Top Things to do in Top End
Top 6 Waterfalls in Top End, Northern Territory
Discover the best top things to do in Top End, Australia including Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Edith Falls, Gunlom Waterfall Creek, Twin Falls, Robin Falls.
Restaurants in Top End
1. Motor Car Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By AdrianT-Perh - Perth, Australia
We visited here as part of a tour and after stopping for morning tea along the way as it was a fair drive, our first stop was Motor Car Falls which involved a 7km walk return with a great swim at the waterfall and pool at the end of the walk. Not the easiest water pool to get into but after a swim up to the waterfall which was running very fast we managed to wedge ourselves on the rocks and even got a free water massage for our troubles. Worth a visit.
2. Jim Jim Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Spectacular all year - see this area from the ground in the dry season, and from the air in the wet season.The Jim Jim Area is only accessible by 4WD during the dry season. Visitors can explore the spectacular and challenging walks or take a boat shuttle ride to Twin Falls over crystal clear waters (charges apply). Scenic flights are also very popular, and allow visitors to see the spectacular Jim Jim Falls, which are in full flow only during the wet season
Reviewed By stevel179 - Darwin, Australia
This was worth the trek over large rocks and boulders. The kids in our group are 9 and 12, capable of climbing and jumping and had fun. When we reached the end it was spectacular and half our group entered the freezing water!! Water was clear and inviting after the trek and cooled our feet. We would love to see this in the wet season! There was only a small tickle of water coming down from the top.
3. Edith Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 734 reviews
Leliyn/ Edith Falls is located within the pristine Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, or check out the upper pools via a moderate uphill walk. The area is great for bushwalking with numerous trails surrounding.
Reviewed By thestevensadventure - Darwin, Australia
Great spot, upper pool is a 1km walk in, you can either back track 1km to the car park or continue and do a trail loop which is 1.6km back to the car park. Back near the car park is a campground and day use area where you can swim in the bottom pool during dry season.
4. Gunlom Waterfall Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kakadu National Park. Climb the stairs to the pristine plunge pools at the top of the waterfall with an infinity view of the park, or swim under the cascading waterfall at the base with a sandy beach and clear waters. Spend the night at the nearby Gunlom campground.
Reviewed By ShellFisherS - Melbourne, Australia
Google got us worried and we almost didn’t visit when it was suggested a trip to Gunlom would take us 3 hours! Luckily, the rangers told us it’s 3 hours return. We drove in a 2WD to Gunlom from Cooinda lodge, leaving early so we could avoid the peak of the heat. Visiting at the end of May, the track was open to 2WD. The first hour of the drive is the highway so no issue. Once you reach the turnoff the unsealed road begins. We were very lucky as yesterday when we visited, the road was being ‘compressed’ and it made it a lot easier to drive. We took it slow on the way there so it took around 45-50 minutes. A 4WD could do it in 30 minutes. Once there, there is ample parking, toilets, a grassed shaded picnic area and tables. The main swimming area at the bottom of the falls is ideal for kids with a sandy bank, and areas that are shallow. Only 200m from the carpark, it’s very easy to access for everyone. Swimming all the way to the base of the fall the water gets deep. It’s a beautiful, postcard place to swim in Kakadu. If you can’t make it to the top, don’t feel too disappointed, the bottom is still wonderful. The infinity pools at the top of the falls are amazing and if you up for it, worth the hike. We had our 10 month old baby with us and my husband carried her in a MacPac to the top. He is fit and a confident walker so managed with no problem. The walk up has a few ‘bums and hands moments’ for some but if you take it slow you’ll be fine. I’m not overly confident, and managed without any issues. People did the climb in thongs when we were there and we saw other babies in carriers and children ranging in age from 6 to 12 who all managed. (I don’t think carrying a baby up would be possible if they couldn’t walk so a carrier of some kind seemed like a must). As a guide, allow 30 minutes to walk up. Taking drinks and food is a great idea so you can enjoy your swim and not feel rushed to make the trip back down. At the steepest parts of the walk, closest to the pools, there are rails and at other points trees or rocks you can grab to help give you some support. If you have visited Ubir and found that difficult, then the walk/climb is perhaps not for you. The infinity pools are beautiful to swim in and we are very glad we visited. Swimming at Kakadu was on our bucket list of experiences and without doubt a highlight of our trip up North. A couple of tips for those with small kids - the rocks are slippery, the water is deep in parts and the water is naturally quite cold. Taking float toys and float safety rings/vests makes it a lot easier for babies/toddlers! Unless you can confidently tread water and get in and out of the water holding them, on slippery rocks then it’s worth lugging few extra things up. There are some parts that small children can stand up in if helped there. The walk up is quite sunny but once at the top there are shaded parts to sit & swim.
5. Twin Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
6. Robin Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By westernnola - Collie, Australia
You need your walking shoes and a bit of energy, Climbing over rocky terrain, Nice cool dip when you arrive at the falls, Enjoy the scenery on the walk up and back, Wouldnt take a caravan up to the falls, road narrow not much of a turn around
