Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features
The Nawurlandja Lookout is one of the most celebrated viewpoints in Kakadu National Park, located near the famous Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site. The area holds immense significance for the Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners and provides a unique perspective on the dramatic landscape of the Arnhem Land escarpment, an area inhabited for over 65,000 years.
Visitors can expect a relatively easy, short climb to the top of the sandstone outlier, which offers 360-degree panoramic views. From the summit, you can see across Anbangbang Billabong to the towering Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) and south to the Arnhem Land plateau. It is considered the best location in Kakadu for sunset views, as the setting sun illuminates the sheer rock faces of the escarpment with intense reds and oranges. The experience is one of raw, natural beauty and profound silence, offering a deep connection to the ancient land.
Nawurlandja Lookout operating times and seasonal access
Access to the Nawurlandja Lookout in Australia’s Northern Territory is dependent on the seasonal conditions within Kakadu National Park. The main gate hours for the park are usually open 24/7, but access tracks can close during the wet season.
- Dry season (Typically May to October): The lookout is usually open daily. This is the optimal time for visits and sunset viewing.
- Wet season (Typically November to April): Access to the lookout and the nearby Burrungkuy rock art area can be closed without notice due to flooding on the access roads or extreme heat. Always check the Kakadu access report before visiting.
- Recommended time: For the best views and photographs, plan your visit for the early morning sunrise or, more commonly, for sunset.
- Park entry: A valid Kakadu Park Pass is mandatory for all visitors aged 5 and over.
Nawurlandja Lookout and Kakadu National Park fees
There is no specific fee for the lookout itself, but a mandatory park pass must be purchased to enter Kakadu National Park. Passes are valid for 7 days. The prices listed below are for the dry season (15 May to 31 October). The pass is slightly cheaper outside of this period, as significant chunks of the park are inaccessible.
| Fee type | Price (7-day pass, checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+ years) | AUD $40.00 | The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days in the park. |
| Child (5-15 years) | AUD $20.00 | |
| Child (0-4 years) | Free | |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | AUD $100.00 |
Purchase note: The Kakadu Park Pass should ideally be purchased online before arrival, although you can also buy them at the Bowali Visitor Centre in Jabiru and the Cooinda Lodge.
Why book the 2-Day Kakadu & Yellow Water Cruise tour from Darwin?
- Explore World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park: Visit ancient wetlands, see Aboriginal rock art and take in diverse ecosystems across two days.
- Yellow Water Cruise experience: Glide along the famous Yellow Water Billabong to see abundant wildlife including crocodiles, birds and buffalo.
- Included meals and accommodation: Enjoy lunches, dinner and an overnight stay at Cooinda Lodge or similar to make the most of your visit.
- Guided walks and cultural insight: Join guided walks to significant rock art galleries and learn about local Aboriginal culture.
- Easy departures from Darwin: Transfers and travel logistics are handled, making this a relaxed way to see the Top End’s top sights.
The walk and physical accessibility
The walk to the lookout is short but requires caution, especially in the heat.
- Walk distance: The walk is approximately 0.6 km return from the car park.
- Terrain: The track is a formed earth and rock path that includes steep sections and steps near the top. It is classified as an easy to moderate walk.
- Accessibility: The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to the steep steps and uneven, natural ground.
- Facilities: There are no toilets or drinking water at the lookout car park or the summit. Visitors must carry sufficient water (at least 3 litres per person) when walking in the area.
Nearby attractions for Nawurlandja Lookout
Nawurlandja is situated in the central Burrungkuy region, close to several other significant Kakadu landmarks:
- Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock): Located just a short drive away, this is one of Kakadu’s most important rock art sites, featuring galleries detailing Aboriginal life, creation stories, and contact history.
- Anbangbang Billabong: Found at the base of Burrungkuy, this billabong is excellent for birdwatching, particularly at sunrise.
- Kunwarddewa (Shadow Cave): A less-visited rock shelter near Burrungkuy featuring more ancient rock art.
- Mirrai Lookout: A dedicated lookout offering an entirely different view of the Arnhem Land escarpment, accessed via a separate track.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the walk difficult? | The walk is classified as easy to moderate. It is short (0.6 km return) but includes steep steps and should be taken slowly, especially in warm weather. |
| Do I have to pay to enter the lookout? | There is no specific fee for the lookout, but a mandatory 7-day Kakadu Park Pass must be purchased online before entering the National Park. |
| When is the best time to visit? | The lookout is famous for its sunset views, as the light dramatically illuminates the rock faces of Burrungkuy and the escarpment. |
| Are there crocodiles at Anbangbang Billabong nearby? | Yes, estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit the billabongs and waterways of Kakadu. Visitors must obey all crocodile warning signs and stay well back from the water’s edge. |
| Can I bring a drone to film the view? | No, flying drones is strictly prohibited anywhere within Kakadu National Park without prior written approval from Parks Australia. |
More Northern Territory travel
Other Northern Territory travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Swimming with crocodiles in Darwin’s Cage of Death.
- Six reasons to visit Darwin on an Australian holiday.
- Guide to Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
- The Victoria Settlement on the Cobourg Peninsula: Australia’s lost city.
- Guide to the Walpa Gorge Trail at Kata Tjuta.
