Pros & cons
PROS
- Excellent birdwatching with surprisingly low crowds
- Shaded, scenic picnic spot right on the loop
CONS
- Very short and flat—underwhelming if you want a workout
- Crocodile risk limits any close water access or lingering at the edge
Park at Mardukal Campground; signed access and 2WD-friendly parking near the start of the loop.
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the billabong—never swim or approach the edge. Stay on the high bank, keep kids close, and don’t retrieve snagged lures.
Why go
This is Kakadu’s easy win: a short, shady loop skirting a tranquil billabong right beside Mardukal Campground. Expect still water, paperbark and pandanus shade, and a soundtrack of bird calls rather than crowds. If you’re camping nearby or road‑tripping the highway, it’s a perfect leg‑stretcher with real wetland atmosphere.
The walk
Plan on roughly 1 mile (about 1.6 km) for the full loop, taking around 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. It’s flat and simple—Grade 2 easy—more amble than hike. Some listings report slightly different distances, but all agree it’s short. The path threads between andjimjim (water pandanus), silver‑leaved paperbarks and syzygiums, with frequent openings to the water and a picnic spot overlooking the billabong.
What you’ll see
Come for the birdlife. Magpie geese, comb‑crested jacanas tiptoeing the lilies, cormorants drying wings, purple swamphens, and kingfishers are regulars. The billabong itself is classic Kakadu wetland—seasonal water, big skies, and reflections—best appreciated slowly with binoculars in hand. Anglers work the high bank for barramundi and saratoga, but the water is crocodile country, so keep well back.
Need to know
Do not swim or approach the water’s edge—large saltwater crocodiles are present. If you’re fishing and snag a lure, leave it. Keep children within reach and stick to the high bank and formed track. The walk is flat but unpaved and uneven in places, so it’s not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Facilities (toilets, drinking water, shade) are at the adjacent Mardukal Campground, and 2WD access is typical.
Best time to hike
Dry season is the sweet spot (June–November) for reliable access, lower humidity, and excellent wildlife viewing. Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light, cooler temps, and peak bird activity. In the wet, nearby areas can flood—check current park access before you go.
Elevation
1 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
-12.9276, 132.5383Wildlife on this trail
Near Mardukal Billabong Walk
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayMardugal CampgroundQuiet bush campground with hot showers and boat ramp accessCampground · Restroom
1.8 mi awayCooinda AirportScenic flight launchpad beside Cooinda Lodge and Yellow WaterParking
1.9 mi awayBarra Bar & BistroCasual bushfood bistro at Cooinda with alfresco fairy light vibesFood · Restaurant
1.9 mi awayCooinda Lodge KakaduCentral base for Yellow Water cruises, with pools, bar, and fuelLodging · Restaurant
2.6 mi awayYellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) BoardwalkShort, flat stroll to epic croc and bird views at sunsetEasy · 0.7 mi · 15 min
15.3 mi awayBubba Wetlands WalkEasy loop through classic Kakadu wetlands with standout birdlifeEasy · 2.5 mi · 2 hr
17.5 mi awayGungarre WalkFlat billabong loop with big birdlife and monsoon forest vibesEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
17.5 mi awayKungarre WalkEasy loop to a bird-rich billabong and shaded monsoon forestEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
