Day 154: Kakadu National Park, Jim Jim Falls

Today we did the perilous journey to Jim Jim Falls. 60km of unsealed road with no spare after getting a flat tyre in Litchfield. The road was really bad and it took us about 1 1/2 hours to get to the camp site where we bagsied our pitch before setting off down the treacherous road to the falls.

Once there it was a 1km walk across huge rocks to get to the falls and plunge pool. The signs which we had seen on the way informed us that estuarine (salt water) crocs were known to move into this area and swimming was not advisable.

We were treated to this fabulous view as we made our way across the rocks. I was very conscious of being close to the river edge and wondered if there were crocs. The water was beautiful and crystal clear, I would have seen a croc coming a mile off if there were any.

We eventually got to the end. There were a few children swimming near the waterfall with all the adults safely on the banks waiting to see if the kids would act as bait.

Even when there was no sign of crocs we still didn't go in, it was far too cold and you never know if they are waiting for a main course to come along instead of an entrée.

In the sun it was wonderful. What an oasis! We found a suitable rock to pitch our stuff against and read our books. Oly soaked up some rays.

While I added to his sunshine with my smile!

We tackled the rocks again on the way back. It wasn't any easier. We lost the track a few times and ended up having to come back on ourselves as we were not able to go any further. We had done the same on the way there.

Safely back at our camp, Oly hunted and gathered some firewood for our barbie and we enjoyed our much deserved dinner.

Our camp site is nice, loads of room and the kids that I can hear are far enough away to not annoy me too much. I don't suppose many people bother to come as far as Jim Jim falls as it is arduous with the 4WD drive and the rocks you have to tackle to get there. We did see a retired couple turn back as they couldn't negotiate the rocks. We highly recommend coming here and making the effort to get to the falls if you can, it really is an oasis.

Emelie

2007-07-02 Jim Jim, Kakadu PHOTO ALBUM