Jim
Jim Falls Area are in Kakadu National Park,
Northern Territory Australia
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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.
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Blog
: Jim
Jim 4WD unsealed Track
Jim
Jim 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.
This is definitely 4WD only, it is rough and
corrugated in patches and sandy with drifts
and sand banks in other places, considerably
a slow trip.
Camping
is only allowed/possible at end of Jim Jim track
at designated camp site. A newly upgraded camp
ground is being currently being completed at
Jim Jim.
| Picnic
Area |
(dry season only) |
| Where: |
The
picnic area is located along the Jim Jim
falls access road on the way to Twin Falls,
before the Jim Jim Creek crossing. |
| Features: |
This
day use area provides picnic facilities
under shady trees. Toilet facilities are
also provided. Camping is not permitted
in this area. This is also the starting
point for the Budjmi Lookout walk. |
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Jim Jim Falls
Area - Road Access
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 (see below
for details) . Jim Jim Falls car park is an
additional 15 km along the access road . For Twin Falls see here.
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. Important
to note: During the dry season July till
October - Jim Jim Falls ceases to flow.
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Blog
1:
I took these shots in September this year. If
your on a tour try to stay awake as one tends
to doze off after a few minutes or you will
miss the ancient countryside - probably the
only way I can decribe it. Many folks have described
this trip (and I have read tourist blogs as
well) as bone shatering. Well I haven't the
best health and I enjoyed it.
Bone
shattering I didn't think so more the vehicle
swayed from sand bank to sand bank in areas
and a few bumpy patches. Maybe we had the best
driver. Actually we own a 4WD but this opted
for a tour to see the difference.
You
will see sections called blogs 1-16 here. Simiply
these are Marg and my experiences and our thoughts
not the parks.
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Selfdrive
4WD Car Hire, 4X4 Camper, 4 Wheel Drive Rental
Blog 3:
If you are a self drive, or selfdrive hiring
a 4 wheel drive vehicle rental or 4WD camper
hire the hint is watch out for the dust from
passing motorists or drivers in front of you.
Also if your
tired don't drive, just stop and get out and
walk around with Kakadu being so vast it gets
a bit tioring trying to drive and do a gorge
and cruise and centre all in one day.
Also wind up
the windows if you see a 4WD coming past. if
you own a 4wd you will most likely already know
this. A
Britz
4WD Camper that can seat 5 and sleep 5 with
camping gear.
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Jim Jim - Garnamarr
Campground - Kakadu National Park
Blog:
The toilet facilities here in kakadu have to
be some of the best in world. Where you go there
seemd to be very clean toilets (oh except Maguk).
The campground
manager actually came and joined us and he was
a rather friendly 'True Blue Aussie'. So if
you selfdrive stop here before you venture in
for the final leg of the track.
One thing I saw
here close -up was the burn off. Kakadu has
this 'Burn-off' time wher they control burn
and it was learn't from the Aboriginals to create
new growth. It seems the fire breaks open the
seed pods which the birds devour and drop throughout
the park and the first rains of October seed
them.
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Twin Falls
- Access
to Twin Falls is via the Jim Jim Falls Road.
Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south
of the Bowali Centre. Engage 4WD and travel
65km along the Jim Jim Falls road.
Turn right prior
to reaching the Jim Jim Falls car park and travel
a further 10km to Twin Falls, crossing Jim Jim
creek on the way.
A 4WD vehicle
with a snorkel is required for this crossing.
Allow 2.5 hours one way. Check the road conditions
before attempting this journey.
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Taken by us
Sept 9th, 2007 on the Jim Jim Track. Thanks
to our Gagudju
Dreaming Guide.
He stopped so
many times for us to take these photo's.
Flora on the
Jim Jim Track in Kakadu National Park
Blog:
During our drive - our guide stopped all of
a sudden and pointed out the Bush Passionfruit
- top left photo. Then further along he stopped
again and poitend out that when nuts fall from
this tree the Aboriginals learnt over time was
also the time that turles layed there eggs.
Sometime a tour guide offer that little gem
of knowledge at the right time that no reading
a book could ever match. Thanks to our Gagudju
Dreaming Guide.
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Blog:
Now on arrival at the carpark you may see 10
cars - sometimes none. That's what I really
enjoy about kakadu where we went there was no
crowd. maybe we were lucky but I never even
tried to plan the day, I just got up and went.
At the carpark
which is also the start of the Jim Jim Gorge
walking track sone 12 metres away there is a
toilet on the left on the side of the hill.
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Jim Jim Gorge
Walk
Blog 6:
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
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Blog:
Now this is no 4 minute mile folks. I took a
series of shots of the track for one reason.
So many folks ask me how difficult is the track
and how do you explain you scrable up a large
and slide down the other side. What you imagine
is quiet often different to what is actually
there. So below is a series of photo's of the
track as it goes along. I would say the place
called the Baark Malam turnoff sign or 'Gorge
Viewing Area' is a good spot to relax and take
your breath in after the first section.
Note the yellow
triangle marker as path guides.
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Blog:
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.
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Blog:
From the Baark Malam turn off sign it stated
to get more difficult as you see. We went forward
here to the Gorge Viewing Area a further 200
metres on.
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Jim Jim Gorge
Walk
Do not enter the water downstream of the
Jim Jim Falls plunge pool. Estuarine crocodiles
may be present.
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Blog:
When we stopped here we saw the pool above and
everyone just wanted to stay and swim. then
the guide said hey look over there. We saw the
cage - below photo and knew straight away what
it was. it was a croc trap. That curbed the
wish for swimming for the moment. though the
water was crystral clear and so pure.
There were fish
everywhere to be seen. The Pandanas Plams that
hung over the waters edge just made the picture.
Really if your not into long walks over uneven
ground you may just be satified to stay there
and contemplate the world around you.
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Blog:
You would think for the number of people visiting
kakadu that jim Jim would be like a small city
but by this stage not one person passed out
tour group and this was around 10am.
Kakadu also has
a bird population that overwhelms the senses.
You just have to be there to know what I mean.
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Blog:
Now the first few 100 metres of the next section
seemed fine with a sandy track and I breezed
that it. Though still looking back and wanting
a swim but remembering the croc trap.
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Blog:
Then it went from sandy to embedded rocks in
sand. ok still not bad to walk over.
Flora on the
Jim Jim Track in Kakadu National Park
Blog:
During our drive - our guide stopped all of
a sudden and pointed out the Bush Passionfruit
- top left photo. Then further along he stopped
again and poitend out that when nuts fall from
this tree the Aboriginals learnt over time was
also the time that turles layed there eggs.
Sometime a tour guide offer that little gem
of knowledge at the right time that no reading
a book could ever match. Thanks to our Gagudju
Dreaming Guide.
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Blog:
Actually walking on a track next to pristines
waters takes away the hardness of the track
from the mind I found. Our guide in the red
was watching marg she wa sthe last. She was
in hospital with a chipped spine for many weeks
years ago so she went very slow on purpose.
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Blog:
About this point you cross over for the beach
pool you see later in our photo's below.
Blog:
In the picture above is were some of our group
decided to sit it out before the final 300 metres
over the rocks to the pool at the gorges end.
Well it was worth the walk that's for sure.
They say a picture is wortha 1000 words, nah
just one word 'memorable'.
Blog:
You can see the beach pool on the other side
in the pictures below. Here most medium adventure
tour groups like to swim and go.
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Where to stay
Garnamarr Campground
Jim Jim Track in Kakadu National Park
Garnamarr Campground
(dry season only, 4WD)
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.
Camping fees
A campground manager will collect the camping
fee of $5.40 per adult per night (over 16
years of age). Please have correct change as
eftpos facilities are not available.
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.
Rangers present
regular free slide shows and talks at the campground.
Please check your 'What's On' guide for details
at the http://www.environment.gov.au/ web site.
Most weeks it's (most weeks) Kakadu our home
at around Tues 7.30 to 8.30pm.
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.
Allow 2 hours
one way. Caravans are not recommended. Please
take note of the speed limits and drive safely.
No rubbish
bins are provided in the area, including
the campground. Please take all your rubbish
to the rubbish and recycling bins at the start
of the Jim Jim Falls access road, near the Kakadu
Highway when leaving the area.
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| Jim
Jim Falls Plunge Pool and Barrk Malam walk
(dry season only, 4WD Only) |
| Where: |
Turn
east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of
the Bowali Centre. Engage 4WD, travel 65km
along the Jim Jim Falls access road. Allow
2 hours one way travelling time on the Jim
Jim Falls access road, plus 1 to 2 hours
to walk to the plunge pool and return to
the car park. |
| Features: |
Jim
Jim Falls Plunge Pool
- A 2km
return walk through monsoon forest and
over boulders will take you to a deep
plunge pool surrounded by spectacular,
150-metre high cliffs.
- This
walk is suitable for people who are
fit and can manage uneven terrain (large
boulders, often slippery).
- Allow
1 to 2 hours for this walk.
- Visitors
who choose to swim at the Jim Jim Falls
plunge pool do so at their own risk.
Please note the advice on our visitor
safety page regarding crocodiles and
all crocodile warning signs on site.
- Do
not enter the water downstream of the
Jim Jim Falls plunge pool. Estuarine
crocodiles may be present.
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.
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to note: During the dry season Jim Jim
Falls ceases to flow. |
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| Twin
Falls Gorge (dry season only, 4WD with snorkel
required) |
| Where: |
Access
to Twin Falls is via the Jim Jim Falls
Road. Turn east off the Kakadu Highway
43km south of the Bowali Centre. Engage
4WD and travel 65km along the Jim Jim
Falls road. Turn right prior to reaching
the Jim Jim Falls car park and travel
a further 10km to Twin Falls, crossing
Jim Jim creek on the way. A 4WD vehicle
with a snorkel is required for this crossing.
Allow 2.5 hours one way. Check the road
conditions before attempting this journey.
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Twin
Falls Gorge
- 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.
Plateau
above Twin Falls
- The
track which leads the plateau above
the falls follows a steep, 6km return,
marked walking route. There are good
views on the way and pools can be found
along the creek above the falls, where
visitors may swim, at their own risk.
- This
walk is suitable for fit people who
can manage a steep climb in hot conditions.
- Allow
3 to 4 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.
- Please
obey all warning signs along the way
and keep a safe distance from the edge
above the falls.
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Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles are known
to exist in Twin Falls Gorge from time to
time. Please note the advice on swimming
on our visitor safety page and do not enter
the water in Twin Falls Gorge. |
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Budjmi (Bood-me)
Lookout (dry season only)
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Starts
at the Day Use / Picnic Area near the Jim
Jim Creek crossing. |
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A
1km return walk to the top of a rocky outcrop
which provides great views of the escarpment
cliffs. Allow 45 minutes. |
4WD Tours
Commercial 4WD
tours are available to the Jim Jim area in the
dry season only. Tours can be booked through
your travel agent or at accommodation centres
in the Park with commercial tour booking facilities.
You can see one of Australia biggest and most
reputable tour specialist at http://www.australia4tours.com/
Scenic Flights
| Where: |
Fixed
wing and helicopter flights are available
from Jabiru East and Cooinda Airstrips.
Bookings are required. |
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Kakadu
Air:
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Telephone: |
Within
Australia:
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(08)
8979 2411 |
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International:
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+61
8 8979 2411 |
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Telephone: |
Within
Australia:
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(08)
8979 2444 or
1800 898 977 |
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International:
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+61
8 8979 2444 |
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Facsimile:
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+61
8 8979 2272 |
| Features: |
Flights
provide the only means of seeing the spectacular
Jim Jim and Twin Falls when they are in
full flood during the wet season. |
| Safety
Note: Saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles
occur in billabongs and at the sea; for
your safety do not enter the water |
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Courtesy of http://www.environment.gov.au
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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.
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Adds
by Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals
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Opening hours of Kakadu
National Park
Kakadu National Park
is open 365 days per year. Given the large size of Kakadu
there are a number of key attractions that have different
operating hours these are:
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Bowali Visitor Centre
- is open from 8am to 5pm.
* Warradjan Aboriginal
Cultural Centre - is open from 9am to 5pm.
* Ubirr Rock - is open
from 8:30am until sunset from 1 April until 30 November
* Ubirr Rock - is also
open from 2pm until sunset from 1 December until
31 March.
* Nourlangie Rock - is
open from dawn until dusk.
All of the attractions
are open every day of the year and all times are Central
Standard Time. These are based on the season 2006/7.
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Goholi Pty Ltd
Postal: GPO Box 380, Darwin, NT 0801
Email: goholi@bigpond.com
www.kakadunationalaprkaustralia.com
has affliation with the following links
http://www.australia4tours.com
http://www.kakadu-tours.com
http://www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com
http://www.australia4wdrentals.com
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 www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com
is part of the specialist for selfdrive leisure vehicle
rentals and tour specialist including camping and accommodated
one day or extended tours and safaris from the group of
Goholi groop being an experienced respected licensed Travel
Agent in Darwin, Northern Terriotry Australia (Tel +61
8 89453338). Why come to us - Let us try to get you a
discount off the recommended rates with professional and
experienced service. www.kakadunationalparkaustralia.com
is an 'Affiliate'
of the Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals group of sites.
A licensed Australian Travel Agent based in Northern Territory
Australia. |
| Australian
Tour Information - Mission Statement
Please note some of these
links are supplied only as a link for information our
company has no affliation some of these links. Important;
This site is for the beneift of those researching for
their next vacation to Kakadu National Park in Northern
Territory Australia also know as the 'Top End'.
Australian Kakadu National
Park travel guide and information is not the offical
site - the offical government site is http://www.kakadu.com.au.
This search site offering links to Kakadu, Litchfield,
Uluru, Darwin and Northern Territory accommodations,
tours, safaris, activities, nature parks, nature reserves
and adventure activities.
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