Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 88m
Min elevation: 66m
Total Ascent: 80m
Hike overview
Walk to paradise! Hike through monsoon forest and along a sandy and rocky creek to a small waterfall. Located an hour's drive south from Cooinda, in a World Heritage-listed Kakadu National park is Maguk. A 14 kilometre four-wheel drive trip off the Kakadu Highway, followed by a one kilometre walk, leads to a beautiful natural plunge pool at the base of the steep gorge walls.
One of Kakadu's lesser known plunge pools and waterfalls, Maguk, is truly a gem for all to experience. A 4WD is required to access the site, with a 2km return walk through monsoon forests crossing Barramundi Creek leading to a pristine waterfall and plunge pool. Spot the spangled drongos and rainbow pitas in the rainforest, swim with the black bream in the plunge pool and marvel at the majestic endemic Anbinik trees along the rocky slopes.
An entry fee of AUD25.00 per person over the age of 16 years is required to enter Kakadu National park.
Tips
- Heat stress and dehydration are very real dangers here. Take simple steps to keep you and your family safe. Temperatures are considered extreme once it reaches 36 degrees Celsius or above.
- Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour
- Take frequent breaks to eat healthy snacks
- Carry a first aid kit on long bushwalks
Track grade
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 88 m
Min elevation: 66 m
Total climbing: 80 m
Total descent: -80 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Kakadu National Park.
A 14 kilometre four-wheel drive trip off the Kakadu Highway, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru, Northern Territory
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
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.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide River, Arnhem Land, Batchelor, Cooinda, Darwin, Gunbalanya, Humpty Doo, Jabiru, Kakadu Village, Katherine, Maningrida, Mary River, Nourlangie, Pine Creek
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Kakadu National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.