Road trip guide: Conquering the Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls is a colossal 200-meter-high waterfall located in the Northern Territory of Australia. Extreme care is required due to the threat of saltwater crocodiles. The road to the waterfall is a single-lane 4WD track with lots of small bumps and some sandy sections.
How hard is it to get to Jim Jim Falls?
Located at the south end of Kakadu National Park, the road to the imposing waterfall is unsealed and corrugated, known as Jim Jim Road. It's in good condition up to the camping area, and then a 10 km 4WD-only track. The last 10 kilometers of the track include areas of soft sand. This is definitely 4WD only, rough and corrugated in patches, and sandy with drifts and sand banks in other places, making it a considerably slow trip. Check your car rental conditions before driving to Jim Jim Falls. The road is accessible only during the dry season, generally from May to October.
Is Jim Jim Falls dangerous?
The track is closed during the wet season, as heavy or prolonged rain can cause local flash floods that cover the road with water or wash out culverts or bridges. Drivers should be aware of fast-flowing water and the potential presence of crocodiles in water crossings in Kakadu National Park. To get to Twin Falls, you’ll have to cross an often fairly deep creek, so you'll need to check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for its depth before departing (often a vehicle fitted with a snorkel is required). Do not enter the water and stay inside the vehicle at all times while crossing water bodies in vehicles. Always check the park's information for water height. There is a deep water crossing at Jim Jim that must be crossed to continue onwards to Twin Falls.
Water safety in Kakadu National Park:
How long is the road to Jim Jim Falls?
The track is 57.2 km (35.54 miles) long, starting from the paved State Route 21 (Kakadu Highway). There’s plenty of parking at the end of the road. The river crossings can be a bit tricky in the wet. Avoid driving in the dark. Swimming is not permitted (saltwater crocodiles inhabit this area). Allow two hours one-way. An entry fee is required to enter Kakadu National Park.