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    Rock art of Nourlangie (Burrunggui)

    Australia

    Rock art of Nourlangie (Burrunggui)

    Natural AreaCulture

    Burrunggui, also known as Nourlangie Rock, is a sandstone rock on the edge of the Arnhem Plateau in Kakadu National Park.

    by Felix Gillen

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    5. Rock art of Nourlangie (Burrunggui)
    Burrunggui, also known as Nourlangie Rock, is a sandstone rock on the edge of the Arnhem Plateau in Kakadu National Park. Beneath its overhangs lie some of Australia's most renowned rock art, including the Anbangbang Gallery featuring Namarrgon, the Lightning Man.An asphalted loop trail of about 1.5 km connects the galleries and a lookout point. The access road from the Kakadu Highway is passable by any car.

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    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Anbangbang Rock Shelter

    1Anbangbang Rock Shelter

    The Anbangbang Rock Shelter is a central part of the impressive rock art sites at Nourlangie (Burrunggui) in Kakadu National Park. For millennia, this historic site served Aborigines as a vital shelter and gathering place, especially during the wet season. Here, a rich collection of rock paintings offers deep insights into Gagudju ancestral culture and mythology. The artworks, including detailed X-ray art of animals and depictions of spirits like Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, narrate Creation stories and convey traditional knowledge. Take time to examine the art's layers and read information panel explanations to fully grasp their significance. Our Tip: Visit Anbangbang Rock Shelter early morning or late afternoon. Light is then perfect for photos, and you'll avoid the day's greatest heat, ensuring a more pleasant experience.
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    Nawurlandja Lookout

    2Nawurlandja Lookout

    The Nawurlandja Lookout offers you a spectacular panoramic view over the vast landscape of Kakadu National Park, including the distinctive Arnhem Land Escarpment and Anbangbang Billabong. This viewpoint is part of the Nourlangie (Burrunggui) area, renowned for its significant Aboriginal rock art. From here, you can grasp the geological formation of Burrunggui in its full splendor and better understand the spiritual connection of the local Bininj people to this land. The view also encompasses Nourlangie Rock itself, whose rock shelters served for millennia as protection and a canvas for art. A visit to Nawurlandja Lookout allows you to survey the immense vastness and unique ecology of this region. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, from lush green in the wet season to drier, ochre-colored tones in the dry season. Practical Tip: Plan your visit for late afternoon to experience the sunset over the Escarpment, when the rocks glow in warm hues – an unforgettable photo opportunity. To avoid the crowds, a visit shortly after sunrise is recommended, when temperatures are still pleasant and wildlife is more active.
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    3Nanguluwurr Art Site

    The Nanguluwurr Art Site, an integral part of the Nourlangie (Burrunggui) rock art sites in Kakadu National Park, offers a deep insight into rich Aboriginal cultural history. Here you will discover an impressive variety of rock paintings created over thousands of years. Particularly noteworthy is the so-called "contact art", which depicts the arrival of European ships and people, serving as a testament to early encounters. In addition, you'll find traditional X-ray paintings showing animals' internal organs, as well as depictions of Ancestral Beings and hunting scenes. The relatively short, well-maintained path leads to a sheltered rock overhang where the artworks can be viewed in a tranquil setting. Our Tip: Visit Nanguluwurr in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and get the best light for photos. Since this spot is often less frequented than Burrunggui's main galleries, it offers a particularly meditative experience.
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    Burrungkuy

    4Burrungkuy

    Burrungkuy, also known as Nourlangie Rock, is one of the most significant rock art sites in Kakadu National Park and a central place for the Bininj Aboriginal people. Here you'll find impressive evidence of culture and history, spanning thousands of years. The artworks, located in natural rock overhangs, tell stories of the Creation Time (Dreamtime), hunting scenes, ceremonies, and the spirits of ancestors. Particularly noteworthy are the detailed x-ray art, which depict the internal organs of animals. This site served as a sanctuary and teaching place for generations. Our tip: For optimal viewing of the artworks and to enjoy the tranquility of the place, a visit in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended, when the light is softer and the heat dissipates. Ensure you stay on the designated paths and respect the cultural significance of the site. A good photo spot is the lookout at the end of the loop walk, offering panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.
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    Culture & Character

    A Rock ArchiveBurrunggui – mostly Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) on maps and signs – is a sandstone outcrop of the Arnhem Land Plateau and one of Australia's most significant rock art sites. For millennia, people sought shelter from the wet season under its overhangs, leaving behind paintings: hunting scenes, spirit beings, and later, contact with foreigners. The oldest layers in the region date back tens of thousands of years.Anbangbang GalleryThe most famous wall is the Anbangbang Gallery. In 1964, an Aboriginal artist repainted parts of the figures to make them visible again – a common practice, as rock art here was never intended as an unchangeable monument, but rather maintained and renewed. The site is located on Bininj Country, who manage the park together with park management. During the dry season, rangers explain the images on site.

    Orientation & Arrival

    Getting ThereThe site is located about 36 kilometres southwest of Jabiru on the Kakadu Highway. The access road is asphalted and suitable for standard vehicles. You'll need a park pass, available online in advance or at the visitor centres.TimingPlan your visit for early morning or late afternoon – the heat builds up on the rock, and by midday, every trail turns into an ordeal. During the wet season (November to April), low-lying sections may be flooded and closed. For current road conditions, consult the Bowali and Warradjan visitor centres.

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    Nearby

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    Kakadu National Park in the north of the Northern Territory is Australia's largest national park, spanning nearly 20,000 km². It stretches from tidal rivers on the coast across vast wetlands to the Arnhem Plateau escarpment with its waterfalls.The park is listed as a natural and cultural heritage site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Bininj/Mungguy have lived here for at least 65,000 years, and their rock art at Ubirr and Burrunggui is among the most significant in the world.
    Ubirr Rock Outcrop and Panoramic View

    Ubirr Rock Outcrop and Panoramic View

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