G’day, adventurers! Kakadu National Park is a real treasure in the Northern Territory, with stunning scenery, rich history and some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll ever see. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, this UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just a park – it’s a living, breathing culture of the Aboriginal people who have lived in this ancient land for tens of thousands of years. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an epic road trip through the Top End, Kakadu’s waterfalls are a must-do. So grab your togs, pack a sandwich and let’s get into the best waterfalls in Kakadu. Each one is special.
Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls is the king of Kakadu National Park, and it’s no surprise why. As the biggest waterfall in the park, it’s 200 meters of pure natural beauty. Visiting this waterfall during the dry season is an experience you’ll never forget. The journey to Jim Jim Falls starts with a rough 4WD track through the rocky country; the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway provide access points. As you get closer, the track gets rougher, so make sure your vehicle is up for the task. Road access can be tricky, especially after the wet season, but that’s all part of the fun.
Once you’ve done the Jim Jim Falls Walk, which takes you along Jim Jim Creek and through the monsoon forest, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. The final approach to the falls is an exciting scramble over boulders and rocks to the plunge pools at the base of the falls. These deep pools are perfect for a swim after you’ve worked up a sweat on the difficult waterfall trail. Just be sure to heed any warnings about Crocs. These waters are home to the most giant reptiles in the world, the saltwater crocodiles.
In the wet season Jim Jim Falls becomes a raging river with heavy rainfall feeding its flow. The plunge pools are closed to swimming during this time but the sight of the falls in full flood is breathtaking. The thunder of the falls and the spray in the air is almost Jurassic Park like – a reminder of the power of nature.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is another one to see in Kakadu National Park, a different but just as impressive. The big waterfalls have two streams of water that cascade into a deep pool side by side. Like Jim Jim Falls, getting to Twin Falls is an adventure. The road is sealed and gravel and depending on the time of year you may also need to take a boat shuttle across Jim Jim Creek.
Once you get to Twin Falls, you’ll be in a pristine monsoon rainforest surrounded by greenery and cliffs. The monsoon forest here is home to a lot of wildlife, including magpie geese, which can be seen foraging near the water. This area is a nature lover’s paradise and also a significant site for the traditional owners of the land, the Aboriginal people of Kakadu. The cultural values and spiritual significance of this area are highly respected, and visitors are asked to approach the area with cultural awareness and respect for the land.
The Twin Falls gorge is a great place to have a picnic so bring some snags and enjoy the views. Swimming is not permitted at Twin Falls due to estuarine crocodiles but it’s a great place to relax and reflect. The road closures during the wet season means Twin Falls is only open during the dry season so plan your visit accordingly.
Maguk Falls (Barramundi Gorge)
Maguk Falls, also known as Barramundi Gorge, is one of Kakadu’s hidden gems. Located in a remote part of the park, this waterfall is less crowded than Jim Jim and Twin Falls. The walk to Maguk Falls takes you through beautiful country and along Waterfall Creek. The last bit of the walk is along the creek to the falls. The natural pool at the base of the falls is surrounded by rocky outcrops.
The plunge pools at Maguk Falls are some of the most beautiful in Kakadu. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a swim, and the monsoon rainforest adds to the serenity of the area. The walk to the falls is relatively easy, but the gravel road to the falls can be rough after heavy rain so a 4WD is recommended.
Maguk Falls is also a good spot for birdwatching, emerald doves and other native birds are often seen in the area. The cultural significance of this area is evident in the nearby Aboriginal rock art sites, these are some of the oldest in the world and depict creation ancestors and other aspects of Aboriginal culture.
While Maguk Falls is less crowded than other waterfalls in Kakadu, you still need to plan your visit. The road to the area is limited and can change quickly during the wet season. Make sure to check reviews for current road access and conditions before you go.
Beyond Kakadu
While Kakadu has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Australia, the Northern Territory has plenty more. Just a few hours drive from Kakadu you’ll find Litchfield National Park, another must see destination for waterfalls and natural pools.
Wangi Falls: A NT Icon
Wangi Falls is one of the most popular and easiest to get to waterfalls in Litchfield National Park. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and are fed by Tolmer Falls and Florence Falls both of which are in the park. Wangi Falls has a natural pool perfect for swimming and the surrounding monsoon rainforest provides shade and a cool relaxed atmosphere.
Gunlom Falls: Take the Plunge
In Kakadu Gunlom Falls is another must see. This beautiful waterfall is in the southern part of the park and has tiered plunge pools with views of the surrounding landscape. The walk to the top of Gunlom Falls is a bit of a challenge with a lot of elevation gain but the reward is worth it. The natural pool at the top is one of the most iconic views in Kakadu and the perfect spot to cool off after the walk.
Kakadu has it all – waterfalls, monsoon rainforest, ancient rock art, cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned explorer a trip to Kakadu will leave you with lifelong memories.
FAQ
When to visit the waterfalls?
The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Kakadu’s waterfalls. The weather is more predictable, and most roads and trails are open. You can swim in the plunge pools without worrying about saltwater crocs. In the wet season, heavy rainfall can cause road closures and limit access to some of the falls.
Do I need a 4WD to visit these waterfalls?
Yes, a 4WD is recommended for Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and Maguk Falls. The roads are rough and challenging, especially after the wet season. Sealed roads provide access to some areas like Yellow Waters and Nourlangie Rock, but the gravel roads to the waterfalls are a bit more demanding.
Are there guided tours to the waterfalls?
Yes! You can book guided tours that will take you to all the best spots in Kakadu including Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls and Maguk Falls. These tours are a great way to gain cultural awareness and learn about the traditional owners of the land, the Aboriginal people. And a guide will help you navigate the rough terrain and make sure you don’t miss the views.
Can I swim at all the waterfalls?
You can swim at Jim Jim Falls and Maguk Falls in the dry season. Twin Falls is not safe for swimming due to estuarine crocodiles. Always check the conditions and heed the croc warnings. For a swim in a natural pool, Maguk is the way to go, primarily after you’ve worked up a sweat on the walk-in.
What do I need to bring for a trip to Kakadu’s waterfalls?
Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and good hiking shoes. A hat and sunglasses will help with the Aussie sun, so don’t forget your togs for a swim! If you’re having a Barbie, bring some snags and a portable BBQ.
Related Tours
Darwin Travel
