Gunlom Falls

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go 

Where Is Gunlom Falls?

Gunlom is located in the southern stone country of Kakadu National Park, it is only accessible with a high clearance 4WD and about:

• 1 hour 45 mins (130 km) drive from Cooinda Lodge
• 2 hours 15 mins drive from Jabiru
• 4 hours from drive Darwin

The last 40 km is on a gravel road that requires a 4WD. The drive itself is part of the journey—passing through escarpments, woodlands, and classic Top End scenery.

Guided 4WD day tours are also available from Cooinda Lodge, offering a comfortable option with transport, lunch, and local insights included. Always check road conditions before you go, especially during the Dry Season when access is open.

Why Visit Gunlom?

Gunlom offers crystal-clear plunge pools, scenic walks, and some of the best views in Kakadu. At the base, enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald-green billabong—surrounded by shady gums and steep cliff faces. Up top, natural infinity pools spill gently over smooth boulders, overlooking sweeping escarpment country. It’s a favourite spot for sunrise, sunset, and those classic Kakadu photos.

The walk to the top pools takes around 15–20 minutes and is steep, but well worth the effort. The views alone make it one of the most photographed places in the park.

Gunlom is best visited in the Dry Season (May–October), when road access is open, water is clearest, and the weather is perfect for swimming, walking, and relaxing.

Lower Pools (Base of Gunlom Falls)

Just a short walk from the car park, the lower pools form a broad, emerald‑green billabong fed by the 85‑metre cascade. Fringed by pandanus and paperbarks, this natural swimming hole is calm, easily accessible, and perfect for cooling off in the midday heat. Families appreciate the soft sandy edges and shaded picnic areas nearby, while the sheer cliff backdrop makes every swim feel dramatic yet safe during the dry‑season months (May–October).

Top Pools (Gunlom Plunge Pools Above the Falls)

A steep 15–20‑minute climb up the new stone‑stepped track leads to the famed upper rock pools—a series of clear, terraced “infinity” pools that spill gently over smooth sandstone. Here, visitors can soak in waist‑deep water while gazing across Kakadu’s vast stone country, woodlands, and winding waterways. The elevated perch makes these pools a favourite for sunrise and sunset, rewarding the effort with panoramic views, solitude, and some of the park’s most iconic photo opportunities.

  
Where to Stay Nearby

Cooinda Lodge  Yellow Water Campground

Located closest to Gunlom Falls, Cooinda offers the most diverse range of accommodation in Kakadu—from shady camp sites and glamping tents to family-sized lodge rooms and luxury villas. Guests have access to two on-site restaurants, swimming pools, a retail store, Warradjan Cultural Centre, and fuel station—all set within a relaxed bushland setting.

Cooinda is also the gateway to adventure. It’s home to the world-renowned Yellow Water Billabong Cruise, and a hub for a variety of tours including guided fishing trips, 4WD adventures, cultural experiences, stargazing evenings, and more. Whether you're seeking comfort, connection to Country, or outback exploration, Cooinda is an ideal base for your Kakadu journey.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel

Shaped like a giant saltwater crocodile, this iconic hotel was built following the success of Crocodile Dundee and remains one of the most unique stays in Australia. Conveniently located in the township of Jabiru—Kakadu’s main service centre in the north—the Crocodile Hotel offers comfortable accommodation with air-conditioning, a refreshing swimming pool, on-site art gallery, bar, and an à la carte restaurant.

While it’s a little further from Gunlom Falls, staying in Jabiru provides easy access to essential services like a grocery store, Marrawuddi Arts & Culture, restaurants, a fuel station, and the Bowali Visitor Centre. It’s also the perfect base for exploring Kakadu’s northern highlights, including Ubirr and Burrungkuy rock art sites, Cahills Crossing, and scenic walking trails across Arnhem Land’s edge. 

Both are great bases for exploring Kakadu and offer connections to guided tours, including 4WD adventures to Gunlom.

Know Before You Go

• 4WD required for the final 40 km access road.
• Check road conditions and trail openings at kakadu.gov.au/access or local visitor centres—tracks may close in the Wet Season for safety.
• Park Passes are required for all visitors and can be purchased online.

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