Jim Jim Falls

Jim Jim Falls is one of Kakadu’s most iconic destinations. In the wet season, the only way to witness its full power is from the air—an aerial tour over Jim Jim and neighbouring Twin Falls is a bucket-list experience. The sheer force of water thundering over the escarpment and the mist rising high into the sky is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

While road access is nearly impossible during the wet, usually from July through to September, adventurous travellers can tackle a well-maintained 50 km 4WD track. Just 900 metres from the car park lies a spectacular reward—an outback oasis waiting to be discovered.

It’s always intriguing to learn how some of Kakadu’s iconic landmarks got their names—especially those given by Europeans drawing from local Aboriginal language. Jim Jim derives from andjimdjim, the name for the native water pandanus that grow along the creek leading to the falls.

The walk to the plunge pools is short but can involve a bit of rock scrambling. Along the way, you’ll pass through a majestic anbinik forest, where towering trees offer welcome shade, even during the heat of the day. These ancient giants are the largest trees found in the escarpment country and are among the world’s oldest living plant species—dating back more than 400 million years. 

Keep an eagle eye out for eagles and falcons, but also rainbow bee-eaters and the striated pardalote bird, which you might be able to spot in the canopies of the trees. The walk does mean some scrambling over boulders, but you’ll get to see water monitors sun-baking on a boulder after chasing their lunch through the clear water of Jim Jim Creek.

Importantly, Kakadu National Park rangers clear the area of any potential crocodiles after the wet season, which is why you generally can’t swim until June/July. The Bowali Visitor Information Centre can always provide an update, or head to the online Parks Access Report which is updated daily.

So what’s all the fuss about?

After the walk, a massive rock pool – possibly 300 metre diameter – awaits, surrounded by towering cliffs and sandy beaches carved out over millions of years. While the waterfall diminishes to a trickle during the dry, it feeds a glorious swimming hole that teems with fish. Make sure you bring a snorkel or goggles to view the fish below. In fact, bring a picnic hamper and spend a lazy morning and afternoon there.

The drive to Jim Jim falls is just over an hour from Cooinda, and 90 minutes from Jabiru. You will need a high clearance 4WD, and the road can become corrugated towards the end of the dry season, but after a whole lotta shakin’ going on, the end result will be worth every jolt!