Visit Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu Australia |

Jim Jim and Twin Falls Area in Kakadu National Park

To Jim Jim and Twin Falls. (Side trip of 130km return). This is definitely 4WD only, it is very rough and corrugated and is a slow trip. Track is closed during the wet season and there is a deep water crossing at Jim Jim that must be crossed to continue onwards to Twin Falls.

Camping is only allowed/possible at end of Jim Jim track at designated camp site. A newly upgraded camp ground is at Jim Jim. Vehicle access to Twin Falls only continues a further 5-10km.

In the past you had to swim or use a lilo to access the Falls gorge. Now you must take the boat shuttle service transfer approx $12.50.

Apparently ou can get tickets of the campground manager at Garnamarr.

We are advised: You aren't allowed to swim at Twin Falls plunge pool and beach (Bowali Visitors centre11.10.2010 update). Not in the gorge and not in the plunge pool below the falls.

The boat shuttle takes you through the gorge and drops you near the falls. From here you have to walk for like two minutes, over some rocks and then over a boardwalk. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls.

Courtesy of http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/national-parks/kakadu-national-park ©
Important: Before trying the Twin Falls crossing check with Bowali Visitor Centre for up to date information.

Twin Falls Gorge

The Twin Falls Gorge Plateau Walk (dry season only)

This steep walk leads you to the plateau above the Twin Falls. It features good views on the way to the top and pools can be found along the creek above the falls. Swimming in the pools is at your own risk - please see the visitor safety information regarding crocodiles and warning signs.

A moderately difficult walk | 6 km | 4 hours

Twin Falls Gorge (dry season only)

Access up Twin Falls gorge is by boat shuttle service, a walking track over boulders and sand, and a boardwalk.

This walk is suitable for people who are fit and can manage uneven terrain (large boulders, often slippery with sand).

Allow about 2 hours return for the boat trip and walk. The boat shuttle service charges a fee of $12.50 per person, including the return journey (inclusive of GST). Children under 16 years travel free. The service departs at least every half hour (depending on demand) from 7.30am. The last boat service departs at 4.30pm and returns to the carpark end of the gorge at 6pm.

DO NOT ENTER THE WATER IN TWIN FALLS GORGE. ESTUARINE CROCODILES MAY BE PRESENT.

A moderate walk over boulders and uneven terrain | 2 hours return

Alternative destination is Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu

Jim Jim Falls - On the Kakadu Highway past Cooinda at the south end of Kakadu National Park to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. (Side trip of 130km return). From the north end of the park turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre, this is only a 4WD access road.

A just under 2km return walk through a monsoon forest and over small and larger boulders will take you to a deep plunge pool surrounded by ancient, 150-metre high cliffs where the falls pound the bottom druring the Tropical Summer also known as the Green or Wet Seasons usually from late November to March. Though as season change it's unpredictable.

For the latest up-to-date details, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on +61 (0) 8 8938 1121. Important to note: During the dry season July till October - Jim Jim Falls ceases to flow.

Access to the Jim Jim Falls area is by 4WD only. Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre. Engage 4WD and travel 50 km along the Jim Jim Falls access road to reach the Garnamarr Campground. Jim Jim Falls car park is an additional 15 km along the access road.

Please note that the information in this document may not necessarily provide the latest details. During the dry season written road reports may be provided on a weekly basis as road conditions are less variable and road reports are not loaded onto the web on weekends or public holidays. For the latest up-to-date details, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1121.

Visiting Jim Jim Falls Area in Kakadu National Park

The Garnamarr Campground caters for about 200 people and is located beside the Jim Jim Falls access road about 50km from the Kakadu Highway. Caravans are not recommended and trailers must be left at a designated area near the campground and must not be taken to the falls. Showers, toilets and drinking water are available.

Garnamarr Campground Camping fees

A campground manager will collect the camping fee of $5.40 (known season's prices) per adult per night (over 16 years of age). Please have correct change as eftpos facilities are not available. See current Camping fees and permits are at this external sublink: http://www.environment.gov.au/

There is no booking system for the campsite. Places are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. It is advisable tocontact the Bowali Visitor Centre to check on vacancies before driving there.

Communal concrete fire rings are provided at the campground. Firewood must be collected on the way to the campground, not within the immediate area of the campground. Parks Australia and traditional owners encourage minimal use of firewood and the use of gas stoves as an alternative energy source for cooking.

The old camping area was converted into a day use area, providing picnic tables and basic toilet facilities. This area is also the starting point for the Budjmi Lookout walk. Please do not enter the areas that are being revegetated.

A gate has been erected on the falls side of the Garnamarr Campground which is locked from 8.30pm to 6.30 am for the safety of visitors. We ask that you ensure that you leave the falls area in time to be at Garnamarr before the gates are locked at 8.30 pm.

Rangers present regular free slide shows and talks at the campground.

Garnamarr - Large Camping Facilities:
• Garrnamarr campground (dry season only, 4WD)
• This campground caters for up to 200 people.
• Facilities include showers and toilets, and there is drinking water available. • The campground is locked from 8.30 pm to 6.30 am for visitor safety.

Category: 1
Cost: $10 per adult per night - Under 16 years free
The cost will vary please see the parks link below for current pricing.

Facilities:
• Water
• Shower
• Car park
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet

Jim Jim Falls - On the Kakadu Highway down Cooinda at the south end of Kakadu National Park to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. (Side trip of 130km return).

From the north end of the park turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre. this is only a 4WD access road.

A just under 2km return walk through a monsoon forest and over small and larger boulders will take you to a deep plunge pool surrounded by ancient, 150-metre high cliffs where the falls pound the bottom druring the Tropical Summer also known as the Green or Wet Seasons usually from late November to March.

As season may change access may be unpredictable. Jim Jim Gorge Track is an icon of the region and must do for the fit and adventureous.

For the latest up-to-date details, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on +61 (0) 8 8938 1121. Important to note: During the dry season July till October - Jim Jim Falls ceases to flow.

From the carpark edge you see the sign below right. Here it says

• Baark Malam Walking Track - 200 metres (this meant the track starts in 200m from this sign)
• Gorge Viewing Area - 400 metres
• Jim Jim Falls - 900 metre

Plateau above Jim Jim Falls - Barrk Malam walk. A very steep marked walking route leads to the plateau above Jim Jim Falls. This walk is suitable only for very fit people, who can manage a very steep climb in hot conditions.

Allow 4 to 6 hours for this walk and carry plenty of water. It is advisable to start in the cooler hours of the morning. Wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing.

Head Office - Goyder Centre 25 Chung Wah Tce Palmerston, NT 0830
PO Box 496 Palmerston NT 0831
Ph: +61 (0) 8 8999 5511

  Crocodile Safety Information

Northern Australia is crocodile country. Therefore it is important to put awareness of crocodiles and safety at the top of your priority list when living in, working in or simply visiting crocodile habitat. Living with crocodiles is not difficult so long as you bear the following points in mind.

• Always be aware that crocodiles may be present anywhere that there is water.
• Unless there is clear signage that it is safe to swim, assume that crocodiles may be present.
• Warning signs are there for your benefit! Ignoring them is foolish.
• Always check with local authorities and rangers whether an area is likely to contain crocodiles.
• If in doubt, always swim in designated swimming areas only.
• If there's no sign, don't go swimming.
• A spotlight or LED head-torch is strongly recommended at night so that any eyeshines can be seen, but a lack of eyeshines does not mean that it's safe to swim - crocodiles may be underwater.

© We suggest you also visit a website called http://www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise

 

Kakadu General Information

There are many interesting places to discover in the area, but some things to remember too:
• Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the South Alligator River and are extremely dangerous. Do not risk your life, keep away from the waters edge.
• Freshwater crocodiles inhabit the area. Do not approach or interfere with them.
• Do not jump off rocks or cliffs as there are unseen dangers and accidents have resulted in death.
• Jim Jim Plunge Pool can be hazardous as the shallow water suddenly becomes deep.
• Use the toilets provided.
• Observe and enjoy the native animals, but do not disturb or feed them. Fishing is prohibited.
• Use fuel stoves in preference to open fires.
• If lighting open fires, collect firewood along the access road into Gunlom and use it sparingly. Use the fireplaces provided, attend fires at all times and extinguish them before you leave.
• Use the recycling facilities supplied and place all other rubbish in the bins. Remember, cigarette butts, orange peel and tissues are rubbish too.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent pollute waterways. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and hat as alternative protection.
• The mornings and evenings are the best times to walk and observe wildlife. For your own comfort and safety please keep to the marked tracks, wear a hat and sturdy shoes, and carry plenty of drinking water.

 

Kakadu National Park - Seasons

But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season - Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gudjewg - Monsoon Season - Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season.
• Kakadu Seasons - Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season - Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail.
• Kakadu Seasons - Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season - Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity.
• Kakadu Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season - Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 17°C.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather - Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry.

Seasons

The dry season which is approximatley which is classed generally as May - October each year.Though in current year the wet has not set in till late December or January and then finishes mid April.

Access To Jim Jim Gorge
The dry season which is approximatley which is classed generally as late June - October/November each year. We recommend you contact the offical Bowali Vistors Centre for more information.

 

Kakadu National Park - Swimming

Are there certain times of the year that I can’t swim?
The seasonality of waterholes across the Northern Territory depend on the amount of rain throughout the year. NT Parks and Wildlife monitor water levels and erect signs advising visitors when it is safe to swim. Always obey sign posts.

How can you identify if a water-hole is safe to swim in?
Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim. Swim only where recommended and always observe and read the crocodile warning signs.

Aren’t swimming spots hard to get to or only acesible as part of a tour?
All the swimming spots in Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Katherine, Mataranka and the MacDonnell Ranges are accessible by self-drive. A few locations are only accessible by four wheel-drive, such as Butterfly Gorge Nature Park and Tjaynera Falls in Litchfield National Park. Tour operators with swimming options include Adventure Tours Australia, Australian Pacific Touring, Connections Safaris, Odyssey Tours and Safaris and many more'.

Resources Links
• parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
• environment.gov.au/parks/
• facebook.com/RoadReportNT
• roadreport.nt.gov.au/
• ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport/
• toiletmap.gov.au/
• travelnt.com/
• kakadu.com.au/access

• © source | courtesy of kakadunationalparkaustralia.com
• © source | courtesy of litchfieldnationalpark.com
• © source | courtesy of tropicaldarwin.com
• © source | courtesy of australia4tours.com
• © source | courtesy of darwin4tours.com