Day 61 – Jim Jim Falls and Jabiru (Sat June 23^rd)

The morning dew has been quite heavy, so instead of hanging around the camp waiting for the camper to dry, we decided to spend the morning at Jim Jim Falls. We could then come back, pack up the camper and drive the short distance to Jabiru, our next destination.

The turn of to Jim Jim Falls is about 8km north of the Mardugul Camp Ground, then it’s about a 50km drive along a corrugated dirt road to the Jim Jim Falls car park. This wasn’t too bad, at least it was better than the drive into Gunlom Falls. 

Once past the Garnamarr campground, the last 10km is on a narrow sandy track, with a few simple creek crossings, and a heap of huge speed bumps. This track follows the base of the steep 150m red cliffs that Jim Jim Falls eventually plunge over, it’s beautiful.

The walk from the car park to the base of the falls is about 1km.  It follows the Jim Jim creek, then up and across the creek over large boulders to the beach and plunge pool.

There is another walk, which takes you to the top of Jim Jim Falls, it climbs up the steep cliffs and is quite strenuous. 

Damon got a little confused when we came to the junction of the two, and we ended up taking the wrong turn!  We probably walked about 1km in the wrong direction, and ended half way up the bloody cliff.

If only we knew we were going the wrong way!

Cameron wasn’t coping with the difficult climb and clamber over the rocks, and ended up being carried for the remainder of the day. Sienna managed quite well, and got lots of comments on her rock hoping abilities. We finally made it to the plunge pool, and were in awe of the beauty of this place.

Finally on the right track

Just about there

Not long after we arrived, all the people that were on the beach left, and so we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves. We had lunch, and a swim in the icy cold water. This would have to be the coldest swimming hole we’ve ever been in, but we couldn’t come all this way and not have a swim!

The track back to the car

The walk back along Jim Jim Creek

Jim Jim Creek

After our adventurous morning, we headed back to pack up camp then drive the 40km to the Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru. We are staying here for 2 nights, as we want to see the sunset tomorrow afternoon from the beautiful Ubirr Rock. We would’ve done this afternoon, but we didn’t arrive until late and were pretty buggered from our big day.

Unpowered camping here is $26/night for 2 adults, as compared to $40/night at the Lakeview Caravan Park across the road. 

We found a quiet shady grassed area along the back fence, then kicked back and watched the sun go down behind us.