The Motor Car Falls Walk (Yurmikmik Falls) offers a rewarding 7.5-kilometre journey through the southern hills and ridges of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. This moderately challenging grade 3 hike, ideal for the wet season, typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Keep your eyes peeled for diverse wildlife throughout the walk. Look out for antilopine wallaroos, the distinctive red-tailed black cockatoo, colourful finches including the stunning Gouldian finch, hooded parrots, and lorikeets. As you enter the final 300 metres through the lush monsoon forest leading to the natural pool, be sure to watch for the golden orb spider and the vibrant azure kingfisher.
The trail itself follows a historic track originally used for vehicle exploration. In 1946, a determined tin miner named Paul Allmich became the first to drive through this area, although his Chevrolet truck only made it as far as Motor Car Creek (the bridge was built later). Look out for the wīĵ (turkey bush) near the start of the walk, its pink flowers and scale-like leaves particularly noticeable during the dry season in other parts of the park. The strong, straight stems of this bush were traditionally used by Indigenous Australians to make spears.
The open woodland section you'll traverse provides habitat for the jīkkilirrij (hooded parrot), which cleverly nests in termite mounds. The walk concludes at Motor Car Creek, a shady retreat surrounded by lush monsoon forest. Here, you might spot the murnpel (banded fruit-dove) feeding amongst the trees. Clear track markers will guide you to the final destination – the inviting pool and cascading falls.
Nestled between the Marrawal Plateau and the South Alligator River lies Yurmikmik, a region named by the Jawoyn people. Hikers seeking to explore this area will find a network of trails particularly suited to the wet season. However, be cautious of sudden flash floods in the creeks during this time.
The walks offer a contrasting experience. As you traverse the paths, you'll transition from the cool embrace of monsoon forests and flowing creeks to the warmth of open woodlands. The vegetation also transforms, with towering trees in the valleys giving way to hardier, stunted plants on the rocky ridges and plateau.
All trails begin and end at the designated carpark. Shorter walks are clearly marked with either yellow-topped posts or orange arrows painted on rocks. If you choose a longer track, be aware that these are unmarked.
Camping: Permits are mandatory for camping in Yurmikmik. Camping is strictly prohibited near Motor Car Falls. To minimize environmental impact, bury toilet waste at least 15 centimetres deep and at least 100 metres from campsites and water sources. Wash well away from creeks and pools, and avoid using soap, shampoo, or detergent near water bodies as they can harm wildlife.
Important Safety Note: While Motor Car Creek is located upstream of known saltwater crocodile territory, these reptiles can still enter the area undetected during the wet season. Entering the water here is at your own risk. The South Alligator River, however, is confirmed saltwater crocodile habitat, and swimming there is strictly forbidden under any circumstances.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- Keep to marked tracks.
- Wear sturdy footwear.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- On longer walks, bring energy foods – fruit and nuts.
- Carry a First Aid Kit.
- Avoid walking in the heat of the day.
- Advise a responsible adult when you start and finish your walk.
Total distance: 7847 m
Max elevation: 145 m
Min elevation: 77 m
Total climbing: 124 m
Total descent: -124 m
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Located within Kakadu National Park near Jabiru, the park's main entrance point, all the trails originate from a single carpark accessible via Gunlom Road. This eliminates the need to navigate between different trailheads, allowing you to focus on choosing the Yurmikmik adventure that best suits your interests and fitness level.
- 2WD Access
- Drinking Water
- BBQ Facilities
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
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Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listing renowned for both its cultural and natural values. See breathtaking horizons from the top of a Kakadu escarpment. Cruise on the stunning Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and wildlife in their natural habitat, including millions of migratory birds who in part call the park's wetlands home.
Not only is Kakadu spectacular, but you can feel yourself come alive among the lush rainforests, rocky gorges, serene swimming pools and the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. With more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites in the park, the Bininj/Mungguy people have called Kakadu home for some 65,000 years. Here they'll teach you about their ancient culture and the regions' dramatic seasons.
Connect with the oldest living culture on earth. The rugged and remote beauty of Kakadu has stories to share that will take your breath away and touch your heart. In Australia's biggest national park you'll find ancient landscapes with thundering waterfalls, lush rainforests, wandering wetlands, exotic wildlife and ancient rock art.
Kakadu offers unrivalled walks to immerse you in nature, satisfy your appetite for adventure, or nurture your curiosity. Only three hours' drive from Darwin, Kakadu National Park has been waiting for you.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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