Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park Australia

Jim Jim and Twin Falls Area in Kakadu National Park

To Jim Jim and Twin Falls. (Side trip of 130km return). This is definitely 4WD only, it is very rough and corrugated and is a slow trip. Track is closed during the wet season and there is a deep water crossing at Jim Jim that must be crossed to continue onwards to Twin Falls. Camping is only allowed/possible at end of Jim Jim track at designated camp site. A newly upgraded camp ground is at Jim Jim. Vehicle access to Twin Falls only continues a further 5-10km.

In the past you had to swim or use a lilo to access the Falls gorge. Now you must take the boat shuttle service transfer approx $12.50. Apparently ou can get tickets of the campground manager at Garnamarr.

You aren't allowed to swim at Twin Falls plunge pool and beach (Bowali Visitors centre11.10.2010 update). Not in the gorge and not in the plunge pool below the falls.

The boat shuttle takes you through the gorge and drops you near the falls. From here you have to walk for like two minutes, over some rocks and then over a boardwalk. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls.

Important: Visitor Safety
Important: Before trying the Twin Falls crossing check with Bowali Visitor Centre for up to date information.

Jim Jim Falls Area - 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.

Twin Falls Gorge

The Twin Falls Gorge Plateau Walk (dry season only)

This steep walk leads you to the plateau above the Twin Falls. It features good views on the way to the top and pools can be found along the creek above the falls. Swimming in the pools is now not allowed - please see the visitor safety information regarding crocodiles and warning signs.

A moderately difficult walk | 6 km | 4 hours

Twin Falls Gorge (dry season only)

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.

A moderate walk over boulders and uneven terrain | 2 hours return

Twin Falls Gorge
(dry season only, 4WD with snorkel required) The crossing is actually concreted and a snorkle is required on your vehicle.

For the latest up-to-date details, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on 0889381121 or +61889381121 - For all information on the area of water above the falls at any time of the year you should contact Bowali Visitor Centre or the rangers station in the area first (This web site does not comment on this area due to safety concerns and refers you solely to the proper official park rangers and visitors information centre.).

Twin Falls Gorge (dry season only)

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.

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.

You aren't allowed to swim at Twin Falls plunge pool and beach (Bowali Visitors centre11.10.2010 update). Not in the gorge and not in the plunge pool below the falls.

The boat shuttle takes you through the gorge and drops you near the falls. From here you have to walk for like two minutes, over some rocks and then over a boardwalk. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls. You end up at a big pool with a sandy beach at the bottom of the falls.

Important: Visitor Safety
Important: Before trying the Twin Falls crossing check with Bowali Visitor Centre for up to date information.

For the latest up-to-date details, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on 0889381121 or +61889381121 - For all information on the area of water above the falls at any time of the year you should contact Bowali Visitor Centre or the rangers station in the area first (This web site does not comment on this area due to safety concerns and refers you solely to the proper official park rangers and visitors information centre.).

Where to stay

Visiting Jim Jim Falls Area in Kakadu National Park

Garnamarr - Large Camping Facilities:
• Garrnamarr campground (dry season only, 4WD)
• This campground caters for up to 200 people.
• Facilities include showers and toilets, and there is drinking water available. • The campground is locked from 8.30 pm to 6.30 am for visitor safety.

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.

Garnamarr Campground Camping fees
A campground manager will collect the camping fee of $5.40 (known season's prices) per adult per night (over 16 years of age). Please have correct change as eftpos facilities are not available. See current Camping fees and permits are at this external sublink: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-activities/camping.html

There is no booking system for the campsite. Places are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. It is advisable tocontact 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.

Category: 1
Cost: $10 per adult per night - Under 16 years free
The cost will vary please see the parks link below for current pricing.

Facilities:
• Water
• Shower
• Car park
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet
• Our OBT Guide and Map book supplied with our Kakadu 4WD rentals thru
http://www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com/ has much more on Garnamarr.

Kakadu National Park - Seasons

But Australia's Kakadu sees seasons of varied extremes -- so varied, in fact, that the park's longtime aboriginal inhabitants have divided the year into six distinct seasons.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gunumeleng Pre-Monsoon Storm Season - Gunumeleng, from mid-October to late December, may in fact last from a few weeks to several months.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gudjewg - Monsoon Season - Gudjewg, from January to March, can be described as the 'true' wet season.
• Kakadu Seasons - Banggereng - Knock 'em down storm Season - Banggerreng, in April, is the season when the rain clouds have dispersed and clear skies prevail.
• Kakadu Seasons - Yegge - Cooler but still humid Season - Yegge, from May to mid-June, is relatively cool with low humidity.
• Kakadu Seasons - Wurrgeng - Cold Weather Season - Wurrgeng, from mid-June to mid-August, is the 'cold weather' time; humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 17°C.
• Kakadu Seasons - Gurrung - Hot Dry Weather - Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is hot and dry.

Jim Jim Falls - On the Kakadu Highway down Cooinda at the south end of Kakadu National Park to Jim Jim and Twin Falls. (Side trip of 130km return). From the north end of the park turn east off the Kakadu Highway 43km south of the Bowali Centre. this is only a 4WD access road.

A just under 2km return walk through a monsoon forest and over small and larger boulders will take you to a deep plunge pool surrounded by ancient, 150-metre high cliffs where the falls pound the bottom druring the Tropical Summer also known as the Green or Wet Seasons usually from late November to March.

As season may change access may be unpredictable. Jim Jim Gorge Track is an icon of the region and must do for the fit and adventureous.

Blog: Jim Jim 4WD unsealed Track
Jim Jim Track is closed during the wet season and there is a deep water crossing at Jim Jim that must be crossed to continue onwards to Twin Falls.

This is definitely 4WD only, it is rough and corrugated in patches and sandy with drifts and sand banks in other places, considerably a slow trip.

Camping is only allowed/possible at end of Jim Jim track at designated camp site. This is seasonal access only.

Main Attractions - Jim Jim and Twin Falls Area

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

Plateau above Jim Jim Falls - Barrk Malam walk

Blog 1: I took these shots during the month of September. If your on a tour try to stay awake as one tends to doze off after a few minutes or you will miss the ancient countryside - probably the only way I can decribe it.

Many folks have described this trip (and I have read tourist blogs as well) as bone shatering. Well I haven't the best health and I enjoyed it.

Bone shattering I didn't think so more the vehicle swayed from sand bank to sand bank in areas and a few bumpy patches. Maybe we had the best driver. Actually we own a 4WD but this opted for a tour to see the difference.

If you are a self drive, or selfdrive hiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle rental or 4WD camper hire the hint is watch out for the dust from passing motorists or drivers in front of you.

Taken by us Sept 9th, 2007 on the Jim Jim Track. This was before the seasonal rains had set in which was 6 weeks later. Still with the water across the track into Jim Jim Gorge one needed to be vigilant in navigating and driving track to the last carpark to trek to the Gorge waterhole or billabong beach as some refer to it.