5 of the most breathtaking Kakadu National Park waterfalls

A road trip highlight in the Northern Territory? Visiting the incredible Kakadu National Park waterfalls in all their glory.

The Kakadu National Park waterfalls are the drawcard for many visitors to the Top End. During the wet season, these cascades reach overflow levels, thundering down from colourful rock ledges into deep pools below. By the time the dry season comes around, their flow reduces and access is finally granted thanks to blue skies and the efforts of park rangers to repair damaged access roads after flooding.

Before visiting these natural wonders, it’s important to know how to road trip Kakadu. Some are easily accessible via 2WD-friendly tracks. Others, you’ll need a high clearance 4WD or to join a Kakadu tour. Even with the right vehicle, you’ll need to determine if the walks to the waterfalls are appropriate for your skill level.

Below, find our exhaustive guide to Kakadu National Park waterfalls and everything you need to know before a visit.

1. Maguk

Maguk Falls in Kakadu National Park — Maguk Falls features a plunge pool at the foot of a steep gorge. (Image: Tourism NT)

Access: 4WD only, dry season only

Walk difficulty: Moderate

Once one of the lesser-known Kakadu National Park waterfalls, Maguk has gained popularity among travellers since the closure of Gunlom Falls. They have discovered its crystal waters and arresting gorge cliffs.

This is an easy waterfall to access if you’re staying at Cooinda Lodge, as it’s only an hour’s drive south with a 14km 4WD track off the Kakadu highway. Alternatively, set up camp at Maguk campground.

A moderate 2km return walk will get you to the falls, winding through monsoon rainforests and along the sandy creek edge. Birdwatching enthusiasts will enjoy watching out for rainbow pittas, which inhabit the area.

Follow the marked trailer across the bouldered river to reach the main plunge pool, then while away the hours in its deep waters.

2. Jim Jim Falls

a scenic view of Jim Jim Falls from a Kakadu Scenic Flight — Jim Jim Falls flows from 150-metre-high cliffs. (Image: Tourism NT)

Access: 4WD only, dry season only

Walk Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Jim Jim Falls is one of the most spectacular Kakadu National Park waterfalls, often seen in films and television thanks to its towering cliff faces surrounding a deep plunge pool with a sandy shore. But it’s also one of the hardest to access.

A 50km 4WD track leads to the falls and is definitely only accessible with a high-clearance vehicle. Expect deep corrugations, single-lane areas and water crossings depending on the time of year you visit.

From the Jim Jim Falls carpark, follow the Jim Jim Plunge Pool Walk. This moderate to difficult walk is only one kilometre but involves boulder climbing and treacherous paths in sections, so even if you are a skilled hiker, allow three hours.

Swimming is allowed during the dry season and is the perfect way to cool off after a strenuous hike.

Alternatively, you can view Jim Jim Falls via the Viewing Pool walk, a moderately strenuous hike that is 800m return and takes around an hour.

3. Twin Falls Gorge

a scenic flight over Twin Falls Gorge, Kakadu National Park — Fly past the magnificent Twin Falls Gorge on a scenic flight. (Image: Tourism NT)

Access: 4WD only with snorkel, dry season only

Walk Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

The drive to Jim Jim Falls is the same road to access Twin Falls Gorge, so make a day of it and visit both of these incredible Kakadu National Park waterfalls. Camping is available at Karnamarr Campground, which is partway along the access road, near the turnoffs for the falls.

Twin Falls Gorge offers two enjoyable options: a walk to the base of the gorge and the Twin Falls plateau walk. At the time of writing, the base walk is closed for an infrastructure upgrade. However, as with all closures in Kakadu National Park, circumstances can change quickly, so be sure to check the Kakadu access report before visiting. When open, the gorge walk is accessible via a shuttle boat, and tickets can be purchased at Bowali Visitor Centre.

For an intensive hike experience, get up early and follow the Twin Falls plateau walk. This 6-kilometre return hike is difficult and for experienced hikers only, winding through monsoon forest and ancient sandstone formations.

Alternatively, follow the easy-to-moderate Budjmi lookout walk. At 1km return, it’s a quick 45 minutes and means you can enjoy the afternoon light playing across the sandstone formations of Twin Falls Gorge.

Note: The Twin Falls Gorge will reopen in 2026. Helicopter tours to see the falls can be booked through Kakadu Air .

4. Gunlom Falls

guy splashing at Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park — Swim in one of the pristine pools at Gunlom Falls. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Access: 2WD (4WD ideal), dry season only

Walk Difficulty: Moderate

Gunlom Falls has been closed to the public since 2019. However, it is set to open in 2025 for the dry season. Made famous thanks to the film Crocodile Dundee, it was one of the most popular Kakadu National Park waterfalls and will likely be busy after its lengthy closure.

Access is via an unsealed 40km road that can technically accommodate 2WD vehicles. However, it can involve deep corrugations and should be considered with care. Check the Kakadu road access report, and if in doubt, don’t attempt this road with a 2WD.

The Gunlom Falls campground, situated right next to the falls, offers hot showers and flushing toilets, making for an idyllic stay.

You can swim in both the gorge and in the pools at the top of Gunlom Falls.

5. Motor Car Falls

Motor Car Falls in Kakadu National Park — The picture-perfect Motor Car Falls is a stunning gem in Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Jarrad Seng)

Access: 2WD, year-round

Walk Difficulty: Moderate

One of the only Kakadu National Park waterfalls you can access during the wet season, Motor Car Falls is definitely a more off-the-beaten-track option if you’re looking for a Kakadu swimming spot that’s less populated.

The road to the falls is 2WD-friendly although unsealed, and open year-round depending on weather conditions. As with all roads in Kakadu National Park, check the access report before venturing out.

To get to Motor Car Falls, you’ll be in for a day trip walk, so pack a picnic lunch and head out early. The walk is part of the Yurmikmik walks, a series of interconnected walking tracks that start from the Yurmikmik car park.

The Motor Car Falls track follows a historic vehicle trail from 1946 when a tin miner explored Kakadu. The moderate track is a 7.5km return, and you should allow for four hours plus any swimming and leisure time at the falls.

A small waterfall, Motor Car Falls is surrounded by monsoon rainforest and is a beautiful, shady spot for a Kakadu adventure.

Looking for more things to do in Kakadu National Park? Photography enthusiasts will love our guide to snapping the sights, and if taking it easy and enjoying the park with a professional guide is more your style, check out the best tours of the area here. The park is full of incredible walks and hikes, so it’s worth reading up on which ones suit your capabilities, too.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.