As one of Kakadu’s pristine waterfalls, Motor Car Falls makes it the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day.
In the heart of Kakadu, Motor Car Falls is one of the national park’s most loved waterfalls, surrounded by the lush monsoon forest. The waterfall can close during peak tropical summer after heavy rainfalls or cyclones. But it is still open during parts of the wet season when other swimming spots tend to close.
Bring your swimwear, a picnic blanket, and food enjoy a few hours of swimming and eating by the waterfall! Don’t forget to buy an NT Parks Pass online before visiting Kakadu if you are a visitor to the Northern Territory.
How to get to Motor Car Falls
To reach Motor Car Falls is a 7.5-kilometre return hike and it is certainly well worth the trek, especially when you cool off in the refreshing water. On the walk, you will have the chance to spot a range of local wildlife including finches, red-tailed black cockatoos, and lorikeets.
The walk itself is a historic vehicle track from when an old tin miner, Paul Allmich, who in 1946 was the first to drive here and drove as far as where Motor Car Creek.
Is it safe to swim in Motor Car Falls?
Swimming in Motor Car Falls is safe for almost the full year. The swimming spot is perfect to cool down from the heat the Territory has, with the chance to jump into the water from the rock during the wet season. During the dry season, the water can dry up a bit, so it is safer only to swim and avoid jumping in case it is too shallow.
As this waterfall is freshwater, you won’t spot any of the deadly saltwater crocodiles here. However, sometimes there are freshwater crocodiles here that often don’t harm anyone unless they are bothered. If you spot one in the water, it is safer to avoid the water to be on the safe side.