KH05
EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Kakadu Highlights No. 5
Overview
- Two separate walks in two very different areas.
- Koolpin and Freezing Gorges with their many waterfalls and beautiful pools.
- Jim Jim and Twin -- the two largest waterfalls in the park.
- A Yellow Waters cruise, a bush tucker and cultural tour with an Aboriginal guide and a night in a campground between sections.
KAKADU
Jun 23 - Jul 6 2024
1) Koolpin & Freezing Gorges
The drive to Koolpin Gorge in southern Kakadu takes several hours.
Koolpin Gorge is so beautiful and such a special place that it normally takes us two days to get to our second Koolpin camp, only 6 km from where we began.
We then head roughly east to the base of a tall hill, drop our packs and climb up for some magnificent views. work our way north and west through the pass separating the Koolpin and Barramundi creek systems and down to a wonderful camp next to a small waterfall and the largest pool in the entire Barramundi system.
A
short, steep climb the next morning brings onto the upper plateau where we work our way over to another one of the Barramundi tributaries, more beautiful pools, waterfalls and our campsite. An easy walk on the final full day brings us past the Emerald Pool, the deepest on the walk, into the upper Barramundi Gorge with yet more pools and a bit of Aboriginal art.
We return to the cars and drive to Cooinda for a relaxing night. Included is a night in the campground, a pub meal and a Yellow Waters cruise. The cruise allows you to experience the wetlands in a way that is not possible on foot.
2) Jim Jim - Twin Falls Loop
From Cooinda, we drive to the Jim Jim car park, put on our packs and head cross country to Twin Falls. We follow a marked trail to the top where we can relax and enjoy the views.
We now spend a day, possibly two, exploring the 7 km upper Twin Gorge, camping near the Amphitheatre Falls.
From here, we begin our trek
to the top of Anbadgoran or the Rainforest Gorge. Although it is much smaller than nearby Jim Jim and Twin Falls Creeks, the creek which created this gorge continues to flow long after its more famous neighbours have stopped.
The walk to Anbadgoran takes us through some very rugged country, so rugged that no two groups have taken the exact same route. Some camp along the way, some do the full distance. Anbadgoran is so pretty that, time permitting, we might spend two nights.
The route from Anbadgoran to Jim Jim Creek is relatively flat and easy so we normally get to Jim Jim Creek n time for lunch. We spend the rest of the day exploring the area above the falls.
On the final morning, we follow the marked trail to the bottom of Jim Jim where we meet the pick up vehicles that will bring us back to Darwin.
Details
DATES
23 June - 6 JulySection 1: 23 - 30 June
Section 2: 30 June - 6 July
PRICES
Full price: A$4495
Section 1 or 2: $2895
*discounts available
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITE
Mix of sand and rock ledges. Most sites are good to excellent.You are unlikely to see anyone else e3xcept at the beginning and end of the walks.
ART
We visit a variety of art sites
SWIMMING
We will have good pools at almost every campsite and lunch spot.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals. The Yellow Waters cruise is excellent for birds, many of which you are unlikely to see on the walk. It also gives you a good chance to see large estaurine crocodiles.
CLIMATE
It will be hot (although not as hot as you might think) and it will be humid. The average daily maximum is 30-31ºC (86-88ºF). The average minimum is 16-18ºC (61-64ºF). It can go as low as 10ºC (50ºF). On rare occasions, it can go even lower. Sleeping bags are essential. Rain is very unlikely but we recommend bringing something to use as a shelter if we fluke a rain storm.
COOKING
We will have campfires every night and hot water available every morning.
WALK RATING - MODERATE
Terrain
There are few steep climbs, none of which is over 200 m. As short as they are, these climbs are strenuous. Some may require using your hands to hold on as you climb up or down. None are technically difficult. None require ropes or other special.equipment.
You will definitely have to float your pack across one or more flooded creeks. If you can’t swim at least 100 m unaided, do not do this trip.
Vegetation
Much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey. Some short sections of grass may hide a broken rocky surface where you will have to be particularly careful. There may be some slow sections where you will have to pass though thick scrub. The vegetation can vary from year to year depending on when last burnt. At this time of year, the spear grass has finished seeding and dried out.
Distance
4-6 hours per day
Pack Weight
You need to carry 6 days of food on each section.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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