Pros & cons
PROS
- Visitor caps and a locked gate keep crowds to a minimum.
- A chain of clear plunge pools (including Pink and Black Pools) close to the start.
CONS
- Permit and gate‑key logistics require advance planning.
- The route is only partly marked beyond the lower pools—navigation skills help.
- 4WD-only access with a rough track and possible creek crossings.
After unlocking the gate with your permit key, park at the Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) camping area near Koolpin Creek. 4WD required.
Crocodile risk changes—only swim where advised. Rugged rockhopping and unmarked sections demand care. Remote 4WD access behind a locked gate; respect cultural no‑go areas.
Why go
Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi) is Kakadu’s hush‑hush, permit‑only gem. The walk tracks Koolpin Creek through a rugged sandstone gorge to clear plunge pools and small waterfalls. Thanks to strict visitor limits, it still feels wild and culturally important—exactly the kind of place worth planning for.
Distance, difficulty, and route
Expect roughly 4 km total (about 2.5 miles) out-and-back, taking most hikers 2–3 hours, plus whatever time you spend swimming. Terrain is moderate to hard: rockhopping, uneven footing, short scrambles, and creek crossings. The first stretch to the lower pools is straightforward; beyond that the route is only partly marked and navigation gets trickier.
What you’ll see
The gorge walls are classic Kakadu sandstone, the pools are crystal‑clear, and the scenery ramps up as you venture upstream. Named spots like Pink Pool and Black Pool are as photogenic as they sound. Wildlife shows up if you’re patient—birdlife is excellent, with the hooded parrot in surrounding woodland, plus rock wallabies, monitors, and the possibility of freshwater crocodiles (always check current safety advice before swimming).
Permits and access (read this)
You must secure a Jarrangbarnmi/Koolpin permit in advance; numbers are capped and you’ll collect a key for the locked access gate. High‑clearance 4WD is required. You can explore up to 2 km up the gorge without a separate bushwalking permit; going farther may require additional permission. Plan your logistics early—this is remote, with limited signage and no facilities beyond the campground. A Kakadu Park Pass is also required.
Best time to hike
Go in the dry season (roughly May–September) when roads are open, temps are friendlier, and water levels are safer. Wet-season access is often closed and swimming may be unsafe. Even in the dry, conditions change—always check current park alerts and crocodile surveys.
Pro tips
- Treat this as a backcountry outing: bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy footwear, a first-aid kit, and a GPS/topo if you plan to push beyond the lower pools.
- Respect cultural restrictions—some areas are off‑limits. Stay within permitted areas and heed all signs.
- Don’t bank the day on swimming; wait for ranger advice before entering any water.
Where it starts
-13.4991, 132.5782Wildlife on this trail
Near Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi) Walk
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayNgalkunburriyaymi (Graveside Gorge) WalkPermit-only, rugged gorge walk to secluded rock poolsChallenging · 3.1 mi · 3.5 hr
0 mi awayJarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)Permit-only gorge with dreamy rock pools and real solitudeTrailhead · Restroom
7.1 mi awayMotor Car FallsSecluded waterfall with a deep emerald pool and wet-season accessTrailhead · Parking
11.7 mi awayGunlom Plunge Pool WalkShort, flat stroll to a classic Kakadu swim hole and picnic spotEasy · 0.1 mi · 10 min
11.9 mi awayGunlom FallsTop End infinity pools with big views and a classic plunge poolTrailhead · Restroom
12.4 mi awayKambolgie CampgroundQuiet bush campsite by a billabong, handy for southern walksCampground · Restroom
18.5 mi awayTwin Falls plateau walkSteep escarpment climb to grandstand views over Twin FallsChallenging · 3.7 mi · 5 hr
21.7 mi awayGungurul Lookout WalkShort, quiet climb to big South Alligator valley views.Easy · 1.1 mi · 1 hr
