Tomorrow morning our trucks will cross the Jim Jim Creek and head over to Twin Falls for the first time this season!
By this afternoon the shuttle boats will be operational and the floating pontoon boardwalk that keeps visitors out of the water (hence safe from Estuarine crocodiles) will be re-assembled and safely anchored in the gorge.
Contractors are finally in the water to put this important piece of infrastructure in place.
I can only imagine that they’re quite anxious to get the job done quickly and spend as little time as possible in the creek – even after Jim Jim district rangers have completed their final crocodile surveys a few days ago!
More Estuarine crocodiles have moved into the gorge during the wet season than in previous years. The late rain in April and May with subsequently high water levels in the rivers, creeks and gorges allowed the crocs to remain on the move and enter the gorge.
The last “Saltie” removed from the gorge less than two weeks ago was over 4m long. According to the Jim Jim district rangers it was quite a cunning animal. Appearing out of the blue after another large crocodile had been removed, this guy avoided his capture and caused the rangers a few sleepless nights.
So, as of tomorrow our tours will be conducted as per “normal”, visiting the two sites that so many people come to visit each year.
At this point I would like to thank everybody who has travelled with us so far this dry season, all those travellers who came with an open mind, who accepted our alternative itinerary and left Kakadu with beautiful memories of morning tea at Budjmi (pronounce: Bood-me), the cold water of Jim Jim plunge pool and the hot sand on the beach!
Jim Jim Falls in July 2010
Hi Anja,
Thanks for the terrific day at Budjmi and Jim Jim on 2 July 2010. Not only was the scenery breathtaking (not too mention the temperature of the water in the Jim Jim plunge pool) but was also very informative. The definite highlight of our holiday in the top end of the NT.
Cheers
Darren, Jo, Jess and Daniel