Jim Jim Creek - Kakadu National Park, Australia
by Lexa Harpell
Title
Jim Jim Creek - Kakadu National Park, Australia
Artist
Lexa Harpell
Medium
Photograph - Photographs
Description
Timeless Kakadu Series by Lexa Harpell
Jim Jim Creek - Kakadu National Park, Australia by Lexa Harpell.
You don't linger when standing on an outcrop rock to take the shot. Meters away a rather large cage to trap any stray crocodiles remaining in the waters after the wet season.
As inviting as it appears, you don't go anywhere near water unless it comes out of a tap in this region. haha
*Kakadu National Park, Australia is one of only 25 World Heritage Listed sites - listed for both its natural and cultural significance to humanity in 1981 - UNESCO.
Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are big drawcards for visitors to Kakadu National Park.
With a late Wet Season this year – Jim Jim Falls was finally opened for the public. Twin Falls was still closed due to the height of the river.
Rangers have to ensure at the end of each Wet Season there are no crocodiles in the creeks and waterholes as visitors go there to swim.
During the Wet Season the rivers and creeks rise considerably, connecting with the saltwater estuaries – saltwater crocodiles swim up into these areas looking for food.
The Rangers go to considerable lengths to ensure safety for visitors – although nothing is 100% guaranteed! Helicopters fly through the narrow gorges to ‘spot’ any crocs on a constant basis. Rangers patrol the area night and day looking for signs – crocodile traps are set It is a huge responsibility as an attack if often fatal!
You hear many people whine about the falls closures without thinking of the reasons as to why – yet I personally would prefer all is safe!! there is much more to see in Kakadu!!
Kakadu National Park is one of only 25 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites listed for their natural and cultural aspects to humanity. So this is a truly special place.
You need a 4WD for the 65kms off the main road to get to the falls -OR – hitch a ride with someone who is going there – like I did OR take a 4WD tour..pricey though!
The park is not ‘touristy’ in the way of providing easy access to most places – they want to keep it as natural as possible. The 900mtr walk from the carpark to the falls is a marked ‘track of sorts’ over rocks – be prepared to do a bit of rock scrambling!
The crisp, cool, clear water on ‘the beach’ and under the falls was a welcome relief after the walk and well worth the trip!!!
The best time to see the falls is during Wet Season by helicopter – (it is closed to walk ins in Wet Season) huge volumes of water falling over the cliff is in full swing. During the Dry Season smaller streams of water drop from the escarpment – it is still stunning!
PS I did notice a crocodile trap set up in the river for extra safety – hmmm not sure it is good that the trap door was open or closed!? HMMM haha
Raw and Untouched Northern Territory Series by Lexa Harpell.
IMAGE FEATURED IN THE FOLLOWING:
All Natural Beauty of this World - 19 July, 2017
Australia in Pictures - 19 July, 2017
Water Reflections - 19 July, 2017
Fine Arts Professionals - 20 July, 2017
Australian Outback - 20 July, 2017
Australian Landscapes - 24 July, 2017
Reflections Rainbows - 20 July, 2017
Images That Excite You - 20 July, 2017
Nature Landmarks Landscapes - 2 August, 2017
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July 20th, 2017
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Comments (65)
Jerry Griffin
I always thought Kakadu was a dry place, Thanks for posting this.
Lexa Harpell replied:
The region is monsoonal where summer rains flood the rivers, surrounding lands and cuts off roads. So it is a no-go in summer. Winter is still hot and safer ishy. lol Thanks Jerry! L:)
Joan Carroll
haha is right! what a great place!
Lexa Harpell replied:
Never sure if it's a good thing or bad if there is no croc in the trap! haha Thanks Joan! L:)
Nisah Cheatham
Congrats! This photo has been featured on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites group on FAA/Pixels.
Lexa Harpell replied:
thank yo so much Nisah for the feature in your wonderful Group - UNESCO WHS! :))
Lexa Harpell
Kakadu is glorious Trudee - 10 mins later and the light was gone, it is all about timing and luck on the day. Thanks for your generous comments and visits! :)