View the incredible rock galleries of Kakadu National Park.
Kakadu National Park is a vast national park that is home to ancient rock art. Some of the rock art dates back over 20,000 years, making it some of the oldest artwork on Earth.
These rock art galleries are important because they paint a record of Aboriginal life throughout the past thousands of years. The art also shows the relationship between the local Aboriginal communities with their land and spiritual heritage.
There are three rock art galleries at Kakadu National park, each offering a unique depiction of history and culture.
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie)
Connected to the Anbangbang Rock Shelter is the famous Nourlangie Rock. This large rock is famous for its incredible rock art. Here, you can take a 1.5 kilometre walk around Nourlangie Rock to view the rock art gallery.
When visiting this area, you can learn from a park ranger about the local people and their relationship with the landscape. You’ll come to understand the importance of the area and the meaning behind different drawings. As you view the drawings such as the Lightning Man or the Creation Ancestor Namondjok, you’ll feel as though you’re taking a step back in time.
Nanguluwurr
The Nanguluwurr Gallery is located on the northern side of Nourlangie Rock. You have to follow the path that leads you around the rock to find this rock art gallery. Once you find it, you’ll see rock art depicting the contact between Europeans and Aboriginal people.
There are also paintings depicting ancestral spirits and animals. This rock art ranges in style and age, with some only being recently painted in the 1960s.
Ubirr
Ubirr Rock is the most famous rock art in Kakadu National Park and contributes to the national park’s UNESCO World Heritage status. This rock alone has three different galleries that you can see via a 1 kilometre circular walking track.
The main gallery depicts how the Aboriginal people used to hunt and live off the land. There are also images that are referred to as “x-ray art”. Another part of the gallery shows a Tasmanian tiger, which went extinct over 2,000 years ago.
Other rock art at Ubirr Rock depicts Dreamtime ancestors and more fascinating history.
View ancient rock art on a Kakadu tour
Spend an unforgettable day exploring the highlights of Kakadu National Park from Darwin on this day tour!
The morning begins as we journey along the Stuart Highway, one of Australia’s longest roads. You’ll be able to relax and wake up a bit as you take in the gorgeous scenery. Once we arrive in the national park, we will visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre to learn about the local Bininj People and their lives in Kakadu. We will then embark on a thrilling Yellow Water Billabong cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles.
After lunch, we will check out the famous Nourlangie Rock art and stroll along the 1.5 kilometre walking route. You’ll learn all about the different paintings and get a glimpse into the significance of Kakadu. This is the last stop of the day, and then you’ll head back to Darwin!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.