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Jim Jim Falls Area

View a map of the area at the bottom of this page


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. Jim Jim Falls car park is an additional 15 km along the access road and Twin Falls car park is a further 10 km after crossing Jim Jim Creek. Your vehicle will require a snorkel to cross the Jim Jim Creek. Check the road conditions before attempting this journey.

A gate has been erected on the falls side of the Garnamarr Campground (see map below) 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 reach the Garnamarr campground 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.

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


Main Attractions

Photo of Jim Jim Falls

Jim Jim Falls during the wet season from the air


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.
Photo of Twin Falls

Twin Falls during the wet season from the air

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, where visitors may swim, at their own risk.
  • 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.
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.

If you have more time

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. See map below.
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.

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.

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

Where to stay


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 to contact 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.

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.

Rangers present regular free slide shows and talks at the campground. Please check your 'What's On' guide for details.


 

Map to Jim Jim Falls

 

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