JIM JIM FALLS
Jim Jim Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. This impressive 200-meter-high waterfall will be a highlight of your trip!
The turn-off is about 45 kilometers south of Jabiru on the Kakadu Highway. From there, you’ll travel about 50 kilometers on an unsealed, bumpy road to the Garnamarr Camping area. From this point, you must have a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle to continue. It’s another 5-kilometer drive on a narrow, winding track with soft sand and creek crossings. The Jim Jim Creek crossing is usually 400 to 600 millimeters deep, but it can be as deep as 800 millimeters. This crossing has a solid concrete base, and a snorkel for your car is highly recommended. The drive to the falls takes about two hours one way. Be sure to have a well-equipped 4-wheel-drive and drive carefully.
Visiting the Falls
Once you park, clear signs will lead you to the Plunge Pool Walk, which is about 2 kilometres round trip. The first part of the walk is easy to moderate and offers a stunning view of the falls from a distance. If you continue, you’ll walk through a monsoon forest along Jim Jim Creek to the deep plunge pool.
This part of the walk is more difficult. You will need to climb over large boulders, which can be sandy and slippery. Wear supportive, closed shoes. The closer you get to the falls, the more beautiful they become. The dramatic cliffs will leave you in awe. The plunge pool is very deep and can be quite cold! However, there’s a white sand beach nearby that gets plenty of sun, making it a more comfortable place to relax. Kakadu National Park suggests allowing three hours for this round-trip walk.
The falls may stop flowing later in the year, depending on how much rain fell during the previous wet season.
For those with a high level of fitness, the Barrk Marlam Walk is for you. This difficult 3-kilometer climb to the top offers spectacular views of the escarpment. Make sure to bring at least 3 litres of water per person and stay on the marked track. It’s best to start before 10 a.m. to avoid the heat.
Camping Tours departing Darwin including Jim Jim Falls
2 Day Kakadu with Jim Jim Falls Camping Tour from Darwin
3 Day Kakadu Camping Tour from Darwin
5 Day Kakadu & Koopin Gorge Camping Tour
5 Day Kakadu Top End Camping Tour
Jim Jim Falls Day Tour from Kakadu
Useful Information:
Distance: Turnoff to Jim Jim Falls is approximately 45 kilometres from Jabiru Township along the Kakadu Highway. It is a further 50km’s to Garnamarr Campground on unsealed at times highly corrugated road and an additional 5 kilometres high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle only track to the Jim Jim Falls Car Park.
Camping: Garnamarr Campground is open 6:30 am to 8:30 pm during the Dry Season. Facilities include hot showers, toilets, wood barbeques and picnic tables. No generators. Suitable for tents and off-road camper trailers. Fees: $10 per person, per night. Under 16 years free. No bookings.
Seasonal Access: Dry Season access only, usually May to September. Check with Bowali Visitor Centre for road closures prior to visiting.
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