Gunlom sits in the southern end of Kakadu and is best known for the plunge pool at the top of the falls. It is a long way in on unsealed road, which keeps the numbers down compared with the northern end of the park.
Getting there and access
Access is by unsealed road within Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is jointly managed by its Traditional Owners and Parks Australia, and areas close seasonally, for cultural reasons and after rain. Parks Australia publishes current access, and that is the only source worth planning against. Some areas of Kakadu have been closed for extended periods, so check before you build a trip around any one site.
Permits and camping
Kakadu requires a park pass, and camping arrangements are managed through Parks Australia. Sort both before you arrive rather than on the road.
Corrugations work your mounts loose
This is the maintenance that actually matters out here. Re-torque the mounting bolts on your rack, tub rack or canopy before you leave, check them after the first day of dirt, then every few days. An On The Horizon rooftop tent weighs between 80kg and 120kg depending on the model, and that weight is working on the mounting every kilometre of corrugation. There is more on this in Roof Load Limits Explained.
Dust
A hard shell earns its money on Territory roads. The canvas travels folded inside a closed aluminium lid rather than strapped under a cover collecting bulldust, so the tent you open at the end of the day is the one you closed that morning. That is one of the clearest practical differences between hard shell and soft shell.
Sleeping in Territory heat
Ventilation beats insulation up here. Open both ends, keep air moving and park to catch a breeze rather than tucking into still air. Every On The Horizon rooftop tent has a moisture barrier through the base and an anti-condensation pad under the mattress, which keeps air moving underneath rather than damp collecting there. See how to prevent condensation.
Choosing a tent for Territory touring
On The Horizon hard shell rooftop tents run from $3,290 to $3,990 and set up in 30 to 60 seconds, which matters when camp moves most nights. The 1.4 is 80kg, and the 1.9 Penthouse is 120kg and sleeps three to four. Check your rack's dynamic load rating against that before you order, and if you are not sure, send us what you are running.
Common questions
Do you need a permit for Kakadu?
Yes. Kakadu National Park requires a park pass, and camping is managed through Parks Australia. Buy both before you travel.
Is Gunlom open?
Access to areas within Kakadu changes seasonally, for cultural reasons and after rain, and some areas have been closed for extended periods. Check current access with Parks Australia before planning a trip around it.
Do you need a 4WD for Gunlom?
Access is by unsealed road and conditions vary with the season. Check current road conditions with Parks Australia before you go.
Related guides
Gunlom and Southern Kakadu Rooftop Tent Touring Guide
Gunlom sits in the southern end of Kakadu and is best known for the plunge pool at the top of the falls. It is a long way in on unsealed road, which keeps the numbers down compared with the northern end of the park.
Getting there and access
Access is by unsealed road within Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is jointly managed by its Traditional Owners and Parks Australia, and areas close seasonally, for cultural reasons and after rain. Parks Australia publishes current access, and that is the only source worth planning against. Some areas of Kakadu have been closed for extended periods, so check before you build a trip around any one site.
Permits and camping
Kakadu requires a park pass, and camping arrangements are managed through Parks Australia. Sort both before you arrive rather than on the road.
Corrugations work your mounts loose
This is the maintenance that actually matters out here. Re-torque the mounting bolts on your rack, tub rack or canopy before you leave, check them after the first day of dirt, then every few days. An On The Horizon rooftop tent weighs between 80kg and 120kg depending on the model, and that weight is working on the mounting every kilometre of corrugation. There is more on this in Roof Load Limits Explained.
Dust
A hard shell earns its money on Territory roads. The canvas travels folded inside a closed aluminium lid rather than strapped under a cover collecting bulldust, so the tent you open at the end of the day is the one you closed that morning. That is one of the clearest practical differences between hard shell and soft shell.
Sleeping in Territory heat
Ventilation beats insulation up here. Open both ends, keep air moving and park to catch a breeze rather than tucking into still air. Every On The Horizon rooftop tent has a moisture barrier through the base and an anti-condensation pad under the mattress, which keeps air moving underneath rather than damp collecting there. See how to prevent condensation.
Choosing a tent for Territory touring
On The Horizon hard shell rooftop tents run from $3,290 to $3,990 and set up in 30 to 60 seconds, which matters when camp moves most nights. The 1.4 is 80kg, and the 1.9 Penthouse is 120kg and sleeps three to four. Check your rack's dynamic load rating against that before you order, and if you are not sure, send us what you are running.
Common questions
Do you need a permit for Kakadu?
Yes. Kakadu National Park requires a park pass, and camping is managed through Parks Australia. Buy both before you travel.
Is Gunlom open?
Access to areas within Kakadu changes seasonally, for cultural reasons and after rain, and some areas have been closed for extended periods. Check current access with Parks Australia before planning a trip around it.
Do you need a 4WD for Gunlom?
Access is by unsealed road and conditions vary with the season. Check current road conditions with Parks Australia before you go.
Related guides