Nourlangie Rock

Sitting in the Arnhem Land in Kakadu National Park lies the Nourlangie Rock.

A stunning region best-known for its ancient collection of rock art. Offering a glimpse into the incredibly rich culture and history this region possesses.

The History of Nourlangie Rock

The rock art dates back thousands and thousands of years. Once being a cave shelter for the ancient Indigenous Gun-djeihmi tribes living within the region, who came to the caves during the Gudjewg Season, which ran from January and March, as it was notorious for harsh storms. While there, the tribe used the rock walls as a canvas for their spectacular artwork, using plants and dirt to create their brilliantly coloured paints. They showcased their stories and memories of their daily lives onto the rock, painting humans, plants, animals, and Dreamtime stories out for future generations to learn from. It is now a World Heritage site, and an amazing tourist attraction to see when visiting the area.

How you can see Nourlangie Rock

The paintings give visitors a chance to delve into the rich spiritual history of this ancient landscape, learning about these people and their history since these artistic creations. Simply walk along the 1.5-kilometre circular route known as the Nourlangie Rock Art Walk to see these artworks in person. If you visit in the dry season, you can even learn about the ancient gallery and its artworks from a knowledgeable park ranger, who gives tours to those interested.

Other Attractions Nearby

There are three nearby attractions around Nourlangie Rock that are worth the visit. Anbangbang Rock Shelter, Anbangbang Gallery, and Nanguluwur Art Site. All these spots offer a huge collection of rock art, letting you dive even deeper into this extraordinary culture. Anbangbang is home to famous paintings such as the Creation Ancestor Namondjok and the Lightning Man. After seeing these extraordinary spots, you can head out further and climb to the Gunwarddehwardde Lookout, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views of the entire Kakadu region, seeing both Nourlangie Rock and the dry landscape surrounding it.