Seasonal reopening of Kakadu’s iconic Gunlom Falls revives the spirit of Crocodile Dundee

Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park’s most famous waterfall, has reopened, just as the film – Crocodile Dundee – which made the attraction a global tourism icon celebrates its 40th anniversary. 

In the film, Gunlom Falls was known as ‘Echo Lake’. It’s where Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) aims to impress visiting American journalist Sue Charlton (played by Hogan’s wife to be, Linda Kozlowski) by spearing a barramundi and then then displaying his bush tucker skills by BBQing fish and goanna for dinner. They also take a swim in the cool waters.The falls feature a lower pool and an upper set of rock pools which offer panoramic views across Kakadu National Park.

A new walkway to the upper-level rock pools was made available to visitors last year, making the climb more accessible. Another renowned waterfall, Maguk Falls, is also scheduled to reopen shortly, following extensive upgrading works to the access roads to the two popular waterfalls after cyclone damage late in the wet season.

Kakadu Tourism operates Kakadu Adventure Tours throughout the dry season (till the end of October, at least) visiting Gunlom Falls or Maguk Falls in air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, with lunch and expert guides to provide the ultimate outback experience.

Additionally, Kakadu Tourism has added a new Toyota Landcruiser for private tours to major attractions throughout the year.

Visitors to Kakadu can also now book weaving and cultural experiences with local Traditional Owners at the Warradjan Cultural Centre. It provides a rare opportunity to sit with members of the Murrumburr clan who have lived in and around the Cooinda area of Kakadu for thousands of years.

Adding to the attractions Kakadu is now offering visitors, Cooinda Lodge has completed an upgrade of their 20 Outback Retreat glamping tents, which now offer ensuite facilities for all the tents, which offer air-conditioned comfort set amongst shady trees.

About Gunlom Falls

Gunlom Falls is in Kakadu National Park’s southern ‘stone country’ region, an hour’s drive (4WD only) from Cooinda and four and a half hours drive from Darwin. The falls were named in the 1960s as UDP Falls, after the Uranium Developing and Prospecting Company, which was searching for rich uranium deposits. It was then known as Waterfall Creek Falls before becoming Gunlom Falls. 

The falls from the 85m high cliff are seasonal, being at their best immediately after the wet season. Underneath the falls is a large emerald coloured billabong that is available for swimming from May to October, depending on conditions. 

The new track to the rock pools at the top of the falls is steep and takes about 15- 20 minutes, but the series of refreshing pools and spectacular views out across the south of Kakadu National Park to stone country, woodland, and riverine areas make the climb worthwhile.

Accommodation in Kakadu National Park

Indigenous-owned accommodation in Kakadu National Park is available at Cooinda Lodge, which offers luxury villas, glamping tents, hotel rooms and extensive camping and caravan spaces, as well as a range of tours and experiences.

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