Jim Jim Falls, Northern Territory Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 19,816 km²—roughly half the size of Switzerland. It's one of Australia's largest national parks and a sanctuary for countless native wildlife species. Unlike Uluru, Kakadu doesn't have well-developed tourist infrastructure. Many of its most spectacular attractions are only accessible by 4WD, so if you're renting a vehicle, make sure to check whether the rental company allows off-road driving. The trip also requires a reasonable level of fitness, and with crocodiles found throughout the park, it's definitely not a place to take unnecessary risks. Kakadu is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and vast wetlands. Among them, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are two must-visit highlights. Jim Jim Falls plunges over 200 metres down towering cliffs, creating a scene so spectacular it feels almost otherworldly—like stepping into the legendary landscapes from *Journey to the West*. One important tip: don't trust Google Maps here. Although the drive is only 58 km, it takes at least two hours. Be sure to download offline maps before entering the park. The drive begins by turning off Stuart Highway towards Karnamarr Campground. The first 50 km is nothing but corrugated dirt road, where you'll be lucky to average 60 km/h. The constant bumps will shake you to pieces. Before leaving the campground, make sure you use the toilet and carry plenty of water. The final 8 km from Karnamarr Campground to the Jim Jim Falls car park is where the real adventure begins. The track is full of deep ruts, muddy holes, and water crossings, meaning you'll be crawling along at just 10–20 km/h in low gear. I had planned to visit Twin Falls, just 10 km further on, but unfortunately it was closed. Quite a few places in Kakadu have been closed in recent years, including the popular Gunlom Falls, following objections from the Traditional Owners. It's hard to know how many more areas may become inaccessible in the future, so if Kakadu is on your bucket list, don't wait too long. July and August are the best months to visit, with dry weather and daytime temperatures in the low 30s°C. During the wet season, many roads become completely inaccessible, and in some areas the only way to see the scenery is by helicopter. Once you reach the car park, the adventure still isn't over. The hike to Jim Jim Falls includes more than an hour of scrambling over huge boulders, often using both your hands and feet. But in one word: worth it.
Jim Jim Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Jim Jim Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Jim Jim Falls famous?
Jim Jim Falls is one of Kakadu's most iconic waterfalls, famous for its dramatic 200-metre single-drop plunge over the Arnhem Land escarpment into a pristine plunge pool surrounded by towering cliffs. It featured in the 1986 film 'Crocodile Dundee' and is a sacred site for the traditional Bininj/Mungguy Aboriginal owners of Kakadu.
Can you swim at Jim Jim Falls?
Restricted — Swimming is allowed in the plunge pool at the base during the dry season (roughly May–Nov) when safe, but the waterfall is inaccessible in the wet season due to flooding and road closures. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Jim Jim Falls?
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Kakadu National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Jim Jim Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Kakadu National Park pass required (currently around AUD $40 for adults for 7 days; fees subject to change). The park pass can be purchased online or at entry stations. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Jim Jim Falls?
There is a car park at the end of the 4WD-only Jim Jim Falls access road (60 km from Kakadu Highway). Parking is free but limited capacity. From the car park it is approximately 900 m walk to the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Jim Jim Falls?
About 1.8 km / 1.1 mi return (900 m each way) from the 4WD car park to the plunge pool at the base of the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Jim Jim Falls hike difficulty
Moderate to Hard — The trail crosses rocky creek beds, boulders, and requires rock scrambling, especially in the final section approaching the plunge pool. Uneven terrain and no formed path. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Jim Jim Falls?
Late dry season (June–August) for access and some water flow, though the falls are most spectacular in the early wet season (November–December) when often inaccessible. The 4WD-only access road typically closes from November/December to May/June due to flooding. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Jim Jim Falls
From the 4WD car park, follow the marked trail over rocky terrain and through monsoon forest. The track crosses Jim Jim Creek multiple times over boulders and rocks. The final approach requires scrambling over large boulders to reach the plunge pool at the base of the 200-metre escarpment. Allow 1–2 hours return. Creek crossings may be slippery.
Jim Jim Falls official website
Attractions near Jim Jim Falls
- •Twin Falls — Spectacular gorge waterfall with boardwalk access, also in Kakadu
- •Nourlangie Rock — Ancient Aboriginal rock art site with cultural tours and walks
- •Ubirr — World-famous Aboriginal rock art gallery with sunset viewpoint
- •Gunlom Falls (Waterfall Creek) — Infinity pool waterfall with panoramic views
- •Yellow Water Billabong — Wildlife-rich wetland with cruise tours
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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