriginal culture. Ubirr is one of the main places to do this in Kakadu, as the ancient rock art provides insight into a culture that’s tens of thousands of years old.

Many travelers visit Ubirr independently with their own vehicle while staying in Jabiru or other parts of the national park. Alternatively, some Kakadu day trips from Darwin stop at Ubirr, as do some multi-day tours of Kakadu and neighboring Arnhem Land.

• Plan at least one hour to visit Ubirr to complete the circuit track and ascend the 820-foot (250-meter) lookout, with panoramic views over the Nadab floodplain.

• The area around the main rock art site is wheelchair accessible, although the hilltop lookout is not.

• Carry plenty of water for this walk, but leave alcoholic drinks behind out of respect for the local culture.

• Stay on the marked track to avoid damaging any flora, fauna, or sites of cultural significance.

• There are public toilets in the parking lot.

Ubirr is about 26 miles (43 kilometers) northeast of Jabiru, the main town in the Kakadu National Park. Driving there from Jabiru takes about 30 minutes, and it’s an easy route along the Arnhem Highway/Oenpelli Road. Alternatively, many tours of Kakadu stop at Ubirr.

Most people visit Kakadu National Park and Ubirr in the dry season (May–October). In the wet season, the plains flood, cutting off road access. If the road to Ubirr is flooded, take a sightseeing cruise. Visit Ubirr later in the day to coincide with sunset, as the views from the lookout are renowned. From April 1 to November 30, Ubirr is open from mid-morning until sunset; otherwise, it’s open from mid-afternoon until sunset.

Ubirr is one of two famous rock art sites in Kakadu National Park; the other is at Nourlangie (Burrungkuy). It has a longer circuit track and a few galleries and lookouts, so it's an ideal place to visit in the day when you have time to explore. Look out for the rock art and the rare chestnut-quilled rock pigeon and black wallaroo, a small animal related to the kangaroo.