Motor Car Falls

The Motor Car Falls is a secret hideaway, surrounded by the monsoon plains of Kakadu national park, perfect for nature lovers and hikers. You can walk in via Yurmikmik to get to this off the beaten track gem with its quietness and softness of the Northern Territory’s bush.

History of the Falls

The landscape around Motor Car Falls has cultural and historical significance, as indicated by the variety of stories associated with it. It is not as big as the other central falls in the park, like Kurrundie Falls, which are tall. These falls have shade and a swimming hole with deep water.

Motor Car Falls is in Bininj/Mungguy Country and neighbours Aboriginal Rock Art Panels, which give insights into the spiritual life of this land by its first people. The rock art implies that these places were not just camping sites but also critical cultural areas for Aboriginal people across the NT.

How to Get to Motor Car Falls

Motor Car Falls is in the middle of Kakadu National Park and is connected by marked tracks so you’ll have adventures with great views from all sides. Hikers will need to get to the Yurmikmik carpark first before you can head off to these waterfalls; actually a starting point for a few walking trails that crisscross.

Before You Go

A visit to Motor Car Falls requires some planning so you know what to expect in the park. The drive from Jabiru which is Kakadu’s main town will take about 2 hours. Make sure you have a National Park Pass which can be purchased online or at various visitor centres throughout Kakadu NP Bring enough supplies – food and water for your trip as the gravel roads are very rough after heavy rain especially in the wet season.

Tracks

The Motor car falls journey starts at the Yurmikmik carpark along Gimbat Road, a rough dirt road that requires caution when driving on it especially after rain. This is a bi-directional track to the falls with some boulders making it interesting and challenging.

The track is an easy to moderate walk as there are creek crossings and thick bush to push through. So tourists don’t have to worry about getting lost in the monsoon forest as there is a marked track.

Access to Motor Car Falls

Motorcar Falls are fun because you get to see different species of plants and animals from all over Kakadu National Park. You can access these falls in two ways.

By Foot

The best way to see the area is by foot by hiking to Motor Car Falls. 11km return (hiking) not only challenges you physically but also spiritually through the views and sound of water falling into a deep plunge pool. It goes through grassland with head-highs, native bushland, rocky escarpments and monsoon forest.

Guided Tours

Or if you prefer structured knowledge, guided tours — including Kakadu tours from Darwin — are the way to go. These tours will give you insider information on the park’s ecology, geology and history as you walk along the rough tracks to the falls. They can also show you how to enjoy the area safely including swimming in natural pools.

Best Time to Visit

When visiting Motor Car Falls make sure you choose wisely so you can be safe and enjoy. Kakadu National Park has distinct seasons which affect accessibility and beauty of the falls.

During these months (late May – October) you can visit and it’s quite good because the weather is more temperate and humidity is down so hiking is easier. Trails are drier so walking is safer, creek levels are lower so it’s easier to access the tracks especially during creek crossings. Water is clearer during dry season so swimming in natural pools is more enjoyable.

Or wet season from November to April and Kakadu becomes a green oasis and is more beautiful. But higher water levels, strong currents and more crocodile activity during this time may restrict access in some areas for safety reasons. Heavy rain may also make tracks slippery so walking is harder.

To Motor Car Falls

As tough as it looks like an adventure; trekking in this area will be a relief not hardship since you’ll be exercising your body while surrounded by nature.

Once you get to the falls, you’ll be met with a stunning view of water falling into a deep plunge pool surrounded by monsoon forest. This area around the falls is great for unwinding and meditation. It’s a good spot for a picnic as there are several natural pools to swim in after a long hike.

For adventure seekers there’s some rock scrambling and varied terrain to navigate through before you get to Motor Car Falls. The track takes you through several different natural environments each with its own beauty and challenges. Through this dynamic track your journey will never be boring till the end.

Conclusion

Visiting Motor Car Falls is more than just a pretty waterfall. It’s an adventure through the heart of Kakadu National Park where every step you take gets you closer to nature and its stories. It’s physical challenge, cultural immersion and natural beauty all in one so it’s a must for anyone who wants to experience the wildness of the Northern Territory. The falls are for any hiker, experienced or not, as they open up into nature and give you great memories and a more profound respect for Australia’s heritage.