The Beach - Jim Jim Falls - Kakadu National Park Photograph by Lexa Harpell

The Beach - Jim Jim Falls - Kakadu National Park

by Lexa Harpell

Canvas Print

$80

Framed Print

$99

Art Print

$28

Poster

$28

Metal Print

$86

Acrylic Print

$94

Wood Print

$66

Tapestry

$51

Throw Pillow

$32

Fleece Blanket

$73

Duvet Cover

$125

Shower Curtain

$93

Bath Towel

$45

Jigsaw Puzzle

$40

Tote Bag

$46

Weekender Tote Bag

$60

Zip Pouch

$30

Portable Battery Charger

$54

Yoga Mat

$80

Greeting Card

$6.45

Spiral Notebook

$18

Sticker

$4.00

iPhone Case

$32

Beach Towel

$45

Round Beach Towel

$95

Weekender Tote Bag

$60

Coffee Mug

$16

Men's Clothing

$38

Women's Clothing

$38

Youth Clothing

$34

Toddler Clothing

$32

Baby Clothing

$36

Title

The Beach - Jim Jim Falls - Kakadu National Park

Artist

Lexa Harpell

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Timeless Kakadu Series by Lexa Harpell

They call it 'The Beach', yet it is nestled in wilderness far from an ocean. Where you need a 4WD to drive to, then a one-kilometer rock scrambling over boulders along the side of Jim Jim Creek.

*One of only 25 World Heritage Listed sites - listed for both its natural and cultural significance to humanity in 1981 - UNESCO.

It felt a bit odd to find a 'beach' in the wilderness with towering rock faces surrounding you. The pristine water is clear and ice cold. - yet very welcome for a dip after hiking to the falls.

Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are big draw cards 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!? haha

Raw and Untouched Northern Territory Series by Lexa Harpell.

IMAGE FEATURED IN THE FOLLOWING:

Australia in Pictures - 25 July, 2017