Gunlom Falls
The Gunlom Falls, formerly Waterfall Creek Falls, is a cascading waterfall on the Waterfall Creek located in the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. The falls are also known as UDP Falls and are perhaps most famous for making an appearance in the movie Crocodile Dundee.[2]
| Gunlom Falls Waterfall Creek Falls | |
|---|---|
 Spectacular natural infinity pool at the top of Gunlom Falls Kakadu | |
  | |
| Location | Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Coordinates | 13°25′37″S 132°25′01″E[1] |
| Type | Cascade |
| Elevation | 168 metres (551 ft) AHD |
| Total height | 60–85 metres (197–279 ft) |
| Watercourse | Waterfall Creek |
Location and features
The falls descend from an elevation of 168 metres (551 ft) above sea level and range in height between 60–85 metres (197–279 ft)[3] and are located in the Mary River area in the southern part of Kakadu, less visited by tourists.
Depending on the time of the year, the Gunlom Falls range from a roaring waterfall to a gentle trickle falling down the cliffs. This plunge pool at the bottom of the falls is one of the most visited places in the Kakadu National Park and a popular swimming hole.[4]
A steep 15-minute climb leads to the top of the falls, with views over the southern region of the park. There is also a series of swimming holes at the top of the falls. The waterfall is approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the Kakadu Highway on a gravel road, just inside the southern entry to the park. During the wet season (December to April), access is restricted. There is also a campground located near the falls.[5]
The nearest accommodation is Cooinda Lodge, about two hours away in a vehicle, but there is a large public campground with hot showers and flushing toilets at the falls.[6]
Walking track closure
As of September 2020, the walking track to the lookout and pools above the falls is closed at the request of the Jawoyn traditional owners. It was closed before mid-2019, due to an investigation by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) into Parks Australia under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT). The traditional owners allege that, in the process of upgrading the track, Parks Australia may have damaged a sacred site near the track.[7] AAPA has filed charges, which could lead to the authority being fined up to A$314,000 .[8]
References
- "Waterfall Creek Falls (NT)". Gazetteer of Australia online. Geoscience Australia, Australian Government.
- "Gunlom Falls – Kakadu National Park". Outback Australia Travel Guide. Birgit Bradtke. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- "Map of Wangi Falls, NT". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
- "Gunlom Waterfall Creek (Gunlom Falls) in Kakadu". Kakadu Tours. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- "Kakadu secrets – picture story". Tourism NT. 29 August 2007. Archived from the original on 29 August 2007. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- "Information about visiting Gunlom Falls in Kakadu". Venture North Safaris. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- Garrick, Matt; Ashton, Kate (10 July 2020). "Kakadu National Park's Gunlom Falls stays shut due to potential sacred site damage". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- Zwartz, Henry (15 September 2020). "Parks Australia to be prosecuted by Aboriginal authority over alleged desecration of Kakadu site". ABC News. Retrieved 18 September 2020.