Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Archaeological site · Jabiru, Northern Territory
Ubirr
Group of rocks in northeast Kakadu with rock art shelters from different periods, from X-ray style animal paintings to spirit figures, and a lookout over the Nadab floodplain at sunset.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ubirr
Ubirr is a group of sandstone outcrops in the northeast of Kakadu National Park, near the border with Arnhem Land, about 40 km from Jabiru. The shelters beneath the rocks contain paintings made by the ancestors of the Bininj over thousands of years, forming one of the park’s largest concentrations of rock art.
A circular trail passes the main galleries. There are fish, turtles, kangaroos and other animals painted in the X-ray style, which shows bones and organs, as well as spirit figures and creation stories, such as the Namarkan sisters. Some paintings record the arrival of Europeans.
A short, steep climb leads to the top of the rock, with 360-degree views over the Nadab floodplain, the escarpment and the forest. It is the most popular spot in the park for sunset.
Park rangers give talks about the art on some days during the dry season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours, including the sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon, to see the paintings in soft light and watch the sunset from the top of the rock during the dry season.
How to get there
By car, about 40 km from Jabiru via the Ubirr Road, sealed as far as the car park. In the wet season the road can be cut by floods.
Tip
Arrive early for sunset: the top of the rock gets crowded. Do not touch the paintings and follow the boardwalks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ubirr
What to see at Ubirr?
The rock-art shelters, with animals in x-ray style and spirit figures, and the lookout over the Nadab floodplain from the top of the rock.
Is Ubirr good for sunset?
Yes, it’s Kakadu’s most popular spot for sunset, overlooking the floodplain and the escarpment.
How far is Ubirr from Jabiru?
About 40 km, on a sealed road that can be cut off by floods during the wet season.