A Reimagined Kakadu Icon Set to Reopen Dry Season 2026!

One of Kakadu’s most breathtaking landmarks, Twin Falls Gorge, is being re-envisioned for a spectacular new visitor experience. When it reopens in Dry Season 2026, this awe-inspiring site will once again showcase the incredible beauty and spirit of the Kakadu escarpment — refreshed, revitalised, and ready to explore. Nestled deep within World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Twin Falls Gorge is famous for its towering 150-metre-high waterfalls cascading between dramatic red sandstone cliffs. The upcoming upgrades will make it easier than ever to experience this natural wonder up close — and from incredible new vantage points.

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What’s New

Artist impressions reveal exciting new features coming soon: Elevated boardwalks and walkways winding through the gorge, offering unparalleled views of the escarpment.

Elevated boardwalks and walkways winding through the gorge, offering unparalleled views of the escarpment.
A striking cantilevered staircase spanning the cliffs, giving visitors an all-new perspective on the twin cascades.
A revitalised day-use area, amenities, and car park designed for comfort and accessibility.

The project has been carefully developed in consultation with Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, ensuring the cultural integrity and significance of this sacred place remain protected.

Allow around 2 hours to explore once reopened.

Best time to visit: June – November (dry season).

Vehicle: High-clearance 4WD with snorkel required.

Access & Getting There

From Cooinda Lodge: head east along the Kakadu Highway for around 50 km, then turn onto the Jim Jim Falls Road. Continue for approximately 60 km on the 4WD track to reach the Twin Falls turnoff. From there, it’s a further 10 km to the falls. The final section includes a deep-water crossing at Jim Jim Creek, so a high-clearance 4WD with snorkel is essential.
Allow around 1.5 hours one way from Cooinda Lodge, depending on road conditions.

From Jabiru: travel south along the Kakadu Highway for about 43 km before turning onto the Jim Jim Falls Road. Continue along the 4WD track for roughly 60 km until you reach the Twin Falls turnoff, then travel another 10 km to the site. The last section involves a deep-water crossing at Jim Jim Creek, so make sure to engage 4WD and drive carefully.
Allow about 2 hours one way from Jabiru, depending on road conditions.

Parks passes and maps are available from Bowali Visitor Centre or Cooinda.
Guided 4WD tours also operate to Jim Jim and Twin Falls during the dry season.

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Culture & Country

Twin Falls Gorge holds deep cultural meaning for the Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners. As you walk through this ancient landscape, listen for the white-lined honeyeater — believed to call out to the spirits, announcing your arrival.

Every visitor is asked to move respectfully through Country, acknowledging the enduring connection between people, place, and the stories that flow through this land.

Wildlife & Natural Wonder

Access to the gorge is via a shuttle boat, drifting peacefully between towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way, your guide will reveal the rich life of the gorge — from barramundi and saratoga to black bream, long-necked turtles, freshwater crocodiles, and the rare pig-nosed turtle (warradjan).

After disembarking, follow the floating boardwalk upstream, weaving over rocks and boulders as the twin cascades come into view — a sight that captures the wild heart of Kakadu.

Current Access

While major infrastructure upgrades are underway, the walk to the base of the gorge is temporarily closed.
For now, visitors can experience Twin Falls from above on the Twin Falls Plateau Walk — a 6 km return hike offering sweeping views down into the gorge and across vast, untouched wilderness.

Did You Know?

Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls share the same escarpment system, carved by millions of years of monsoonal rain and tropical floodwaters. While Jim Jim roars with power, Twin Falls’ dual streams symbolise balance — two forces flowing together in harmony.

Allow: ~2 hours once reopened
Vehicle: High-clearance 4WD with snorkel
Distance from Cooinda: ~1.5 hours
Season: Dry Season (June–November)

Start Your Journey Here!

Getting to Twin Falls Gorge

From Darwin to Twin Falls Gorge

Distance: Approx. 440 km (6.5–7.5 hours total drive time)

Directions:

Take the Stuart Highway south from Darwin.
Turn left onto the Arnhem Highway and follow it to Jabiru (approx. 3.5–4 hours).
From Jabiru, continue on the Kakadu Highway, then turn onto Jim Jim Falls Road.
Follow the 4WD track for about 60 km, then turn right at the Twin Falls turnoff and continue another 10 km to the site.
The final section includes a deep-water crossing at Jim Jim Creek, suitable for high-clearance 4WDs with snorkels only.

Note: Always check the Kakadu National Park Access Report before setting out. Twin Falls is seasonally accessible, usually June to November.

From Jabiru to Twin Falls Gorge

Distance: Approx. 100 km (2–2.5 hours each way)

Directions:

Travel south along the Kakadu Highway for about 43 km.
Turn left onto Jim Jim Falls Road and continue for roughly 60 km.
Turn right at the Twin Falls turnoff, then travel a further 10 km to the site.
Expect corrugations, soft sand, and a deep-water crossing at Jim Jim Creek — 4WD experience is essential.

Note: Allow extra time for the 4WD section and check road conditions regularly, especially later in the dry season.

From Cooinda Lodge to Twin Falls Gorge

Distance: Approx. 65 km (1.5 hours each way)

Directions:

Head east on the Kakadu Highway for about 50 km.
Turn onto Jim Jim Falls Road and continue for around 10 km.
Turn right at the Twin Falls turnoff and follow the final 10 km to the gorge.
The last section includes a deep-water crossing at Jim Jim Creek — engage 4WD and drive carefully.

Note: Bring plenty of water, recovery gear, and check current access conditions before departing.

Final Access to Twin Falls Gorge

From the 4WD car park, visitors transfer by shuttle boat through the gorge, followed by a short walk and floating boardwalk leading to the base of the twin cascades. The total experience typically takes around 2 hours.

Good footwear, water, and sun protection are recommended.