Hiking Guide to Amazing Motor Car Falls in Kakadu National Park
Something called Motor Car Falls will surely raise an eyebrow or two, but let me tell ya. It’s 100% worth a visit if you find yourself in Kakadu National Park in the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory. It’s a magnificent waterfall with an epic swimming hole.
Inside is my quick guide to this great waterfall and other tips on what to do in the area.
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Guide to Exploring Motor Car Falls in Kakadu National Park
Quick Trail Details:
- Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (not much shade to start)
- Time on Trail: 3-5 hours (including swimming)
- Can you swim here? Yes (but check the crocodile report)
- Distance from Cooinda Lodge: 80 minutes
- Where’s the Trailhead: We parked at the second lot
Trail Report to Motor Car Falls
After grabbing a quick lunch of kangaroo pizza at Cooinda Lodge, we set out to Motor Car Falls to cool off in the sweltering and humid weather of Kakadu National Park. This area was a shock as someone who has always lived in low-humidity regions!
The hike into the falls was dry, dusty, and hot, but we made quick work of the trail. I’d estimate that an hour after we started, we would make our final steps over the rocks and tees to reach Motor Car Falls. We had the trail downloaded to our phones, but there wasn’t a point where we got lost or confused. The path is well-defined, and anyone can figure it out.
Once at the swimming pool, we changed into bathing suits and jumped in. Coming from America, having room-temperature water is a wild concept, as our water always comes from higher elevations that once were snow or ice. But in the Northern Territory, it is simply rainwater.
I honestly could have stayed here forever. It was so peaceful, and we basically had it to ourselves. Talk about perfection!
By 5pm, the gang was heading back to Cooinda Lodge for dinner after an amazing day swimming and jumping at Motor Car Falls.
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What to know about hiking to Motor Car Falls (Yurmikmik Falls)
The best time to visit?
I visited in April, and it was perfect. This is a good wet-season, early dry-season waterfall to explore. I think the flow rate starts trickling as you enter July, August, and September.
The wet season generally runs from November through April, and the dry season is from May through October.
Is it worth visiting?
If you’re already in Kakadu National Park, check out Motor Car Falls. It’s stunning, and save for the first 10 minutes, we had the entire place to ourselves. I could have spent hours there just lounging, but we had places to be! The water temperature was simply perfect, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
So yes, Motor Call Falls is totally worth it, and it’s the perfect hike for the entire family.
Should I be worried about crocodiles?
You should always be conscious of crocodiles in Australia’s Northern Territory, but I don’t think the worry is too high for this one. That said, check the crocodile status report for all watering holes you plan to visit in the NT.
13 Miles/21km on a dirt road
Once you turn onto Gimbat Rd off Route 21, you’ll be here for another 25-30 minutes. There were no traces of recent rain, so the road was dry, and we cruised easily to the trailhead. I don’t imagine many cars would ever have an issue if it’s dry, though one spot could have high water levels if you go during the wet season.
Hot and dusty
The trail is dusty and hot in the afternoon sun until you get close to the cliffs and Motor Car Falls. While there were trees, they didn’t seem to offer much relief from the 90F temperatures, and I felt like all the water in my body was sucked right out.
Moderate Trail
This is the definition of a moderate trail! It’s super mellow and never seems to have a steep part until possibly the last bit as you climb over some rocks to get into the waterfall basin. If you’re an able-bodied individual who can walk, you will do just fine on this trail.
Reaching the waterfall, which is around five miles round trip, should take you no longer than two hours. I think my group got there in around an hour.
Any other waterfall near by?
Yes, Boulder Creek Falls is near Motor Car Falls. That one is a short hike, less picturesque, but more accessible. You’ll find a toilet but no other amenities.
What to pack on your hike to Motor Car Falls
- 2-3 liters of water
- Hat
- Sunblock
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals/water shoes
- Mid-sized backpack with snacks (have some salty snacks)
- Bathing Suit and Towel
What else can you do in Kakadu National Park?
Waterfalls
I highly recommend a flightseeing trip to Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. Seeing these magnificent waterfalls up close was the highlight of the trip. I couldn’t get over how beautiful they were.
We also got close enough to get wet!
Burrngkuy (Nourlangie)
An easy walk lets you see historical paintings by the Aboriginals who call Australia home. For American readers, these would be similar to petroglyphs—though some are as recent as the 1960s.
Yellow Water Cruise
Starting at Cooinda Lodge, you take a two-hour cruise. You learn about the area’s culture, see wildlife, and enjoy the lush terrain. After a busy day, it was the perfect way to enjoy the sunset.
Book these tours and others in Australia’s Northern Territory
I’ve listed Viator and Get Your Guide options.
- Jabiru flightseeing: 30-minute flight or 60-minute flight (I did the 60-minute trip) – Book via GetYourGuide
- Yellow Water Cruise
- Full-day tour into Kakadu National Park – Book via GetYourGuide
- Katherine Gorge Flight from Darwin, with Cruise and Heli Scenic (expensive)
- 3-Day Kakadu & Litchfield 4WD Camping Adventure from Darwin
- Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
- Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Day Trip Escape from Darwin – Via GYG
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine (this was a blast) Similar trip on Get your Guide
Final Thoughts on Hiking to Motor Car Falls
Have a fantastic trip to Kakadu National Park, and strongly consider adding Motor Car Falls to your Top End Itinerary. It’s well worth the hike and time, and you’ll thank me later!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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