The waterfalls in Kakadu National Park are a significant attraction for visitors, reflecting the park’s world-heritage-listed status.
The waterfalls in Kakadu National Park range in size and scenery, showcasing the park’s seasonal changes.
During the dry season, these areas are calm and perfect for activities like bushwalking and camping. In the wet season, they transform into powerful roaring torrents, with scenic flights offering a unique perspective on their intensity.
Check out the Darwin to Kakadu Day Trip if you want an organised adventure.
WaterfallsÂ
Gunlom Falls
This waterfall in Kakadu is considered one of the best and most visited.
The cascading waters and pristine plunge pool in Kakadu are noteworthy features and are ideal for photography.
Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls is the largest waterfall in Kakadu.
The waterfall is 200m high, taller than those at Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks in the Northern Territory.
During the tropical summer, heavy rains in Kakadu cause vast land to be submerged, fueling massive falls. The only way to see Jim Jim during this time is by air.
During Kakadu’s transition into the dry season, visitors can explore the monsoon forest and boulder-filled trails to reach the base of Jim Jim Falls.
Visitors will notice the vastness of the nearby cliffs.
Access it by taking the Jim Jim plunge pool walk.
Maguk
The waterfall flows into a pool from high gorge walls.
A walk through a short monsoon rainforest leads to a location with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Rainbow pitas, emerald doves, and spangled drongos are frequently seen in this area, while endemic Anbinik trees, the largest trees in Stone Country, are found sheltering in the forest.
The trail ends near a rocky river section.
You can follow the marked trail from this point to reach the main plunge pool located in a large stone arena across the river.
The Maguk walk is located an hour’s drive south of Cooinda.
Motor Car Falls
During the tropical summer, this small waterfall in Kakadu National Park becomes popular as the larger falls are often unreachable.
Located in Kakadu National Park, this site is surrounded by monsoon forest and is often featured in travel magazines for its beauty, yet remains relatively unknown.
The Yurmikmik walks in Kakadu, which stretch 7.5 km round trip, are considered worth the effort by visitors.
During the walk, keep an eye out for wallaroos and listen to the sounds of birds.
Twin Falls gorge
Twin Falls Gorge in Kakadu National Park features a split cascade descending from a 150-meter cliff into a deep pool.
During the dry season, the waterfall’s flow decreases, allowing visitors to walk to the base of the escarpment.
During the journey, visitors will discover ancient secrets of the escarpment and observe amazing aquatic life in the crystal clear waters. Upon arrival at the dock, a walk along the floating boardwalk offers views of the falls’ grandeur.
Packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the scenery on the white sandy beach at the bottom of the gorge is recommended.
The walk to the base of the gorge is closed due to a major infrastructure upgrade. However, visitors can still enjoy the falls from above on the Twin Falls plateau walk, a challenging 6 km return hike with stunning views of the gorge and surrounding wilderness.