Ubirr

Arnhem Land Escarpment

The East Alligator River marks the eastern boundary of Kakadu National Park. That area is also the abrupt boundary of the floodplain and the Arnhem Land plateau marked by a geographical feature called 'the escarpment. For tourists the 300 m high escarpment provides adventure in the form of waterfalls, birdwatching expeditions, fishing, rock pools, four-wheel driving on dirt tracks, exploration of Aboriginal cultural sites and flights to see the splendour from the air. 

As the plateau rose the continuous erosion has created spectacular landscapes of chasms and gorges along its 500 km length.

We visited the Ubirr area near the East Alligator River, famous for the rock paintings found in a low outlier of the escarpment. The trail lead us higher and higher until finally we were rewarded by a spectacular 360 degree outlook from the top. 

View from Ubirr

It took us a while to get to the top and down again because the ancient Aboriginal rock paintings are equally spectacular. Layers of history that are of international significance and still hugely significant to the local cultures.

Evidence that the thylacine once existed in this area.

On our way back past the impressive Border Store (you can grab a Thai meal there!) to Jabiru we stopped to have a look at Cahills Crossing where the road to Oenpelli and Arnhem Land crosses the East Alligator River. There is a lookout near the crossing where you can view the crocodiles loitering with intent. We saw about five in the water near the crossing and one briefly on the crossing.

Cahills Crossing, East Alligator River

Crocodile beside Cahills Crossing

We didn't stay at the Merl camp in this area but I wish we had. If we're ever in Kakadu again I plan to spend more time in this lovely and fascinating spot.