Pros & cons
PROS
- Excellent birding concentrated along a short, easy loop
- Three distinct habitats in one compact circuit
CONS
- Signage can be confusing in places
- Access may change; occasional closures reported
Signed turnoff just off the Arnhem Highway near Ankurdabbal Billabong; short dirt access road running parallel to the highway leads to a small trailhead with toilets.
Stay on boardwalks and marked tracks due to crocodiles; exposure to heat in woodland/billabong sections; signage may be limited; check the park access report before visiting.
Kungarre is a gentle 3.6 km circuit that loops through monsoon forest, open woodland, and the margins of Ankurdabbal Billabong. It’s flat and family-friendly, with a boardwalk that opens wide views over the water—prime time for birdwatching and photos. If you’re short on time, there’s a 1.4 km return option to the boardwalk and back.
Expect a mostly shaded stroll in the monsoon forest, then more sun exposure as you skirt the woodland and billabong. The trail surface is natural with some boardwalk sections and only gentle undulations (very little elevation change). Toilets are available at the start.
This is a wildlife-forward walk rather than a “wow” escarpment hike. Keep an eye out for rainbow pittas, orange-footed scrubfowl, fantails, finches, jabirus, eagles, and comb‑crested jacanas—especially near the billabong. Bring binoculars and a camera if birds are your thing.
A few caveats: signage isn’t perfect, and access can change—recent visitors noted occasional closures or barriers. Always check Kakadu’s access report before you go, and stay strictly on marked tracks and the boardwalk—Kakadu’s waterways can have crocodiles.
Best time to hike: Dry season (May to October) is more comfortable and concentrates wildlife around shrinking water, but the walk is doable year‑round when open. Start early or late to dodge the heat and get softer light on the billabong. Carry water and sun protection for the exposed sections.
Elevation
2.2 mi · 1.5 hrWhere it starts
-12.6810, 132.4787Wildlife on this trail
Near Kungarre Walk
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayGungarre WalkFlat billabong loop with big birdlife and monsoon forest vibesEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
6.7 mi awayMamukala Wetlands WalkEasy loop with superb birdwatching from a serene wetland hideEasy · 1.9 mi · 1.3 hr
6.7 mi awayMamukala WetlandsQuiet bird hide with late-dry flocks and a lily-dotted billabongTrailhead · Restroom
11.9 mi awayRed Lily BillabongSecluded bush camp beside a lily-studded billabongCampground
15.1 mi awayYellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba)Croc-filled billabong with standout sunrise cruises and epic birdlifeRestroom · Parking
15.1 mi awayYellow Water Viewing PlatformBoardwalk platform for classic Yellow Water croc and bird actionParking · Scenic Viewpoint
15.1 mi awayYellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) BoardwalkShort, flat stroll to epic croc and bird views at sunsetEasy · 0.7 mi · 15 min
17.5 mi awayMardukal Billabong WalkShady billabong loop with standout birdlife beside the campgroundEasy · 1 mi · 30 min
