Maguk Gorge (Barramundi Gorge) in Kakadu

Kakadu, Northern Territory 0822

The Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s best-loved natural hotspots. Sprawling out for miles and miles in every direction, it encompasses a whole range of different landscapes, from lush forests to wetlands, pools, waterfalls, and picturesque walking routes.

Maguk Gorge

Deep inside the Kakadu National Park, you’ll find Maguk, one of the only waterfalls in the park that still continues to flow even when there is no rain. However, if you decide to visit at the end of the dry season, the flow will be much weaker than throughout the rest of the year, particularly during the height of the wet season.

Originally, Maguk was known as Barramundi Gorge, named after one of the most popular fish in the region. However, in recent years, its name has been changed to Maguk. It can be found to the south of the huge expanse of Kakadu National Park around 4 hours from Darwin.

How to Get to Maguk

Maguk Waterfall

Maguk is situated about an hour’s drive from Cooinda, past the Cooinda turnoff which can be found in the south of the park along the main Kakadu Highway.

From there, you’ll need to take a 14km four-wheel drive trip and then a 1km walk to the site. Once there, you’ll be greeted by an incredibly beautiful natural plunge pool which hides between the steep gorge walls of the area.

Keep your eyes peeled for some of Australia’s native animal and bird life, and marvel at the views across the surrounding scenery from the top of the waterfall.

Close by, there is a bush camping area that leads onto the short climb to the top of the waterfall. There are a number of facilities in the area, including a BBQ spot where you can grab a bite to eat, a car park, and a picnic area that is the perfect place to enjoy lunch in the open air.

On the way back, you’ll need to walk for another 1km and take another four-wheel drive trip away from the site. The walk encompasses lush monsoon forest, and you’ll get to cross the creek itself as you go. On the way, see if you can spot spangled drongos and rainbow pitas, and look out for the black bream in the plunge pool.

However, you choose to spend your time at Maguk, you’ll get to experience its picturesque surroundings and explore one of the Kakadu National Park’s most beloved treasures.

Other tourist attraction: