2011

Tourism industry update 19 | 22 December 2011

22 December 2011 | Download update 19 | 2011 (PDF - 439 KB)

• Details of our opening hours over Christmas/New Year.
• Safety advice for the wet season.
• An update on renovations to the billabong display at Bowali Visitor Centre.
• Photos of the Gubara track which has been declared 4WD only, following damage to the road caused by heavy rain.

See previous editions

 

Gudjewg has arrived | 5 December 2011

Bursts of heavy rain falling across the Top End herald the start of Gudjewg, Kakadu's breathtaking monsoon season. Although rising water levels have led to the closure of sites like Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, tropical downpours trigger plenty of excitement in other parts of the park.

A visit to Kakadu during Gudjewg gives you the opportunity to enjoy experiences not available during drier months. It's a great time to take a scenic flight for a birdseye view of powerful waterfalls and expanding wetlands. The floodplains are full, waterfalls are flowing and the native vegetation is green and lush. Dramatic storms and sunsets are also common at this time of year.

Find out what to see in the park at the moment

 

Tourism industry update 18 | 2 December 2011

2 December 2011 | Download update 18 | 2011 (PDF - 477 KB)

• Yurmikmik walks
• Yellow Water arrangements
• Gunlom update
• Step on guides
• Ubirr wet season access

See previous editions

 

Tourism industry important notice - Yellow Water carpark closure and Gunlom croc sighting | 23 November 2011

Due to rising water levels in and around the Yellow Water carpark the road leading to the carpark has been closed. Depending on water levels over the coming days, the carpark may re-open.

On Sunday afternoon one of our district staff spotted a 1.7 metre estuarine crocodile just beneath the footbridge at the Gunlom plunge pool. This sighting confirms that recent rains have permitted the upstream movement of crocodiles in the area.

Download the notice to find out more (PDF - 103KB)

 

Temporary Gunlom closure due to heavy rains | 15 November 2011

Gunlom will be closed until further notice as a result of heavy rain overnight.

Water is lapping at the footbridge out to the plunge pool and a large volume of water is coming over the falls, presenting a high risk to visitors - debris such as logs is coming over the falls, and the potential for crocodiles to enter the area is high. In 2010, within days of the substantial water rises, large crocodiles found their way into Twin Falls and Koolpin and we're likely to see similar crocodile activity this wet season.

Access past Flying Fox Creek (towards Koolpin Gorge and Gimbat) is also restricted as the water is too deep to cross. The river has reached just below the level of the one lane bridge over the South Alligator, therefore more rain may force water over the bridge itself.

The reopening of Gunlom depends on future rainfalls and assurances that there are no crocodiles in the area.

 

Kakadu wins top tourism award | 13 November 2011

Kakadu National Park last night took out the top prize in the Northern Territory's Brolga Awards, winning the Major Tourist Attraction.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and outstanding rock art, Kakadu is a globally acclaimed World Heritage site. The award recognises Kakadu's pivotal role in attracting visitors to the Northern Territory as well as the park's commitment to offering visitors experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Read the media release

 

Tourism industry update 17 | 11 November 2011

11 November 2011 | Download update 17 | 2011 (PDF - 170 KB)

• Feral animal control program
• Ubirr wet season access
• Localised storms and area closures
• Bowali extended hours

See previous editions

 

Tourism industry update 16 | 26 October 2011

26 October 2011 | Download update 16 | 2011 (PDF - 163 KB)

• Kakadu/Nitmiluk tourism industry forum
• Preparing for the closure of Jim Jim and Twin falls
• Special Permits reminder
• 'There's nothing like Australia' campaign
• Conclusion of this year's seasonal ranger program

See previous editions

 

George Chaloupka | 19 October 2011

The traditional owners and staff of Kakadu National Park express deep sadness at the passing of a dear friend and mentor, rock art historian George Chaloupka.  He was a great friend to Kakadu's traditional owners - a remarkable man who touched the hearts and minds of many.

George became part of the fabric of country. He was integral in the establishment of Kakadu National Park, which he supported by his commitment to the protection of rock art and his dedication to collecting knowledge from the old people.

George documented thousands of rock art sites, describing them as part of the longest living tradition in the world. He helped open the world's eyes to the Aboriginal living traditions of the west Arnhem region. He never tired from visiting his favourite places in Kakadu and continued his work until the end.

 

Tourism industry update 15 | 30 September 2011

30 September 2011 | Download update 15 | 2011 (PDF - 327 KB)

• Kakadu/Nitmiluk tourism industry forum
• Pre-wet season closures
• Fire management in Kakadu
• Special Permits reminder
• Walkers - please take care in the heat!
• Bowali Visitor Centre opportunity

See previous editions

 

Field Island turtle surveys

23 September 2011

Gardangarl (Field Island) is a critical habitat for flatback turtles and a key monitoring site in the Australian National Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles. Every year teams of Kakadu park staff, traditional owners and conservation volunteers camp on Field Island over a four week period to study the turtles as they come ashore to nest. Surveying began in the 1980s and has continued annually since 1994.

Watch the video | Learn more about the turtle surveys

 

World Heritage listing for Koongarra

20 September 2011

In June 2011, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee listened to a personal plea from Djok traditional owner Jeffery Lee to include his ancestral country of Koongarra in the Kakadu World Heritage Area. His plea was supported by an Australian Government submission.

Koongarra lies in the shadow of Nourlangie Rock, one of Kakadu's most popular visitor destinations. It was excluded from Kakadu National Park's original boundaries in 1979 because of its potential uranium resources.

Koongarra has stunning woodland areas, important sacred sites and rock art - and spectacular views over to Lightning Dreaming, home of the powerful creation ancestor Namarrgon or Lightning Man, who is responsible for the dramatic electrical storms on the Arnhem plateau.

Jeffery Lee's plea, and the Australian Govenment's submission, was successful - Koongarra is now part of the Kakadu World Heritage Area. The Australian Government has promised to include Koongarra in Kakadu National Park.

See the ABC 7.30 Report Friday 16 September 2011 | See the media release from Environment Minister Tony Burke

 

Tourism industry update 14 | 24 August 2011

24 August 2011 | Download update 14 | 2011 (PDF - 93 KB)

• Jarrangbarnmi / Koolpin gorge now open
• Help us develop a world class walking experience in Kakadu
• Permit requirement for promoting business
• Rock jumping

See previous editions

Wurrgeng - come and see a Jabiru

Kakadu is in the middle of the cool weather season - Wurrgeng - this is the name that the local Indigenous people of northern Kakadu, Bininj, give to this part of the dry season.

The water levels in the wetlands of Kakadu are getting lower each passing day. Birds are becoming much easier to spot as they start gathering, ready to congregate in great numbers around the billabongs which will diminish in a few months time.

I recently went down to Mamukala wetlands near the South Alligator River. I was lucky enough to come across this beautiful male black-neck stork, or jabiru, feeding amongst the water lilies. You can tell it's a male because it has a black coloured eye, unlike the female which has a yellow eye. Jabirus mate as a couple for several years, sometimes for life, building their enormous nests, up to 1.5 metres deep and 2 metres wide, high up in the paperbark trees surrounding the wetlands.

Occasionally, I've spotted a jabiru - which also happens to be Australia's only stork - sitting on top of the rocky escarpment at Ubirr. Perhaps it too is enjoying the same beautiful views of the Nadab floodplain that attracts many visitors to Kakadu at this time of year.
Gary Scott
Kakadu National Park ranger

 

What to see in Kakadu right now

Kakadu is now in he 'cold weather' time - Wurrgeng. Humidity is low, daytime temperatures are around 30°C and night-time temperatures are around 17°C. It is also the time when you can enjoy our free talks at art sites, guided walks, slide shows and cultural activities presented by Kakadu National Park Rangers!

Find out what to see in the park at the moment

 

2010

Gardening at Kakadu | December 2010

To protect Kakadu's unique environment, we are asking all residents of Jabiru - the township surrounded by the park - to take special care when buying plants and plant materials for their gardens. Please avoid buying exotic plants which may go wild and take over from native plants and take care not to allow weeds to spread. Be aware that any gardening material bought into Jabiru provides an entry pathway for exotic ants, plant viruses and other pathogens into Kakadu.

Check our online list of approved plants that are safe to grow at Kakadu, and the list of restricted plants that shouldn't be brought into the park. Download the list of approved and restricted plants

 

Tourism industry alert | November 2010

1 November 2010 | Closure of Gunlom and Gimbat

You may have heard about the recent tragic death of a 63 year old German tourist, who failed to return from a bushwalk along the Barrk sandstone track at Nourlangie on Friday afternoon. Our condolences go out to the man's family at this distressing time.

While authorities are still working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, it is a timely reminder of the need for visitors to take all sensible safety precautions while in the park. Visitor safety is a top priority for us and there is lots of advice available for visitors throughout the park, on our websites and from staff at the Bowali Visitor Centre.

Important safety guidance is available in the park visitor guide, and in the holiday planner brochure which is translated into a number of languages. There is also tailored advice about specific walks and activities in our park notes.

Read the Tourism alert >>

 

Tourism Industry Alert | Closure of Twin and Jim Jim Falls area

11 October 2010
Due to recent heavy rainfall, we have now closed all access to Twin and Jim Jim Falls. Over the last 24 hours, water levels at Jim Jim Creek have risen rapidly.

The level of flooding across the interconnecting wetlands now directly links Jim Jim Creek to the South Alligator River. This means that crocodiles are now able to move freely between the two rivers, posing an increased risk to visitors. Turbulence has increased at both Jim Jim and Twin Falls. Being the first major runoff, storm waters are carrying natural debris which has also led to water quality issues.

We had hoped to predict and communicate closure notice in advance. Unfortunately, the weather conditions have prevented this.

We appreciate your support and understanding and hope you enjoy the fantastic early downpours and storm activity that this Gunemeleng season brings.

For the latest access report please contact Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 89381120

 

Volunteer opportunities in Kakadu - register your interest now

A number of tour operators and guides - and the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee - have told us they would like to help in the set up of key visitor sites after the wet season.
Over the next few months, rangers will be busy preparing visitor sites for re-opening after the wet. Walking tracks need to be repaired and walkways re-installed. Work to prepare campgrounds for opening includes slashing, and repairing or reinstalling infrastructure.

So if you are an interested industry partner and would like to participate please contact Andrew Davies, Operations Manager, Kakadu National Park, on 08 8938 1103.

 

Cultural heritage plan for Kakadu

February 2010
The Australian National University is helping Kakadu park staff and traditional owners create a cultural heritage plan for the park.

The plan will help conserve rock art, oral histories, language and historical sites - and develop a cultural information management system.

The first stepping stone workshops were held with clan groups over this summer.

 

Historic agreement signed at Kakadu

February 2010
Future generations will be able to learn from Kakadu's traditional owners past and present, following an agreement with the National Archives of Australia.

The agreement will ensure audio and video tapes of oral histories relating to traditional owners of Kakadu are not only preserved but their cultural values are respected. The tapes, some of which are over 20 years old, include recordings of deceased people, including very senior traditional owners of Kakadu.

Mamukala viewing platform - wet season

January 2010
The three kilometre walking track at Mamukala wetlands is now closed due to rising water levels and the risk of crocodiles, however the viewing platform remains open. The wetland is lush and green and offers the chance to see iconic wetland birds. During this season, known as 'Gudjewg' magpie geese start to lay their eggs and spear grass grows up to two metres tall.

Do be aware that water levels are likely to rise further and will result in the viewing platform closing. If you are still keen for a walk during these wet conditions, remember that the 3.6km Gungarre Walk is still open and is a great alternative to the Mamukala Walk. It starts at Aurora Kakadu Resort and takes you through woodlands, monsoon forest and alongside Anggardabal Billabong.