Day 60 Wednesday 22nd August. Kakadu

Today we drove out to Twin Falls which was 68kms on  dirt road this involved 1 creek crossing over Jim Jim Creek, at the time the depth was 65cm deep. Once we arrived at the carpark we hiked along a track about 500metres then boarded a boat shuttle up the creek. On the boat shuttle the water depth varied to shallow over the rocks to extremely deep. All the time though we were able to see the bottom of the river bed. We noticed large Barumundi as well as a large turtle swimming in the water.  Once we disembarked we hiked a further 1km over sand, boulders and a boardwalk. At either end of the boardwalk was a unique  “ hose down shower” which was fed via suction from the crystal clear creek and allowed you to cool off before hiking back out. We thought this was a great idea as it stopped any temptation you may have to swim in the creek which is prohibited due to the risk of crocs. Once we made it to the bottom of twin falls we were amazed at the beauty of the waterfalls, cliff faces and crystal clear water. We had lunch then hiked out again. Next stop was Jim Jim Falls which was a similar distance in on a dirt track, but with no creek crossings other than the one we had passed on the way in (much to the girls dismay !!) The hiking track in was a bit more challenging, although it was 900meteres with approx 300 meters of large bolders which led to a sand beach just short of the falls, the last 200 meters we swam and then climbed some more bolders to then be at the base of the falls and a spectacular plunge pool, all this area including the boat ride through the Gorge which was surrounded by spectacular 250 meter high cliffs. The girls managed really well and we all enjoyed the swim at the end. After we hiked out and drove out of the area via the corrugated road we arrived back at camp very weary at 6pm after a full day of hiking in the extreme heat  (30deg) and swimming.

Twin Falls

 

The Boat trip to Twin Falls

The shower cool off. No wind and very hot sun!!!

Waiting for the boat to pick us up on the return trip, we admired how clear the water was. We could easily see the fish swimming.

Jim Jim Falls

The bolders were a challenge however the girls managed very well. 

Twin Falls, not much water was falling at this time, but you only can imagine what it is like in the wet season.

A look directly up at the cliffs.

Jim Jim River on the way to the car.