Kurrundie Falls Walk

Why go

If you crave solitude and real wilderness, Kurrundie delivers. This is a challenging, remote out-and-back to one of Kakadu’s least-visited waterfalls, threading through open woodland, monsoon forest, and stony escarpment country. Expect minimal people once you leave the Motor Car Falls track—often none at all.

The hike

Plan on about 6.8 miles/11 km total (return). You’ll start from the Yurmikmik carpark, follow the Motor Car Falls track, then leave the crowds and pick up old vehicle tracks before working upstream along Kurrundie Creek. The final approach turns rough: off-track feel, boulder hopping, and creek-bed sections to reach the falls. Total ascent is modest but the terrain is slow and rugged, and the route is unmarked—navigation matters.

Scenery & what to look for

Kurrundie Falls pours off the Arnhem Land plateau into a secluded gorge. The creek’s clay-rich soils hold water longer into the dry than nearby sandy creeks, so pools linger even as the season advances. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons working the cliffs, black wallaroos and antilopine wallaroos in the open country, plus standout birds like Gouldian finches and hooded parrots. You’re also walking a slice of history—the route follows part of a 1946 mineral exploration vehicle track.

Is it for you?

This is a Grade 4–5, navigation-heavy day (roughly 7 hours for experienced parties) that can be done as an overnight with full self-sufficiency. It’s rewarding and wild, but not forgiving: rocky footing, creek crossings, exposure to heat, and no on-trail signage after the Motor Car Falls turnoff. If you want a shorter, friendlier taste of the area with great swimming, Motor Car Falls is the better choice.

Best time to hike

Wet season into early dry is prime for flow and lingering pools. The falls are most dramatic after rains; early dry (May–June) often still holds good water thanks to those clay soils. Start early to beat the heat. In the wet, creeks can rise quickly—always check for seasonal closures and current conditions before you go.

Tips

• Treat this as a remote bushwalk: carry a map, GPS, and a personal locator beacon, and don’t rely on phone reception.
• Hydration, sun protection, and first aid are musts. Tell someone your plan and ETA.
• Park pass required; if camping, secure the appropriate camping permit and use designated sites only.
• Swimming is possible but conditions vary; take care around waterholes and cliffs.

Bottom line: a rough, rarely trodden route to a dramatic waterfall. If you have the skills, it’s one of the most satisfying, quiet adventures in southern Kakadu.