Whether they’re raging with water or reduced to a mere trickle, the majestic Jim Jim Falls are a sight to behold.
Jim Jim Falls is an imposing 200m high waterfall. See it from the air during the tropical season when water roars over the drop and the road is impassable. Take the challenging drive in the dry when the falls are reduced to a trickle to get up close. Marvel at the contrast between the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment and the white sandy beaches. It's worth the 900m walk across the rocks to take a dip in the crystal clear water of the plunge pool.
Turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre. Then travel a further 60km along the four-wheel drive tracks. Allow two hours one-way. Please note speed limits and drive safely, as the last 10km of track includes areas of soft sand.
An entry fee is required to enter Kakadu National Park.
Travellers’ stories
Frequently asked questions
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This is a strictly 4WD adventure that can only be undertaken in the dry season when water levels are low. You will need a high clearance 4WD with low range and a snorkel.
From Darwin you turn onto Route 36 (Arnhem Highway) and drive towards Jabiru. Continue on Route 21 (Kakadu Highway) at Jabiru towards the Bowali Visitor Centre on the Kakadu Highway.
The turnoff to Jim Jim Falls is on the way to Twin Falls. Approaching from the north end of Kakadu National Park, you travel 43km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre. Turn east on Jim Jim Falls Rd to the falls. From the Kakadu Hwy turnoff the drive to the falls is a 130km round trip and the last 20km into the falls can be slow and difficult.
Once you get to the car park, the walk to the base of the falls is a 1km walk through rainforest and over rocks. The walk is suitable for a person of average fitness but does involve some clambering over boulders, so you need enclosed, non slip shoes.
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Close in proximity, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls represent two of the most spectacular locations in Kakadu National Park.
Jim Jim Falls is Kakadu’s highest waterfall which drops a staggering 200m and is higher than the falls in Litchfield National Park and Nitmiluk Gorge. Twin Falls are fed by the South Alligator River and drop 51m in a stairway of cascades.
During the wet season, scenic flights are the best way to experience the falls in full flow.
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Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are accessible in a 4WD vehicle with a snorkel.
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From Jim Jim Falls you turn south where the Twin Falls track is signposted and head 10km south to the carpark where you can meet the water shuttle. You need to allow up to 2.5 hours to complete this 10km journey depending on track conditions.
Access to Twin Falls is by water only once you reach the car park.
Tickets for the shuttle boat can be purchased at the Bowali Visitor Centre or at Twin Falls. Cost is $12.50 per adult and children under 16 are free.
We suggest you allow around 2hrs to look around this magnificent area.
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Most people prefer to arrive in the dry season, from May to October, when the days are sunny and the nights cool. The average daily maximum is about 32°C.
November to April is the wet season, when humidity climbs and daily maximums can hit the high 30s. High rainfall can mean access to the falls by road is not possible, instead visitors enjoy the falls in full flow from the air on a scenic flight. Check the Kakadu National Park road report for the latest access information.
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Yes, you can camp at Karnamarr campground where there is water, toilet and shower facilities, but no power. A 4WD is essential to reach the campground which is 10km from Jim Jim Falls and 18km from Twin Falls.
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Bowali Visitor Centre
5km west of Jabiru is the Bowali Visitor Centre, which contains information about Kakadu to help you plan your visit. The Marrawuddi Gallery is located at the Bowali Visitor Centre; all artworks at the gallery are created by local Aboriginal people.
Nourlangie
Enjoy viewing the Arnhem Land escarpment and wetland walks at Nourlangie. Connect with Indigenous Australian ancient history through rock art.
Cooinda & Yellow Water
Cooinda and Yellow Water Billabong are two of Kakadu National Park’s most popular places to visit.
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There are many walks at Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls with varying degrees of difficulty.
Barrk Marlam Bushwalk (difficult grade – 6km – 5 hours)
Budjmi Lookout Walk (moderate grade – 1km – 45 minutes)
Jim Jim Plunge Pool Walk (moderate to difficult grade – 1km – 3 hours)
Twin Falls Gorge Walk (moderate grade – 2 hours)
Twin Falls Plateau Walk (difficult grade – 6km – 5 hours)Swimming is permitted at Barrk Marlam, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. Always let someone know where you are going, take plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.
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Motor Car Falls is a 7.5km return walk and is one of Kakadu’s hidden gems. Access Motor Car Falls via Yurmikmik Walks, which are a series of interconnected walking tracks that are usually accessible in the wet season.
There are a variety of options depending on whether you head north orsouth on the Kakadu Highway. Heading towards the northern end of Kakadu is Nourlangie. South of the Jim Jim Falls turnoff is Maguk Falls and Gunlom Falls.
