Nourlangie Rock Kakadu National Park
Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning landscapes at Nourlangie, a sacred site in Kakadu National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Nourlangie Rock Kakadu National Park
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning landscapes at Nourlangie, a sacred site in Kakadu National Park.
"Mind blowing to be in a place inhabited for so long, with art trends changing over time. "
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Carry ample water, especially in the heat. Dehydration can be serious, even on short walks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walking paths can be uneven with steps. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art
Various shelters within Nourlangie
Witness thousands of years of history through stunning rock paintings depicting ancestral beings and daily life.
Anbangbang Gallery
Main rock shelter
Explore this significant shelter showcasing diverse art styles and learn about its cultural importance.
Nourlangie Lookout
Top of the rock formation
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Kakadu landscape from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Respect the Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Carry ample water, especially in the heat. Dehydration can be serious, even on short walks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walking paths can be uneven with steps. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring.
🦟 Insect Repellent is Key
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent. Apply repellent generously.
📸 Respect Photography Rules
Some art is culturally sensitive and not for sharing online. Be mindful of signage.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Carry ample water, especially in the heat. Dehydration can be serious, even on short walks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walking paths can be uneven with steps. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring.
🦟 Insect Repellent is Key
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent. Apply repellent generously.
📸 Respect Photography Rules
Some art is culturally sensitive and not for sharing online. Be mindful of signage.
🚶♀️ Know Your Limits
The heat can be deceptive. Don't overestimate your fitness, especially on uphill sections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nourlangie Rock for its incredible Aboriginal rock art and the profound sense of history it evokes. The stunning natural scenery and the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture are major highlights. However, some find the heat and humidity challenging, and advise visitors to be well-prepared with water and appropriate footwear.
"Excellent background history of Kakadu's indigenous history & traditions as part of day tour from Darwin. Info boards give limited spiel - certainly not in detail why one artwork is not to be photographed & shared online. Visited on Sat 26/7/25 in Kakadu's even more hot & humid conditions. A Kakadu National Park's pass is needed to enter the area but included in our AAT King Tour. Toilets are located here at main parking area.
The scenery along Arnhem Highway was parched & dry - populated with pandanus spiky trees & smaller native vegetation except for wreaths of wetlands that passed all too quickly. Insect repellant advisable & stay hydrated esp. at this time of year.
For goodness sake, if you are on meds, skip brekkie & think foolishly that bcos you were a fit hiker 20 years ago, you can do the uphill walk - under 1 km loop it may be. Do not underestimate the toll the Kakadu heat & humidity will do to you even for a short distance. 2 options - take either the unsealed, uneven incline walk with steps to get to the first rock shelter with ancient & recent aboriginal artwork or take the flat paved route to the lower & main rock art area.
An over 80s male in our group did not heed the advice & had a near collapse up at the 1st rock shelter. Timely first aid by guide & attendees revived him but overall set us back by half an hour. We then had to curtail the rest of tour stops to make up time. So please know your limits. Do give this ancient significant place the time it deserves & do the longer signposted walks if you are fit & able.✨️"
The Melbie
"I'm not posting the Art because I don't want to ruin it for you and some of it is culturally inappropriate to photograph. Awesome place. Definitely take heaps of water if you're going in the wet season."
Lesley Brown
"Amazing quality rock art. Mind blowing to be in a place the was inhabited for so long. Art trends and techniques changed with time even in ancient times! Great place for birding too.
The big walk over the mountain is a must if you're up to it. Amazing country."
david shaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nourlangie Rock is located within Kakadu National Park, about a 3-hour drive from Darwin. You'll need to drive east on the Arnhem Highway. A Kakadu National Park pass is required for entry.
Public transport directly to Nourlangie is limited. Most visitors access it via organized tours from Darwin or by driving their own vehicle.
Many visitors opt for self-driving to explore at their own pace, while others prefer guided tours that cover key sites like Nourlangie and Ubirr.
No, Nourlangie Rock is accessible by a standard 2WD vehicle via the Arnhem Highway, which is sealed.
Jabiru is the closest town to Nourlangie. The drive from Jabiru to Nourlangie is approximately 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Kakadu National Park pass is required to enter the park, which includes access to Nourlangie. Passes can be purchased online or at park entry points.
Nourlangie Rock is accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times for the site itself, but it's best visited during daylight for safety and visibility.
Nourlangie Rock is generally accessible year-round. However, during the wet season (typically November to April), some access roads might be affected by flooding. Always check park conditions before visiting.
Guided tours from Darwin or other locations will have their own fees, which typically include the Kakadu National Park pass.
No, once you have your Kakadu National Park pass, there are no additional entry fees for specific rock art sites like Nourlangie.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nourlangie is famous for its ancient Aboriginal rock art, including paintings at Anbangbang Gallery and other shelters. You can also enjoy scenic views from the lookout. +1
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the main rock art sites and enjoy the views. If you plan to do longer walks, allocate more time.
Yes, there are toilets located at the main parking area at Nourlangie Rock.
Parts of the walk to the main rock art area are paved and accessible by wheelchair, but some sections involve uneven terrain and steps.
You can take photos of the landscape and some artworks, but be aware that certain paintings are culturally sensitive and should not be photographed or shared online. Follow all signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly at Nourlangie Rock. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks, or dine in Jabiru before or after your visit.
Pack plenty of water and snacks. Given the heat, it's crucial to stay hydrated and have energy.
The nearest town with dining options is Jabiru, which has a supermarket and a few cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The Nourlangie Lookout offers stunning panoramic views. The rock formations themselves also make for dramatic shots, especially during golden hour.
Yes, some of the Aboriginal rock art is considered sacred and should not be photographed or shared online. Always adhere to local signage and guidelines.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful light for landscape photography and can highlight the textures of the rock formations.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and cultural heritage. Check the Kakadu National Park website for current drone regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to discuss the importance of respecting sacred sites and following photography guidelines with your children. It's a chance to teach them about Indigenous Australian heritage in a tangible way. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Be prepared for the heat and humidity by starting early, carrying extra water, and wearing appropriate gear. The reward is experiencing the raw, natural environment and the ancient cultural significance of the area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the cultural sensitivities surrounding the rock art; not all of it is suitable for photography. Focus on capturing the grandeur of the landscape and the textures of the rock.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Nourlangie's Rock Art
Visitors can explore various shelters, including the Anbangbang Gallery, which showcases different artistic styles and techniques that evolved over millennia. Some of the oldest paintings are estimated to be up to 20,000 years old, making this one of the longest historical records of human activity anywhere on Earth. It's important to remember that some of this art is sacred and carries deep spiritual significance, with specific protocols regarding photography and sharing.
Understanding the context behind the art enhances the visitor experience. The art provides insights into the deep connection Indigenous Australians have with their land and their enduring cultural traditions. Respecting these cultural protocols is paramount to preserving this invaluable heritage for future generations.
Navigating Nourlangie: Walks and Accessibility
For those who are fit and able, the longer, signposted walks offer a more immersive experience of the surrounding country and the rock formations. However, it's crucial to heed warnings about the Kakadu heat and humidity. Even short distances can be taxing, and visitors are strongly advised to know their limits and not underestimate the environmental conditions.
Essential preparation includes wearing sturdy walking shoes, carrying plenty of water, and applying insect repellent. The park rangers and information boards provide guidance on the walks and safety precautions.
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