Round 2 at the Kakadu.

6 June 2014

Well off to the Kakadu again and this time in the dry. We headed straight to the Old Jim Jim road on the north side to get some dirt under the wheels. But we had to make a quick stop at the Bark Hut to try and change some money (hard to pay for camping if you don't have $5 and $10 notes). The Old Jim Jim road was in great condition, so we could get along at 80 - 90km in a lot of the places. There are about 3 water crossings and the South Alligator river is the deepest and you needed a 4x4 to cross at the time we did. We had hit the road late in the day so time was against us and we made for Mardugal camp ground. It was $10 a head but if you are after a clean hot shower and toilet its a good place to go. There are 2 short walks but one was closed due to high water levels. 

The next day we headed for the Jim Jim Falls a 50 km dirt road and they recommend 2 hours one way. But we where in luck and the road was just opened at 9am for the fist time after the wet session. So after 45 min we had reached the campground (2 wheel drive) then into the 4x4 stage for 20min and yes 4x4 only. There is a 1km walk over rough ground and

the last 200m is over large rocks, but worth it for a cool dip in the 2 large pools at the water falls. (The twin falls where still closed at the time)


Keep an eye out on the spiders along the walk if you are lucky you might find one the size of your hand like we did.

Next stop Maguk campground $5 a head bush camping and one set of toilets. 4x4 only and if you keep driving past the camp there is a nice short 2km return walk along the edge of the creek and you can swim in the pool at the end. (you will get your feet wet)

After a cool nights sleep we headed south to Gunlom. It is a 4x4 trak from the river crossing on but I would have taken an old car through at a slower pace. The campground was very nice at $10 a head with hot water and the plunge pool at the bace of the water falls only 300m away. 

You can also climb to the top of the water falls for a swim with a view.

Well that was the end of the Kakadu for us.