The track to Twin Falls is now accessible for 4WD vehicles with high clearance and snorkel, the water depth at the Jim Jim Creek crossing is currently 0.5m.
Mandatory crocodile surveys in the area have been completed, weeks earlier than in previous years.
A couple of days ago the pontoon boardwalk went back into the water and so did the boats used for the shuttle service covering the first few hundred metres of our journey into Twin Falls Gorge.
Up until 2002 access to the beach of Twin Falls was only possible by swimming approximately 600m up the gorge. These days we stay well clear of the water in the gorge — and that is not only because of the water temperature (please refer to any of my posts in the category “Kakadu is Crocodile Country” if you’re wondering why I wouldn’t even stick my little toe in).
Instead, we’re enjoying the commentary of local interpretive guides telling us about their country, pointing out the flora and fauna in and around the crystal clear water, while we travel into this spectacular sandstone gorge.
Individual travellers can purchase their Twin Falls boat shuttle tickets at the Bowali Visitor Centre. Tickets are $12.50 per person (children under 16 free), must be purchased prior to travelling out to Twin Falls and they are also available at Mardugal Campground and Garnamarr Campground, the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda and Tourism Top End in Darwin.
No need to book a place on the boat, the service runs on demand throughout the day.
Admission to Twin Falls Gorge is, of course, included in the cost of our tours!
Boating towards Twin Falls
Heaps of fish can be seen in the creek: Barramundi, Saratoga, Black Bream, Archer Fish, Long Tom and lots more. And sometimes we’re lucky enough to spot Warradjan, the Pig-nosed Turtle or Gumogen, the Freshwater Crocodile from the boat. If you have a pair of polarised sunglasses, bring them along and you’ll be in awe!
At the halfway mark of our journey towards the falls we leave the boat. A marked tracked through sand and along the rocky edge of the creek leads us closer to our final destination, the sandy beach at the base of world-renowned Twin Falls.
Steve has the honour today to be the first “Top End Explorer” of the season to serve lunch at Twin Falls, he’s probably arranging the tomatoes on the salad platter as I’m typing this.
I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow!
Boh boh!
Anja
