The Jim Jim Falls precinct will be open to visitors as of tomorrow!

Much earlier then in previous years rangers have been able to get Jim Jim Falls ready for opening. A short wet season with below average rainfall has made it possible!
The final crocodile surveys have been completed and the walking trails have been cleared and marked.

While there are still some roadworks underway on the gravel road between the Kakadu Highway turnoff and Garnamarr campground, we will visit the Jim Jim Falls area as of tomorrow!

However, we will have to wait a bit longer for the opening of the Twin Falls area: crocodile surveys are still underway in Twin Falls Creek, board walk and shuttle boats still have to be put back in place.
At this point we’re expecting to be allowed access in early June.

Although we’ve had a relatively ‘dry’ wet season, many roads and tracks in Kakadu have been washed out. One of the roads in desperate need of repair is the track into Maguk (Barramundi Gorge). The work in this area should be completed by the end of this month.

Until such time, Jim Jim Falls will be the only destination on our day tours. Don’t worry, we’ll make the journey into the stone country surrounding this Kakadu icon worthwile!

The Barrk Malam Walk to the top of the falls will be a definite highlight of our day tours, featuring shady monsoonal rainforests, rugged sandstone formations typical for the Arnhemland Plateau, endemic flora and fauna — and much more. While this 6km return walk is rated difficult and the initial ascend will get our heart rate started, it is well worth the effort!

Alternatively (because not all of our passengers are keen mountaineers) we stop in the old Jim Jim campground, now a day use area only, and take the short walk up to Budjmi Lookout. A short walk — but one of our absolute favourites as there is so much to see!

Hundreds of Common Crow Butterflies in the monsoonal rainforest along Jim Jim Creek are a spectacular sight! And we will always stop for a while and listen to this very noisy family of Spangled Drongos up in the trees.

The 900m walk into the gorge will later give us a totally different perspective of the area — plus we get the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the pools under the towering cliffs of Jim Jim Falls.

Boh boh
Anja

We care about Kakadu National Park with its special places and beautiful people.

That’s why we’d like to share our tread lightly policy with travellers coming to Kakadu. No news to those who’ve been choosing sustainable travel options for a while, we have just adapted a few points to pay tribute to Kakadu’s unique conditions:

Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails and in permitted areas only.

• Adhere to road closures, they’re in place for good reason
• Keep on the track, even if it’s muddy
• Never take shortcuts or go bush bashing
• If you haven’t got a 4WD stay off designated 4WD tracks
• Camp only in designated camp sites

Respect the rights of others.

• You’re visiting Aboriginal Land, respect the rights of its Traditional Owners
• Respect Aboriginal cultural sites and private property
• Allow your fellow travellers and others to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed
• People visit Kakadu National Park to connect with nature, show consideration for other visitors
• Everything in the park is protected by law
• Never disturb or remove plants, animals or Aboriginal artefacts

Educate yourself by obtaining information, maps, permits and regulations.

• Visit Bowali, Kakadu National Park’s headquarters and visitor centre or call (08) 8938 1121
• While you’re there, check the road condition report and the “What’s On” guide to find out about ranger-guided activities
• Plan for your trip and come well equipped
• Know how to operate your equipment safely and where you’re permitted to use it

Avoid sensitive areas such river banks, wetlands and floodplains, unless on designated routes.

• Protect sensitive soils from damage
• Leaving formed tracks causes erosion and destroys plants
• Protect wildlife habitats and do not interfere with wild animals
• Feeding animals can make them sick or turn them into aggressive scavengers
• Avoid spreading noxious weeds or feral pests

Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it.

• Properly dispose of waste
• Pick up any rubbish you find
• Carry out all rubbish, including cigarette butts, orange peels and apple cores
• Never bury rubbish or discard in fire places
• Use a toilet if available or go as far as practical from water and campsites and bury waste as deep as possible
• Exposed toilet paper and human waste is an eyesore and a health hazard
• Detergents and soaps pollute the water and harm aquatic  life. Wash yourself and your dinner dishes as far as practical from water sources
• Use detergents only when necessary
• Preferably apply sunscreen after your swim, wear UV-protective clothing to protect yourself
• Use designated fireplaces and use firewood sparingly
• Collect firewood within the national park, do not bring firewood into Kakadu National Park
• Keep in mind that hollow logs are often inhabited by nocturnal animals

Boh boh

Anja

Kakadu National Park rangers and road crews have been working hard to get Gunlom open in time for the Easter weekend.

Gunlom is usually one of the first dry season attractions to open to visitors and as of Thursday, 09 April 2009 we will visit this gorgeous waterfall in the southern region of Kakadu on our early dry season tours!

I can’t wait to take the walking trail to the top of the escarpment and cool down in the rock pools above the falls!

Boh boh

Anja

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