What the drive involves

Jim Jim Road leaves the Kakadu Highway 43 km south of the Bowali Visitor Centre and runs about 60 km of four-wheel-drive track to Jim Jim Falls, with areas of soft sand; allow about two hours each way. It calls for a high-clearance 4WD with low range and a snorkel. Karnamarr campground, 10 km from the falls, has water, toilets and showers but no power. From the car park a walk of about a kilometre over boulders reaches the plunge pool. The road opens in the dry season only; high rainfall can make it impassable.

The 2026 closure

Cyclones caused substantial damage to the roads in the area, and at the request of Traditional Owners the Jim Jim and Twin Falls area stays closed until the road upgrades are finished. The works bring a 19.25 km section of Jim Jim Falls Road up to gravel standard and upgrade floodways and spring crossings on the 4WD tracks, and are expected to finish by December 2026. The closure covers Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls gorge and the escarpment walk, and Karnamarr campground; the rest of Kakadu stays open.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on Jim Jim Road, and the standard insurance applies while you are there. It does not reserve a vehicle or a date, and it does not open the road: Parks Australia decides when the falls area is open. Check the equipment list on each camper against the high clearance, low range and snorkel the track calls for. You add the Kakadu park pass.

Questions about Jim Jim Road

When is Jim Jim Road open?

In a normal year, in the dry season, from about May to October. In 2026 the Jim Jim and Twin Falls area is closed all year, and Parks Australia expects it to reopen for the 2027 dry season. Check the Kakadu road report before you go.

Do I need a park pass for Kakadu?

Yes. A Kakadu park pass is bought per person and is valid for seven days, with lower prices in the wet season.

How do you get to Twin Falls?

By a separate 10 km 4WD track that turns off before Jim Jim Falls and ends with a deep water crossing at Jim Jim Creek. From the car park the gorge is reached by shuttle boat only. Twin Falls is closed in 2026 with the rest of the area.