Jim Jim Falls is an Iconic Natural Wonder of Kakadu

Kakadu Parks have anticipated a late July 2025 opening, date TBC

Jim Jim Falls, one of Kakadu’s most powerful waterfalls, plunges 200 metres from the Arnhem Land escarpment into a deep plunge pool below. Reaching it requires a 2km walk through sandy and rocky terrain—perfect for adventurous travellers with a 4WD. In the dry season, enjoy a swim beneath towering cliffs; in the wet, witness the falls in full force from a scenic flight. Nearest services are at Cooinda Lodge (1.5 hours away), so come prepared with essentials like water, food, walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

CHECK ACCESS report

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!

Jim Jim Falls Image by Tourism NT

Optional Barrk Marlam Walk (7km)

For the more adventurous, the Barrk Marlam walk is a 7 km return rugged ascent to the top of the escarpment above Jim Jim Falls. The views are spectacular, but the walk is only for those who are experienced and fit – and best done early morning, as the return trip can take between four and six hours, depending on your fitness level.

The Baark Marlam walk branches off from the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool track. You walk through the rugged stone country typical of the Arnhem Land plateau, and if you keep a sharp eye out, you will discover why it is named ‘Baark’, because that’s the local name for the black wallaroo, a small wallaby-sized macropod only found in Kakadu.


Book a Tour to Jim Jim Falls:

Never Never Safari Tours: Full Day Jim Jim  

Available from July 2025 — Subject to seasonal site closures.

Explore Kakadu's stunning landscapes with our friendly guides on an 8-hour tour. Discover rugged cliffs, lush rainforests, and a seasonal waterfall, while learning about local flora, fauna, and Aboriginal culture. Suitable for ages 3–100, with small groups (2–18). Meeting points: Jabiru and Cooinda lodges.

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Kakadu Air Scenic Flight

Available year round — best views of Jim Jim over wet season!

Discover the Northern Territory's changing beauty with Kakadu Air. In the wet season (November to April), heavy rains transform the landscape, filling rivers and creating lush vegetation. Waterfalls flow, and the park becomes vibrant. In contrast, the Dry season (May to October) unveils a different scene with clear skies and thriving wildlife. Kakadu Air invites you to experience both seasons from the air, offering a memorable journey through the extraordinary wilderness of the Northern Territory, capturing its unique charm in both wet and dry conditions.

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