KH05Original
EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Kakadu Highlights No. 5
Overview
- Two separate walks in two very different areas.
- Waterfall and Barramundi Creeks with their many waterfalls and beautiful pools.
- Jim Jim and Twin -- the two largest waterfalls in the park.
- A Yellow Waters cruise and night in a campground between sections.
KAKADU
Jun 20 - Jul 3 2021
1) Waterfall - Barramundi
This description a loop from Gunlom. Depending on the conditions at the time, it might begin at Maguk.
The drive to Gunlom Falls in southern Kakadu takes several hours. Gunlom is very popular so, after a brief look and a swim in the plunge pool, we shoulder our packs and begin the walk.
A short steep climb takes us to the top of the falls and more pools, less crowded than the one below, a good excuse for another swim. Another four km brings us to the end of a rocky section and a number of good pools, next to one of which we will probably make our first camp.
From here a relatively flat walk brings us to a pass that takes us down into Barramundi Gorge. Another few km brings us to the deepest pool of the trip. We normally camp just above the falls which feed into the pool.
From there, a relatively short walk across the plateau brings us to the descent to the largest pool and biggest campsite on our walk.
The climb to the top of the ridge separating Waterfall and Barramundi Creeks the following morning is the most strenuous of the trip. However, we have all day to go about two km, so there is no need to push.
After enjoying some of the best ridgetop views in Kakadu, we drop down a level to where we find a fascinating swim-through cave and pockets of monsoon forest where you can experience a very different environment.
The following day, we walk another six km across a flat plain to where we left the creek on day 2. Along the way, we pass the largest termite mounds we have found anywhere on the plateau.
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 follow the marked trail to the top of the falls. After a stop to enjoy the views, we move upstream to our poolside camp.
The next day, a relatively short walk brings us 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. We spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the pools and waterfalls.
The next day, we begin the cross country trek to the Amphitheatre Falls on Twin Falls Creek. Along the way, we pass through some very rugged and broken sandstone country — so rugged that no two groups have ever picked the exact same route. Depending on which route is chosen and how much time we spend working our way through the sandstone maze, we may camp on one of the creeks we cross en route or we may reach the gorge.
We now spend a day, possibly two, exploring the 7 km upper Twin Gorge. With the road closed, we should have this magnificent area all to ourselves.
From the top of Twin Falls, a relatively short walk on a marked trail brings us to the car park at the bottom. Another 3 to 4 hours across a plain brings us to the track we took to the top of Jim Jim.
If we have been moving quickly, we may decide to have a relaxing day and stop in one of the Kakadu campgrounds. If we've been taking our time, we'll drive all the way back to Darwin, stopping for dinner somewhere along the way.
Details
DATES
20 June - 3 JulySection 1: 20-27 June
Section 2: 26 June - 3 July
PRICES
Full price: A$2895
Section 1 or 2: $1895
*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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