What better way to cool off from the harsh sun beaming down on you during your trek through Kakadu National Park than with a quick dip in the nearby watering holes.
Kakadu covers almost 20,000 square kilometres of the Northern Territory, and yes, that means croc country. It also means some of the most spectacular swimming holes in Australia: clear gorge pools, thundering plunge pools, and natural rockpools with views that’ll genuinely stop you mid-step.
The key is knowing where to go and what to check before you jump in. This guide covers the best swimming spots in Kakadu, the crocodile situation in plain terms, and how to reach each one.
Crocodile Safety in Kakadu
Let’s deal with this first, because it matters.
Saltwater crocodiles can turn up in virtually any waterway across the Northern Territory, rivers, billabongs, coastal areas, all of it. At the managed swimming spots in this guide, rangers clear and trap crocodiles at the end of each wet season to make the pools as safe as possible.
That said, there are no absolute guarantees in the NT. These managed spots are your safest options, but you still need to do your part:
- Always read the signage at each location before you get in
- Never swim if signs say not to
- Avoid swimming after heavy rain, when water levels rise fast and visibility drops
- Never swim at night or at dusk
Do those things and you’re doing everything right. Don’t skip the signage.
Kakadu Swimming Holes: The Best Spots
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Gunlom Falls
Gunlom Falls sits in the southern section of the park and deserves its own mention. The plunge pool at the base of the falls is outstanding, lush greenery framing the water on all sides.
The real payoff, though, is at the top. Hike up to the escarpment and you’ll find a series of tiered natural pools with sweeping views across Kakadu’s floodplains. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the park, and the swim up there feels genuinely earned.
Access: 4WD or guided tour. Located about 170 km south of Jabiru in the southern section of the park.
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Maguk Gorge
Maguk is the headline act. Towering gorge walls, monsoon rainforest, and a deep jade plunge pool fed by falls that run year-round, even well outside the wet season.
It’s considered the safest swimming hole in Kakadu. Rangers manage crocodile trapping here at the end of each wet season, and the water is clear enough that you can actually see what’s sharing the pool with you. Mostly black bream, which are harmless and genuinely worth snorkelling with.
From the carpark it’s a 1 km walk to the main pool. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the unmarked path to the top of the falls for a series of rock pools and sweeping views across the gorge. There’s some scrambling involved, so bring proper footwear.
What to allow: A minimum of 2 hours, longer if you plan to snorkel or push on to the top pools.
Access: Maguk requires a 4WD. It’s about 14 km down a rough dirt track, roughly an hour south of Cooinda. No 4WD? A guided tour is your best option.
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Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls drops 200 metres over dark red cliffs into a deep green plunge pool below, and it’s one of the most dramatic sights in the entire park. The pool is reachable via a 2 km walk from the carpark through thick monsoon forest.
One thing to know before you pack your swimmers: freshwater crocodiles are often present in these waters. Always follow the signage at the site, and do not enter the water unless signs indicate it is safe to do so.
Access: 4WD required. Jim Jim is a dry season destination only, roughly May to October. The road closes during the wet season.
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Motorcar Falls
Motorcar Falls rewards walkers. The return trail is 7.5 km through open bushland, and the payoff is one of the largest natural swimming spots in Kakadu. Wide, calm, and far quieter than Maguk on a busy day.
If you want to earn your swim and have a bit of space to yourself, this is the one. The walk keeps the crowds down, which is exactly what makes it worth doing.
Access: 4WD recommended. Check road conditions before heading out.
What About Tolmer Falls?
Tolmer Falls comes up in searches for Kakadu swimming, but it’s actually in Litchfield National Park. And you can’t swim there anyway: the falls are a protected bat habitat.
If you’re visiting both parks (plenty of tours combine them), Litchfield has some excellent swimming options nearby:
- Buley Rockhole (a series of cascading rockpools, great for a long soak)
- Wangi Falls
- Florence Falls
- The Cascades
We run tours that take in both Kakadu and Litchfield, so you can tick off swimming spots in both parks in one trip.
Tips for Swimming Safely in Kakadu
- Read the signage first, every time. Even at managed spots, conditions can change.
- Don’t swim after heavy rain. Water rises quickly and visibility drops fast.
- Bring water and sun protection. The walks to these spots can be hot and exposed.
- Wear proper footwear. The paths to Maguk’s top pools and several other spots involve uneven rock.
- Tell someone your plans if you’re heading off the main track.
- Consider a guided tour for your first visit. A local guide knows current conditions, seasonal access, and the spots most visitors miss.
When Are the Swimming Holes in Kakadu Open?
Most of the major swimming spots are accessible during the dry season, roughly May through October. The Jim Jim Falls road closes in the wet season (November to April). Maguk Gorge is accessible year-round in a suitable 4WD, though the track gets rougher in the wet.
Always check current road and site conditions before you head out, as access can change quickly after recent rainfall.
The Best Way to See Kakadu’s Swimming Holes
Getting to Maguk, Gunlom, and Jim Jim under your own steam takes solid planning, a capable 4WD, and a decent understanding of NT road conditions. A guided tour takes care of all of that.
We run small-group tours that include the park’s best swimming spots, with guides who know when conditions are right and how to get the most out of every stop. If you’re planning a Kakadu trip, it’s the easiest way to see the good stuff without the guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Kakadu National Park?
Yes. Kakadu has several designated swimming spots managed for crocodile safety. The most popular is Maguk Gorge, followed by Gunlom, Motorcar Falls, and the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool. Always check signage before entering the water.
Is it safe to swim at Maguk Falls?
Maguk is considered the safest swimming hole in Kakadu. Rangers trap and remove crocodiles at the end of each wet season, and the water is clear enough to see through. That said, always read the signage on arrival and never swim if signs advise against it.
Are there crocodiles at the swimming holes in Kakadu?
At managed swimming spots, rangers work to remove crocodiles before the dry season swimming period. Freshwater crocodiles, which are generally shy and less dangerous than saltwater crocs, are still sometimes present at spots like Jim Jim Falls. Always follow posted signage.
Do you need a 4WD to reach Maguk Gorge?
Yes. Maguk is reached via 14 km of rough dirt track that requires a 4WD. If you don’t have one, a guided tour is the practical alternative.
Can you swim at Jim Jim Falls?
Swimming at the Jim Jim Falls plunge pool is possible during the dry season when signage indicates it is safe. Freshwater crocodiles are sometimes present. The road to Jim Jim closes during the wet season.
What is the best swimming hole in Kakadu?
Maguk Gorge is widely considered the best swimming hole in Kakadu. Clear water, gorge scenery, active crocodile management, and the option to snorkel or climb to the top pools all set it apart. Gunlom runs a close second for the views from the escarpment.
When are the swimming holes in Kakadu open?
Most swimming spots are accessible during the dry season, May to October. Maguk Gorge is accessible year-round with a suitable 4WD, though track conditions vary. Jim Jim Falls is dry season only.
Can you swim at Tolmer Falls?
No, and Tolmer Falls is not in Kakadu: it’s in Litchfield National Park. Swimming is also prohibited there as the site is a protected bat habitat. If you’re visiting Litchfield, nearby alternatives include Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, and Florence Falls.
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