Gunlom Falls Explained

Gunlom Falls Waterfall Creek Falls
Photo Width:	250px
Map:	Northern Territory
Relief:	yes
Map Width:	250px
Coordinates:	-13.4269°N 132.4169°W
Location:	Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Type:	Cascade
Height:	60-
Watercourse:	Waterfall Creek

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.

Location and features

The falls descend from an elevation of above sea level and range in height between 60-^[1] 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.^[2]

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 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.^[3]

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.^[4]

Walking track closure

, 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.^[5] AAPA has filed charges against Parks Australia, which could lead to the authority being fined up to .^[6] The matter was due to go before the court on 30 April 2021, but a request made by Parks Australia resulted in an adjournment. Parts of Gunlom remain closed.^{[7] [8]}

In film

The falls appear in the movie Crocodile Dundee.^[9]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Map of Wangi Falls, NT. Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. 17 May 2014.
2. Web site: Gunlom Waterfall Creek (Gunlom Falls) in Kakadu . Kakadu Tours . 18 September 2020.
3. Web site: Kakadu secrets – picture story. Tourism NT. 2007-08-29 . 2016-02-07 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070829235607/http://www.tourismnt.com.au/nt/nttc/news/travel_stories/ps/ps_kakadu.html . 29 August 2007 .
4. Web site: Information about visiting Gunlom Falls in Kakadu. Venture North Safaris. 24 July 2017. 18 September 2020.
5. Web site: Kakadu National Park's Gunlom Falls stays shut due to potential sacred site damage . Matt . Garrick . Kate. Ashton . ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 July 2020 . 18 September 2020.
6. Web site: ABC News . Parks Australia to be prosecuted by Aboriginal authority over alleged desecration of Kakadu site. Henry. Zwartz . 15 September 2020 . 18 September 2020.
7. Web site: Thompson . Jesse . ABC News . Push to close Kakadu's Gunlom Falls site as Parks Australia court action is delayed . 30 March 2021 . 20 April 2021.
8. Web site: Thompson . Jesse . Sacred sites watchdog AAPA rejects Parks Australia's bid to drop Gunlom Falls court case . ABC News . 8 April 2021 . 20 April 2021.
9. Web site: Gunlom Falls – Kakadu National Park. Outback Australia Travel Guide. Birgit Bradtke. 17 May 2014.