Gunlom Falls

Overview

About Gunlom Falls

Gunlom is Kakadu’s poster-child waterfall: a tall cascade (about 60–85 m) dropping into a big emerald plunge pool, with a string of natural rock “infinity pools” perched above. It sits in the park’s southern stone country—classic escarpment scenery with big skies and bigger views.

Why stop

Natural infinity pools with sweeping escarpment views
Large, photogenic plunge pool that’s great for swimming
Campground with toilets, solar showers and shaded picnic areas

Heads up

Rough 40 km gravel access road; best with high-clearance 4WD
Seasonal closures and variable flow outside the Dry
Can get busy at peak times

Those upper pools are the money shot—calm rock rim pools with panoramic views across southern Kakadu. The lower area is equally lovable: a broad plunge-pool setting with sandy edges and towering cliffs. It’s a Dry Season crowd-pleaser and one of the park’s most photographed spots (it even featured in Crocodile Dundee).

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy it’s special

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightGunlom Falls-13.43140, 132.41767

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Gunlom Falls

Check road conditions and park advisories—access and swimming can change quickly.
Do the steep climb to the top pools early or late to beat heat and crowds.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for the exposed ascent.
Pack all food and supplies; there are no shops or fuel at Gunlom.
Carry a polarizing filter for glare-free shots of the pools and cascades.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Season: Dry Season (May–October) for road access, swimmable water, and clear views.
Time of day: Go early or late for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people. Sunset from the top pools is superb; mornings are quieter for the lower pool.
Day of week: Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and school holidays.

Facilities

Expect a sizeable campground with toilets, solar-powered showers, and shaded picnic areas. There’s a car park and clear trailheads for the upper pools and billabong walks. No shops, fuel, or food services—come fully stocked with water and supplies.

8 active Kakadu alerts

ClosureJim Jim and Twin Falls area closed for 2026The Jim Jim and Twin Falls area is closed for 2026; do not visit the closed sites.Official details
ClosureBarrk sandstone walk closedBarrk sandstone walk is closed at the request of Traditional Owners; do not enter. Check the current Kakadu access report before travelling.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Kakadu Tour Guide

Your drive to Gunlom Falls, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Kakadu National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Kakadu audio tour

Recorded for this area

Gunlom Waterfall Creek

Listen

“The road you're on will take you to Gunlom. If you want a classic Kakadu swimming experience without a big hike, this is your spot. The walk to the big plunge pool at the base of the waterfall is super short and flat.”

Plays near Gunlom Falls in the Parkwolf Kakadu Tour Guide.

More about Gunlom Falls

What to doExplore: View the lower plunge pool from the designated viewing area.

Explore: View the lower plunge pool from the designated viewing area. The separate steep, marked climb leads to upper pools and lookouts; follow current park signs and access directions. There is no access or swimming in the bottom plunge pool.
Short walks: Wander the river track (about 2.5 km return) or the Murrill Billabong walk (around 1 km return) for birdwatching and a quieter feel.
Camp and picnic: The day-use and campground area has shade and facilities, making it an easy base for a lazy afternoon or an overnight.

WildlifeBirdlife is the headline here—especially around Murrill Billabong and along the river.

Birdlife is the headline here—especially around Murrill Billabong and along the river. Keep an eye out at dawn and late afternoon when activity picks up. Wild horses are occasionally seen near the campground.

Getting there and accessGunlom is reached via a 40 km gravel road off the Kakadu Highway.

Gunlom is reached via a 40 km gravel road off the Kakadu Highway. A high-clearance 4WD is required, and the area is usually accessible only in the Dry (roughly May–October). After rain, roads and swimming areas can close. Always check current park updates before committing.

SafetyBe crocodile-aware and follow Parks Australia’s waterway guidance.

Be crocodile-aware and follow Parks Australia’s waterway guidance. Conditions and swimming permissions can change—especially after rain. The climb to the top pools is steep and exposed; take plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.

Photography tipsShoot the upper pools in golden hour for that mirror-calm infinity look.

Shoot the upper pools in golden hour for that mirror-calm infinity look. From below, use a wide lens to frame the escarpment and reflections. Bring a polarizer to cut glare on the water.

Access and water safetyAccess to Gunlom Road requires a high-clearance 4WD.

Access to Gunlom Road requires a high-clearance 4WD. Parks Australia prohibits access and swimming in the bottom Gunlom plunge pool. View the lower pool from the designated viewing area and follow park signs and crocodile safety directions.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Kakadu

All Kakadu wildlife maps

1,079 sightingsSaltwater CrocodileMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

121 sightingsWater BuffaloMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

76 sightingsFrilled DragonMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

116 sightingsRed-tailed Black CockatooMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

101 sightingsBrolgaMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

299 sightingsMagpie GooseMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kakadu. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.