Jim Jim Falls Area in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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

 

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.

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.

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.

Jim Jim Gorge Walk
Do not enter the water downstream of the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool. Estuarine crocodiles may be present.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.
Important to note: During the dry season Jim Jim Falls ceases to flow.

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.
Features:	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, visitors are not allowed to swim. 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. Twin Falls Area in Kakadu National Park 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. 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. Important: Visitor Safety Important: Before trying the Twin Falls crossing check with Bowali Visitor Centre for up to date information.
Note: 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.

Budjmi (Bood-me) Lookout (dry season only)

Where:	Starts at the Day Use / Picnic Area near the Jim Jim Creek crossing.
Features:	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.

Kakadu Air:	Telephone:	Within Australia:	(08) 8979 2411
		International:	+61 8 8979 2411
North Australian Helicopters www.northaustralianhelicopters.com.au	Telephone:	Within Australia:	(08) 8979 2444 or 1800 898 977
		International:	+61 8 8979 2444
		Facsimile:	+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

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

Main Attractions - Jim Jim and Twin Falls Area

Courtesy of Northern Territory Tourism for the promotion of tourism to Kakadu National Park

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory

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

We sincerely wish to thank Department of the Environment and Water Resources for some of the facts we have listed here.

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