Ubirr Rock Art Site
Ubirr
Ubirr Rock Art Site — Ubirr contains some of the finest and most accessible Aboriginal rock art in the world, with galleries dating back more than 20,000 years…
Natural Landmark · Rock Formation in Northern Territory
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World Heritage Status of Ubirr Rock Art Site
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Ubirr Rock Art Site
Ubirr contains some of the finest and most accessible Aboriginal rock art in the world, with galleries dating back more than 20,000 years depicting animals, Mimi spirits, and the Rainbow Serpent. The sunset viewing platform at the top of the rock offers panoramic views over the vast Nadab floodplain and is one of the most celebrated sunsets in Australia. The site is sacred to the Bininj/Mungguy people.
About
Ubirr contains some of the finest and most accessible Aboriginal rock art in the world, with galleries dating back more than 20,000 years depicting animals, Mimi spirits, and the Rainbow Serpent. The sunset viewing platform at the top of the rock offers panoramic views over the vast Nadab floodplain and is one of the most celebrated sunsets in Australia. The site is sacred to the Bininj/Mungguy people.
History & Significance
Ubirr contains rock art created by the Bininj/Mungguy people over more than 20,000 years, making it one of the world's oldest continuous artistic traditions. The site features distinctive X-ray style depictions of animals, Mimi spirit figures, and the Rainbow Serpent, reflecting deep spiritual and cultural significance to traditional owners. It remains a sacred place and one of Australia's most important Indigenous cultural sites, recognised as part of the Kakadu National Park UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Warnings
Getting There
39km north of Jabiru on a sealed road. From Darwin, take the Arnhem Highway through the Mary River area (290km, 3.5 hrs).
Parking
Free parking available at the base of Ubirr Rock. Accessible car parks for visitors with mobility needs. Capacity adequate for most visits, though can fill during peak sunset season (May–September). Overflow parking available nearby.
Visitor Tips
- •Hire a Bininj guide for the rock art walk — cultural context transforms the experience
- •The Nadab sunset from the top platform is world-class — do not miss it
- •Audio guide available for self-guided tour
- •Arrive 2 hours before sunset to see art galleries before the sunset crowd arrives
- •Binoculars useful for spotting wildlife on the Nadab floodplain
Cultural Significance
Ubirr contains rock art created by the Bininj/Mungguy people over more than 20,000 years, making it one of the world's oldest continuous artistic traditions. The site features distinctive X-ray style depictions of animals, Mimi spirit figures, and the Rainbow Serpent, reflecting deep spiritual and cultural significance to traditional owners. It remains a sacred place and one of Australia's most important Indigenous cultural sites, recognised as part of the Kakadu National Park UNESCO World Heritage listing.
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
Identity
- Traditional Name
- Ubirr
- Also Known As
- ["Ubirr","Obiri Rock"]
The Place
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Significance
- World Heritage
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Adult $40 · Child $0
- Duration
- 1.5-2.5 hours
- Best Time
- April to October; arrive 1.5 hours before sunset for the views
- Hours
- 8:30am to sunset; closed during wet season flooding
Location
- Area
- Jabiru
- Region
- Alice Springs
- State
- Northern Territory
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages. The walk is suitable for families; wheelchair accessible paths available to view lower rock art galleries, though the summit climb is steep.
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
Bring your own food and water. Picnic areas available at the site. No food vendors on-site.
Features
Facilities
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Nearby
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Toilets(1)
Dump Points(1)
Jabiru Dump Point
Free · 33.3km