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Kakadu & Arnhem Land Walks - Grades & Difficulty

Posted on 22 November, 2021 in Environment, Hiking, Kakadu, Rock Art, Victoria Settlement, Tours

Our track grading system is primarily a means of informing people about the environment, elements and features of walking tracks through Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. People can then gauge their suitability for taking part in a particular walk or tour. Please use this as guidance only as it is the responsibility of the individual that knows their ability best to determine whether the walk/tour is suitable to their skill level.

In every walk with nature, one receives far more then he seeks - John Muir

venture-norths-walking-tour-grades

Our system grades walking trails on a difficulty scale from grades one to five.

Grade 1- flat gradient, no steps, well signed, short distance (under 2km), no experience required and suitable for people with a disability

Grade 2- gradual climb, occasional rocky steps, well signed, relatively short distance (under 4km), limited experience required, suitable for all ages with moderate fitness

Grade 3- steady climb, short steep hills and/or rocky obstacles such as loose rocks, slippery when wet or sandy, intermittently signposted otherwise guided, medium distance (under 8km) suitable for people with some bushwalking experience and decent fitness

Grade 4- steep climb and/or long distance, rough and unstable track, many obstacles, limited signage or markers, medium-long distance (under 500m - 50km), suitable for experienced bushwalkers only with good fitness

Grade 5- very steep and/or very long distance, very rough and unpredictable track, unstable, good balance required, limited to no signage, long-distance 30km +, suitable for very experienced bushwalkers only with good fitness.

The below walks are included in Venture North's 

5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour


Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) - Kakadu National Park

Grade: 3 - Distance: 2km return - Time: 1.5hrs - Time on tour: 2.5hrs

maguk-barramundi-gorge-kakadu

The first half of the walk is a flat and shaded monsoon rainforest track along Barramundi creek, with opportunities to spot monsoon birds as well as native freshwater fish species. The track then transforms into a rocky sandstone walk (medium solid boulders and small loose rocks) with a small stone creek crossing. At the end of the walk, the main plunge pool is set in a spectacular stone amphitheatre, perfect for a refreshing dip.


Nawurlandja Lookout - Kakadu National Park

Grade: 2 - Distance: 600m return - Time: 30mins - Time on tour: 1hr

nawurlandja-lookout-kakadu-walking-tours

This walk takes you up a 300m short, moderately steep (approximately 40degrees) sandstone slope. Nawurlandja lookout is an incredibly tranquil spot with breathtaking views across Anbangbang Billabong, Nourlangie Rock and the Arnhem Land escarpment.


Injalak Hill - Arnhem Land

Grade: 3 - Distance: Approximately 2km loop - Time: 1.5hrs - Time on tour: 3hrs

arnhem-land-tours-injalak-hill-walking-tour

This walk must be guided and requires a permit. The walking track begins with a short steep climb with a combination of solid, naturally formed sandstone steps and loose gravel-like stones. Once reaching the first rock art shelter (approximately 300m), the walk takes you on a gradual climb through sandstone overhangs and chasms, regularly stopping to look at the abundant rock art and stunning views across the bushland floodplain and community. The walk is often shaded and is led at a slow pace.


Victoria Settlement - Arnhem Land

Grade: 2 - Distance: 3.7km loop - Time: 1hr - Time on tour: 3hrs

victoria-settlement-cobourg-peninsula-walk

This is a flat surface savannah bushland walk with a very gentle climb. The walk commences at a sandy beach cove, travels along the Port Essington coastline cliffs and down through monsoonal bushland thicket. Moderately shaded with frequent stops to view ruins.


Ubirr - Kakadu National Park

Grade: 2 - Distance: 1.5km loop - Time: 1.5hrs - Time on tour: 2.5hrs

ubirr-kakadu-walking-tours

This is a flat surface, 1km loop walk that takes you through Aboriginal occupation shelters and rock art sites. Access to a couple of the art sites requires a very short, gentle climb. An optional, moderately steep 250m climb to a rocky lookout offers 360-degree views across Arnhem Land and the Nadab floodplain.


Mamukala Wetlands Observation Platform - Kakadu National Park

Grade: 1 - Distance: 200m return – Time: 10mins - Time on tour: 30mins

mamukala-wetlands-platform-walk

A 100m walk along a paved footpath brings you to an observation platform that offers remarkable birdlife spotting opportunities. A favourite for the families. 


Our 5 Day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula Tour includes all of these walks and more. 

These are also able to be incorporated into our tailored Private Charters.

For any additional information please don't hesitate to contact Venture North on (08) 8927 5500 or by email here.