Kakadu Beyond Jim Jim: 5 Must-Visit 4WD Spots for the 2026 Dry Season
The red dust of the Arnhem Highway is a rite of passage for every Australian tourer. As you cross the boundary into Kakadu National Park, the landscape shifts from the suburban fringe of Darwin to a vast, ancient mosaic of floodplains, billabongs, and rugged stone country. For many, the first instinct is to head straight for Jim Jim Falls. However, with the Jim Jim and Twin Falls area closed for critical infrastructure upgrades for the entire 2026 dry season, the real magic of Kakadu this year lies in the deeper, more remote 4WD tracks that often get overlooked.
July is the "sweet spot" for the Top End. The floodwaters have receded, the humidity has dropped to a crisp daytime average of 30°C, and the night skies are so clear you can practically reach out and touch the Milky Way. If you have a high-clearance 4WD and a sense of adventure, this is your year to see the "other" side of Kakadu.
Why Now: The 2026 Seasonal Shift
While the closure of Jim Jim is a blow to some, it has opened up space at the park’s other spectacular southern sites. Crucially, Gunlom Falls—one of the most iconic spots in the Territory—reopened on June 29, 2026, after seasonal preparations. Visiting in July means you are among the first to experience these natural infinity pools this year, with the water at its most pristine and the tracks freshly graded but still offering that authentic outback rattle.
Getting There and Gear Essentials
Kakadu is massive—nearly 20,000 square kilometres. From Darwin, it is a comfortable three-hour drive to the park entrance via the Arnhem Highway. However, once you leave the sealed bitumen of the Kakadu Highway to reach the spots on this list, a 4WD is non-negotiable. You will be dealing with deep corrugations, sandy patches, and the occasional shallow water crossing.
Lower your tyre pressures once you hit the dirt (aim for 25-28 psi depending on your load) to save your suspension and improve traction. Ensure you have a full tank of fuel from Jabiru or Cooinda before heading south into the Mary River region.
The 5 Must-Visit 4WD Spots for 2026
1. Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Located in the southern end of the park, Maguk is reached via a 12km 4WD track through monsoon forest. The reward is a deep, crystal-clear plunge pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall. If you are feeling energetic, follow the steep track to the top of the falls to find a series of smaller pools carved into the rock, overlooking the gorge below.
2. Gunlom (Top Pools)
Gunlom is the "Top End's original infinity pool." The steep climb to the top is worth every drop of sweat. Once you reach the summit, you can soak in natural stone basins that overlook the vast southern Kakadu plains. In July, the golden hour light hitting the escarpment here is nothing short of spiritual.
3. Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
For those who want true isolation, Koolpin Gorge is the answer. It is located in a restricted access zone, and you must apply for a permit well in advance (only 40 people are allowed in at any time). The track in is rugged, but you will have ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and untouched waterholes almost entirely to yourself.
4. Sandy Billabong
Tucked away near the Yellow Water region, Sandy Billabong offers one of the best 4WD camping experiences in the park. The track can be quite sandy (hence the name), but the campsites are situated right on the edge of the billabong. It is a prime spot for birdwatching and seeing crocodiles in their natural habitat from a safe distance.
5. Yurmikmik (Motor Car Falls)
This area in southern Kakadu features a series of walking tracks through the stone country. The 4WD access to the trailhead ensures fewer crowds than the main highway sites. The walk to Motor Car Falls leads you to a shaded, serene pool that stays cool even in the heat of the day—a perfect spot for a long, quiet lunch.
Where to Camp
- Sandy Billabong (4WD Only): Basic facilities, big on atmosphere. Watch the mist rise off the water at dawn.
- Gunlom Campground: Recently upgraded with solar-heated showers and plenty of space for camper trailers.
- Mardugal Campground: Centrally located near Cooinda, perfect for exploring both the Yellow Water cruises and the southern 4WD tracks.
Practical Tips for the Dry Season
- Croc Safety: Always obey the signs. If a spot isn't marked as open for swimming, stay out of the water. Crocodiles are an active part of the ecosystem here.
- Park Passes: Your park pass contributes to the maintenance of these remote tracks and the protection of the Bininj/Mungguy culture. Buy it online before you arrive.
- Communications: Once you leave the main highway, mobile coverage disappears.
Staying Connected in the Stone Country
The beauty of Kakadu is its remoteness, but the reality of 4WD touring is that weather, track conditions, and park alerts can change fast. While your phone might be a paperweight at Sandy Billabong, having a satellite link means you can check the daily Kakadu Access Report or download your next set of offline maps from the comfort of your camp chair.
Setting up a Starlink Mini with a Magnetic Mount on your roof, or using a Bullbar Mount for quick deployment at camp, is the ultimate safety net for off-grid NT expeditions. It ensures you're never truly out of touch when it matters most.
Closing Nudge
Kakadu is a place that rewards those who look beyond the obvious. With the main tourist icons taking a break in 2026, now is the time to point your hubs south and explore the raw, unrefined beauty of the Mary River region. Explore our other Northern Territory travel guides for more Top End inspiration.
