Departing 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5.30pm on the Mary river on a cruise is a highlight I would highly recommend. Along which not only is some top end stunning river scenery, but also some amazing animal and birdlife viewing options. Croc catching barrumundi, NT's famous Jabiru, sea eagles, kingfisher, buffalo, wild brumby and so much more were spotted amoungst the lilys invading the early wet season boat ride. The guide was knowledgeable and it was heaven to sit back and relax and feel at one with nature. Located 110 kms from Darwin it is great to scoot along the wetlands of papyrus and lilies and paperbark forests looking for that illusive croc.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
After we had completed the 1 km circular track which took us to the Aboriginal rock art sites we then continued on to climb the rocky track leading up to the top of the outcrof.
Only 250 metres high the climb to the top was managed by most of our group. those experiencing some touble were assisted over the larger rocks. Some sections had half metre high rocks we had to climb over or find an alternative way around.
The effort was rewarded with magnificent views over the Nadab floodplain.
Allow at least an hour for this section.
Updated Nov 28, 2009
We walked the trail up to the top of the Rocky Outcrop. Although the temperature was in the mid twenties it was a little tough. We stopped halfway up to view another batch of rock paintings and this enabled us to gain a new lease on life and easily climb the final rock. Just make certain you have firm footing when climbing.
A wonderful 360 degree view from the top.
Written Nov 27, 2009
Your visit to Ubirr is to see the Aboriginal Rock art, however there is much more to see. As you walk the paths and tracks between the attractions be aware of your surroundings and you will add to your enjoyment.
There are many small and large trees to admire, some in beautiful flower. Keep you eyes on the bush, you many see small animals such as lizards, birds etc. Little chance of finding a snake as they are timid and with all the activity on the tracks they will have moved to a quieter place.
Updated Nov 27, 2009
This map gives you an indication of the location of the Art Sites, Lookouts, walking Tracks and those paths suitable for wheelchairs.
The scale on the map represents 100 metres and you will see that most sites are within easy walking distance.
Updated Nov 27, 2009
Website: www.kakadu.com.au
Some of the rock art is thousands of years old, whilst some is as recent as several hundred years ago.
Why has it survived for so long? The answer is the Rock artists chose rocks that were protected by a large rock overhang which sheltered the paintings from the sun and Rain.
There are many areas which have faded art, and you will see that the ground is covered by broken rocks from when the overhang collapsed.
Written Nov 27, 2009
Not so many years ago you could walk up to the Rock art and tough it. This cannot happen now as the Rock Art is protected by rails. This is for the benefit of everyone and future generations will be able to enjoy this art as much as we have.
My camera took a reasonable photo but nowhere as good as photos taken by a friend with his DSLR camera.
Written Nov 27, 2009
During the Dry Season visitors can join rangers for free activities throughout Kakadu. When we visited Ubirr we joined a free Ranger Guided tour of the Rock Art. It was handy to join a group and be guided along the correct walk.
The Rangers also hold talks and this notice details the times on the day we visited.
Updated Nov 27, 2009
Website: www.kakadu.com.au
Kakadu's rock art represents one of the longest historical records of any group of people in the world.
More than 5,000 art sites tell of the Creation Ancestors and the changes in the landscape over thousands of years.
We visited the Rock Art at Ubirr in the East Alligator region. It is an area which is very popular with tourists and has a sealed road and good parking facilities. There are excellent walking tracks that easily take you to the various Rock Art locations.
The Rock Art now has barriers which prevent tourists touching the paintings.
Updated Nov 26, 2009
Website: http://www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/Ubirr.htm
Main photo Koolpin Gorge, just below the pool (pano)
Photo 2 Coming in? Koolpin pool
Photo 3 VTers enjoying the water
Photo 4 Trap for saltwater crocs, Koolpin Gorge
Photo 5 Closed road to abandoned uranium mine..
After we returned to the southern end of the Kakadu National Park, we visited Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi). It is within the Park, but I have included it as an OTBP tip because you will need a special permit from National Parks to visit, the requisite key for the entry gate – and a good 4WD.
Access is along the inevitable dirt road, with a crossing of the South Alligator River and passing abandoned mining camps: the entry to a former uranium mine is closed and has radiation warning signs. When we reached the parking area, our first task was to check the crocodile trap downstream, then ensure there were no croc tracks past the croc barrier. Satisfied, we headed upstream past several sets of cascades which would have tested the cross-country skills of any 'saltie'. We finally had reached our swimming hole!
I've headed this tip 'Swimming with crocs”: although we'd ensured there were no 'salties', freshwater crocodiles are native to these streams. The good news is that 'freshies' are not aggressive – make enough noise and they will keep away. Whether it was the noise or the sight of assorted VTers, we saw none.
This is a delightful spot, tucked between rocky ridges and I suspect we'd all have happily stayed longer, had there been time. It was a hot day and we all had a marvellous time splashing around in the lovely cool clear water.
Written Jan 9, 2009
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