KC3
EXPERIENCES / KAKADU
Kakadu Circle No. 3
Overview
This trip is divided into two sections, either of which can be done on its own.
Section 1: Koolpin to Twin Falls: 22-28 July
- Koolpin Gorge, Upper Koolpin Creek, the Amphitheatre Falls, upper Twin Falls Gorge
- Surprise Falls, Graveside Gorge, the Cascades Creek waterslide, Barramundi Creek pools, Freezing Gorge
On 20 December, we were informed that a part of the route had been permanently closed due to the declaration of a special Aboriginal Protected area. It is now unlikely that we will be able to run this trip.
KAKADU
22 July - 7 August 2024
We begin with the long drive from Darwin to Koolpin Gorge. The pools are perfect for swimming, the waterfalls and views a photographers delight. Aboriginal art sites tell us that this has been a special place for thousands of years.
Although the gorge is only four kilometres long, it is too good to rush through. We take at least a day to reach the top.
From the top of the gorge we take a short cut across the plain and through the first of two low passes. Just before the second, there is a sudden change in vegetation as we enter a monsoon rainforest.
Our path now takes us toward Twin Falls Creek where we turn and downstream.
Continuing downstream from where we first meet it, Twin Falls Creek passes through a mix of sandy and rocky areas for about six kilometres to the Amphitheatre Falls where the river drops 20 metres into the upper gorge. Few groups have ever been able to resist spending at least an hour here just admiring the views and enjoying the pool below the falls. Another seven kilometres past sandy beaches and more pools brings us to the top of Twin Falls. The last two km of this route is in a restricted area where we have to stick to a marked trail.
After collecting our food drop, we make our way across the plains past Twin Falls Creek and climb up the escarpment to enjoy the views and pools at Surprise Falls.
From there, we continue across the plateau, passing through the largest patch of open country rainforest in the park, to the top of Graveside Gorge (Bilkbilkmi) where a double waterfall drops 100 metres into a pool in the gorge below.
From Graveside, we move on to Cascades Creek with its beautiful cascades and natural water slide, much too inviting to pass by in a rush.
From there, we work our way to the Barramundi system with its many waterfalls. From our final Barramundi camp, a gentle climb over a pass brings us back to Koolpin Creek.
From there, we work our way to the Barramundi system with its many waterfalls. From our final Barramundi camp, a gentle climb over a pass brings us back to Koolpin Creek.
We overlap section one for a short distance to where we leave the creek.
We rock hop through a series of gullies as we make our way to Freezing Gorge.
Freezing Creek is much smaller than Koolpin but it has carved a deep and narrow gorge where the sun seldom reaches the water, hence the name. The pools are just as inviting as those in Koolpin, perhaps more so since very few of the 4WD campers are aware that it exists.
A short 30 metre pack float saves us an hour or two of strenuous rock climbing. The final section of the walk down Freezing Creek involves climbing over and scrambling around large boulders. A short walk from the bottom gets us to the vehicle which will bring us back to Darwin.
Details
DATES
22 July - 7 August
PRICES
Full price: A$4995
Section 1: A$2695
Section 2: A$3395
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITE
Mix of sand and rock ledges. Most sites are excellent. You are unlikely to see anyone else at most of the campsites.
ART
We visit a variety of art sites
SWIMMING
There will be beautiful pools for swim stops at every camp, most lunches and at other times every day.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present but still spread out at this time of year. You are unlikely to see many large animals.
CLIMATE
Although late July - early August is one of the coolest parts of the year, the maximum temperature on most days will still average 30-32ºC. Although the average nightly minimum is about 16-18ºC (65ºF), it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop as low as 10ºC (50ºF). Occasionally it goes lower still. Sleeping bags are essential. Rain is highly unlikely.
FIRE
We plan to have a campfire every night and will have hot water available every morning.
WALK RATING - MODERATE
Terrain
There are A few steep climbs, none of which is over 200 m. As short as they are, these climbs are strenuous. Some may require using your hands to hold on as you climb up or down. None are technically difficult. None require ropes or other special equipment.
There will be some places where you have to step from stone to stone as you walk along the edge of a creek.
The creeks are low enough so that swimming across with packs is unlikely to be necessary. However, many people coming down Cascades Creek on section two prefer to float packs than to climb around one pool. It may also be necessary to wade across slippery rocks. Your guide can help if you need assistance.
Vegetation
Much of the walking is through relatively flat, open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Some short sections of grass may hide a broken rocky surface where you will have to be particularly careful. There may be some slow sections where you will have to pass though thick scrub.
Distance
4-6 hours per day. A few days will be longer. The first full day of section two is normally the longest of the trip.
Pack Weight
You need to carry food for up to ten days.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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