Sandstone and River Bushwalk Trail (6.4 km, Moderate) – Kakadu National Park

Overview

About Sandstone and River Bushwalk

Why go

Distinctive sandstone outcrops, pandanus pools and East Alligator River views
Quiet, wildlife-rich walk with a complete marked loop

Heads up

Seasonal water levels and crocodile risk can close or restrict the route
Uneven, sandy and exposed walking with limited shade and route-finding sections

This marked loop combines weathered sandstone outcrops, pandanus-fringed pools and the shores of the East Alligator River. It is a quieter, more adventurous walk than the short Bardedjilidji circuit, with good opportunities to see river birds and other Kakadu wildlife.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy go

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation8–22 m

TrailheadBadbong Wodjmeng trackhead carpark-12.43788, 132.96896

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Use the signed Badbong Wodjmeng / Sandstone and River trackhead carpark near the East Alligator upstream boat ramp. The approach is unsealed and may require a high-clearance 4WD after wet weather. There are no toilets or drinking water; check Kakadu road and access conditions before travel and carry a park pass.

Safety

Saltwater crocodiles may be present in the East Alligator River, Catfish Creek, billabongs and pools: never swim or wade, stay well back from water and do not approach wildlife. This Grade 3 route has uneven sandstone, sandy surfaces, limited shade and route-finding sections. Carry ample water and sun protection, do not hike alone, and check seasonal access restrictions before leaving.

8 active Kakadu alerts

ClosureBadbong Wodjmeng and Waldak Irrmbal closedMentions Badbong Wodjmeng, referenced in this guideBadbong 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

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Kakadu Tour Guide

Your drive to Sandstone and River Bushwalk, 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 tour

Recorded for this area

Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River

Listen

“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 0.9 km from the trailhead in the Parkwolf Kakadu Tour Guide.

Hiking Sandstone and River Bushwalk

Route and distanceThe Badbong Wodjmeng (Sandstone and River) walk is a 6.

The Badbong Wodjmeng (Sandstone and River) walk is a 6.5 km (about 4 miles) loop from the signed trackhead carpark near the East Alligator upstream boat ramp. Allow about 4 hours. The route follows the Badbong Wodjmeng track through stone country and river-edge habitat before returning to the trackhead; it is separate from the 2.5 km Bardedjilidji loop.

Access and safetyThis Grade 3 walk has uneven sandstone and sandy surfaces, limited shade and sections where…

This Grade 3 walk has uneven sandstone and sandy surfaces, limited shade and sections where navigation matters. Carry plenty of water and sun protection, and do not hike alone. The access road and walk are seasonal and may require a high-clearance 4WD after wet weather; check Kakadu's current access report and road conditions before setting out. A Kakadu park pass is required.

Saltwater crocodiles may be present in the East Alligator River, Catfish Creek, billabongs and pools. Stay well back from every water edge, never swim or wade, and do not approach wildlife. White-bellied sea-eagles, peregrine falcons and lavender-flanked wrens may be seen.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Kakadu

All Kakadu wildlife maps

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 map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kakadu. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Sandstone and River Bushwalk