Visiting Jarrangbarnmi - Koolpin Gorge in Kakadu National Park

Jarrangbarnmi - Koolpin Gorge is located in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Jarrangbarnmi also known as Koolpin Gorge is in the south east corner of Kakadu National Park.

You turn off the Kakadu Highway at the sign posted turn off to Gunlom Falls, up from the southern entry to Kakadu and 11km from the Wirnwirnmila (Mary River Roadhouse) not to be confused with the Mary River off the Arnhem Highway.(approx 89 km south-east from Cooinda Gagudju Resort and Yellow Water Cruise platform or app 149 km from the township of Jabiru.

Approx 26.5 km down this 4WD track you get to an intersection Gunlom Falls (turn left) and Gimbat Picnic day use area (turn right). Here you turn left for Gunlom Falls approx 10klm on the left and right for Jarrangbarnmi - Koolpin Gorge Campground area. At app the 10 klm mark is the locked gate on the left which signposted turn off to Koolpin Gorge (see below for permits and access). further on you app 7klm come to Gimbat Picnic day use area.

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is a restricted access area under the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservations Regulations 2000 and a permit is required to enter this visitor site. Access is available only with a high clearance 4WD and only during the dry season.There is a limit of 40 people who are allowed to use the area at any one time and both independent travellers and tour operators have the opportunity to access the site. Permits are required for visitors wishing to enter the area for day use only and also for overnight camping.

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)

How to apply for this permit
If you intend to apply for a permit to access Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), please download the application form, complete it, print it out, sign it, and post, fax or e-mail a scanned copy of the signed application and associated conditions with all required attachments to the address indicated on the form.

Please allow a minimum of 7 days for processing. Applications can only be processed from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00am until 4:00pm (CST). Permit applications will not be processed on weekends or public holidays. Note: All camp sites are subject to seasonal closure. Download the permit application form This permit application form is available as a Microsoft Word file click here for the Koolpin Gorge - Jarrangbarmiin permit application form. Access to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) permit application form for Kakadu National Park (Word - 314 KB)

Camping safaris to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) in Kakadu

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is visited by specialized soft adventure tour operators with permits such as Gecko Canoeing, Wilderness Adventures and Odyssesy. You can see a selection of the
Camping tours to Koolpin Gorge at www.australia4tours.com.

Self Drive Rentals and Hire to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)e in Kakadu Pational Park - permit required.

Jarrangbarnmi - Koolpin Gorge in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia is most likely one of the least most travelled to destinations of our four wheel drive rental selfdrive clients. Though worth while if you take the time to obtain the correct information and permits.

Choices for 4wd rental vehicles for this route are the Britz PMFR, Britz Safari, Britz Bushcamper, especially the Britz Safari, Maui 4WD, Backpacker offroader hire selfdrive vehicles. Also the Apollo and Cheapa's Hilux Adventurer and Kea 4WD Poptop PT XA. 4WD vehicles for hire at Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals.

Access to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
Application form
Phone enquiries: +61 (0) 8 8938 1140
E-mail enquiries: kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au

About this permit
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is a restricted access area under the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservations Regulations 2000 and a permit is required to enter this visitor site. Access is available only with a high clearance 4WD and only during the dry season.

There is a limit of 40 people who are allowed to use the area at any one time and both independent travellers and tour operators have the opportunity to access the site. Permits are required for visitors wishing to enter the area for day use only and also for overnight camping.

Applications for permits must be submitted seven days in advance of the time you wish to enter the area. These can only be processed from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00am until 4:00pm. Permit applications will not be processed on weekends or public holidays.

Visiting Facilities at Koolpin Gorge Campground in Kakadu National Park

• A car park/camping area adjacent to the downstream end of the gorge
• A toilet adjacent to the car park
• Fire rings/fire places - all fires must be contained within these areas
• Generators are not permitted in the area.

Permits: http://www.environment.gov.au

Visitors Must Not Enter Sacred Site restricted Areas

Visitors must not go ashore on the creek bank opposite the camping area. Refer to the signs on site. This is a sacred site and entry is prohibited under the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000, specifically under Regulation 12.23. Entering a prohibited area under Regulation 12.23 carries a maximum penalty of $5,500. Visitors to the area must keep to the creek line. Some places away from the creek are important cultural sites and can only be visited by Jawoyn who have the authority to go there. Please show respect for the views of traditional owners in relation to these significant areas.
Copyright and Courtesy of Parks NT

Beyond Koolpin Gorge

Gunlom Lookout Walk
Features: Rock pools at the top of the falls and superb views
Distance: 1 km return
Grade: Difficult climb, marked track.

Gunlom Plunge Pool
Features: Seasonal waterfall and a large plunge pool
Distance: 200 metres return
Grade: Disabled access

Murrill Billabong Walk
Features: A small seasonal billabong and the South Alligator River
Distance: Billabong 1 km return River 2.5 km return
Grade: Easy, marked track

Yurmikmik
Features: A network of walking tracks which take in the plunge pools and wet season waterfalls of the Marrawal Plateau.
Access: 2WD, camping permits required.
Carry a topographic map on longer walks.

Gimbat and Guratba (Coronation Hill)
Features: A scenic drive to a shady picnic area by the South Alligator River.
Access: 4WD only, day use only.

Gungurul
Features: A rest stop with picnic tables and toilets, lookout and short walk.
Access: 2WD, camping area.

Bukbukluk
Features: A lookout with superb escarpment views and a shady picnic area
Access: 2WD, day use only.

Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Features: A plunge pool and small waterfall
Access: 4WD recommended. Camping area.

http://www.environment.gov.au/

Another different set of detailed printable notes and map came be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/

The Kakadu – Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk

The Kakadu – Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk is a tour by NT Immersions and Gecko Caneoing.

The Area - (Katherine Region) Katherine: 324 kilometres south of Darwin, Northern Territory

The Kakadu – Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk is located within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park, following the Arnhemland Escarpment across to Twin Falls. The local Flora and Fauna is prolific and the scenery is varied and beautiful. Koolpin Creek and Twin Falls Creek flow all year round and during the long 'Dry' season, become the only water sources for all manner of wildlife. The Katherine Region is a terrific place to visit and base your Northern Territory experience from. We are close to The Kimberley, Gregory National Park, Elsey National Park, Manyallaluk, Kakadu Heritage Area and of course, right on our doorstep, is the magnificent Katherine/Flora/Daly River System. How Much? Tour Cost is app. $1400.00AUD per person.

5 Day Kakadu - Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls tour (KTN5) Itinerary .

Using top quality equipment and qualified, accredited guides, this trip covers approximately 50 kilometres of stunning hiking. Wildlife encounters, self sufficient ‘backpack’ camping, fantastic service, - it all adds up to being a unique experience.

A trip you may never forget.

The Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk is a remote and beautiful walk through the heart of Southern Kakadu. The walk is restricted via permits and you are guaranteed complete exclusivity.

The walk follows the Koolpin Creek and then crosses a plateau to join up with the Twin Falls Creek.

Expect to be walking over rock plateaus, through woodland and camp in areas very few people have camped before.

The walk is untracked, utilising map and compass navigation along the way. It covers highland creek country, hillsides dotted with dry land eucalypts, escarpment country overlooking Kakadu and beyond and pockets of paperbark forests where the temperature drops and you find yourself sitting in a cool comfortable environment.

Arriving at the top of Twin Falls on day 5, you will be able to take some amazing photos of the gorge area before heading back to Darwin.

Click Here for the Koolpin Gorge to Twin Falls walk tour.

Click here for Gecko Canoeing safaris and tours to Kakadu National Park in Australia.

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.

© http://crocwatch.org/
We suggest you also visit a website called http://crocwatch.org/safety

How Get To Koolpin Gorge

Kakadu National Park an Australian Natural Icon covers almost 20,000 square kms and is 253 kms East of Darwin the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia.

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed, Kakadu National Park is the gateway to Arnhemland. The sealed roads from Darwin to Kakadu is via the Arnhem Highway and from Katherine to Kakadu National Park via the Kakadu Highway. The Bowali Visitor Centre near Jabiru in Kakadu National Park is located 253 km from Darwin in Northern Territory Australia via the Arnhem Highway entrance. If travelling by road, you should allow 3 hours travelling time from Darwin.

Key Access

Access into Jarrangbarnmi is controlled by a gate which remains locked at all times. Permit holders are required to collect a key from the Mary River Roadhouse which is located on the Kakadu Highway, just outside the southern entrance to Kakadu. Keys can be collected between 7am and 7pm daily. A copy of your permit must be presented to the Mary River Roadhouse staff and a deposit of $50 is required prior to the key being issued. This deposit is fully refundable, upon return of the key at the end of your visit.

More than one key may be obtained per group if you are arriving in multiple vehicles and at various times, however each key issued requires a $50 deposit. Keys will only be issued to people whose name appears on this permit.

Keys must be returned to the Mary River Roadhouse otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. Copyright and Courtesy of Parks NT

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 Koolpin Gorge
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.

On the way we recommend you stop the the offical Bowali Vistors Centre for more information

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. Check the latest access report on the web, www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/access.html.

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'.

Emergency call devices
Emergency call devices are to be used in emergencies only. Follow the instructions located on the devices.

Jarrangbarnmi is located in a remote area of Kakadu. Mobile phone reception is not available. An emergency radio is available at the carpark, which is monitored daily by Park staff from 0630 to 2230. It can be used in emergency situations to request medical help, or a search and rescue operation, or to notify park staff of any other incident where an urgent response is required.

Emergency call devices can be found at:
• West Alligator Head
• Jim Jim Falls
• Twin Falls
• Graveside Gorge
• Maguk
• Gunlom
• Koolpin

Courtesy of http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-information/safety.html ©

Gunlom Fact Sheet - http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-activities/camping.html ©