Can you swim at Maguk Falls?

Explore the stunning Maguk Falls of Kakadu National park.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is teeming with wildlife, home to important Aboriginal rock art sites, and takes in diverse and exotic landscapes.Given its location in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, it’s valid to wonder if it’s safe to swim at Maguk Falls.

To start with a full disclaimer from Northern Territory Tourism themselves, you are in ‘Croc Country’. That means you are advised to practise full diligence at any water spot in Kakadu, as saltwater crocodiles can be present in just about any of them. If there is no signage to say otherwise, always err on the side of caution. There are no complete guarantees that crocs won’t be in any water holes, rivers, plunge pools, beaches or creeks. Because of that, crocodile safety needs to be taken seriously.

Now, in saying all of that, Maguk is a very popular swim spot! Many people swim here every single day to escape the heat. So, let’s talk about why this is a much safer spot to cool off.

Due to the inviting waters and pristine environment, rangers and locals know this is an idyllic destination for travellers to visit. At the end of every wet season, any crocodiles that are found here are caught and relocated elsewhere to keep you safe. There are also additional traps set up for any that make their way back unexpectedly.

The water in Maguk is also crystal clear, so guides and travellers can check as best they can for anything to be worried about. Fortunately, it is rare in Maguk as croc sightings are few and far between in the dry season.

Why is Maguk so special?

Maguk is one of the slightly lesser-known waterfalls of Kakadu National Park. However, it is gaining in popularity and is now being included in many tour itineraries. You could be sharing this delightful bit of nature with others, or you could get the whole place to yourself.

Maguk Falls is found within a monsoon forest. A short trek through the lush green forest will take you to a breathtaking plunge pool, serviced by a cascading waterfall. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by the incredible, high rock walls of the gorge. The Maguk waterfall is only one of few that continues to flow without the rain of the wet season, so you’ll get a magnificent show at any time of year!

Exploring the top of Maguk Waterfall?

Once you’ve had a swim in the plunge pool, you can embark on a hike to the top of the waterfall. Here you’ll be met with a series of lagoon type rock pools. As you hop between the rock pools, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, and directly down into the navy water below.

The hike to the main pool is relatively easy, but the climb to the top of the waterfall can be a little trickier. It is an unmarked path complete with inclines and a touch of rock climbing. If you plan to do this hike, make sure you have proper footward and aren’t doing so alone. However, the view and serenity are worth it, trust us!

The pools are filled with black bream fish, so you’ll enjoy some calm company while you’re in there. Confident swimmers can head into the deeper water towards the waterfall and enjoy a snorkel. Those not as confident in swimming can wade in the refreshing, sandy shallows.

How to get to Maguk Falls

Maguk is located a little off the beaten track, in the Mary River region of Kakadu National Park.

14 kilometres of the journey towards the falls is on rugged terrain. Because of this, you’ll need a 4WD or a guide who will take you there. It is an hour south of Cooinda, and once you make it to the carpark you have a 1 kilometre walk ahead of you to the plunge pool. The walk is beautiful and crosses over Barramundi creek, so keep an eye out for wildlife.

Alternatively, join a tour group and have the driving taken care of by an experienced and friendly guide.

However you get to Maguk, you should give yourself at least 2 hours to explore the area. Once there, take a refreshing swim, have a poolside picnic and enjoy some of nature’s finest work!