Parking
Use the signed Bardedjilidji Road carpark and Badbong Wodjmeng trackhead on the road to Ubirr. Check Kakadu’s current access report and road conditions at Bowali Visitor Centre before setting out; a Kakadu park pass is required.
Overview
About Badbong Wodjmeng sandstone river walk
From the Bardedjilidji Road carpark and trackhead on the road to Ubirr, this marked circuit follows the Badbong Wodjmeng route through sandstone outcrops, Catfish Creek, pandanus-fringed pools, floodplains and the East Alligator River. The complete visitor route is about 7.5 km (4.7 miles) and takes around 4 hours.
This is a remote, demanding bush walk with uneven sandstone, rock and sandy surfaces, limited shade and sections where route-finding matters. Do not hike alone; carry plenty of water, sun protection and a reliable navigation backup. The route is graded moderate by Kakadu, while some hiking references rate the rough terrain one grade harder.
Crocodiles live in the East Alligator River, Catfish Creek, billabongs and pools. Stay well back from every water edge and never swim, wade or approach wildlife. White-bellied sea-eagles, lavender-flanked wrens and peregrine falcons may be seen.
Access is seasonal and can change with water levels, weather and park management. Check Kakadu’s current access report and road conditions before setting out, and carry a Kakadu park pass.
Why go
- Varied sandstone, floodplain, billabong and East Alligator River scenery in one circuit
- Good chance of seeing white-bellied sea-eagles, wrens and other wildlife
Heads up
- Seasonal water levels and crocodile risk can close or restrict the route
- Remote, demanding walking with limited shade, uneven surfaces and unreliable mobile reception
Map & elevation
The route
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Kakadu alerts
- ClosureBadbong Wodjmeng and Waldak Irrmbal closedMentions this trailBadbong Wodjmeng sandstone river walk and Waldak Irrmbal (West Alligator Head) are closed; do not enter or plan access to these sites.Official details
- ClosureJim Jim and Twin Falls area closed for 2026The Jim Jim and Twin Falls area is closed for 2026; do not visit the closed sites.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Kakadu Tour Guide
Your drive to Badbong Wodjmeng sandstone river walk, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Kakadu National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Kakadu audio tourRecorded for this area
Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator RiverListen
“If you're looking for a boat trip with a real difference, the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise departs from a boat ramp in this area.”
Plays on the road 0.5 km from the trailhead in the Parkwolf Kakadu Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Cahills Crossing Crocodile Viewing
- Exploring Ubirr's Rock Art and Floodplain Lookout
- Merl Campground: Base for Ubirr and Cahills
- A River That Runs Backwards
- 111 audio storiesacross Kakadu’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Saltwater Crocodile, Water Buffalo, Frilled Dragon, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 35 trails, 54 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Wildlife
Wildlife in Kakadu
1,079 sightingsSaltwater CrocodileMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
121 sightingsWater BuffaloMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
76 sightingsFrilled DragonMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
116 sightingsRed-tailed Black CockatooMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
101 sightingsBrolgaMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
299 sightingsMagpie GooseMost seen around 5 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kakadu. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
