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Enjoy our cool weather season
Cooling breezes are ushering in a new season at Kakadu. Welcome to Yegge!
Yegge, in May and June, is one of Kakadu's six seasons. It is a time of cooler days and lower humidity...although with temperatures averaging just over 30 degrees Celsius there's still plenty of tropical sunshine to enjoy.
It's a great time to visit us, with plenty to see. From the stunning Nadab Lookout at Ubirr you can watch the warm morning sun chasing the mists from the floodplains.
This is an important time for Kakadu's Aboriginal owners, Bininj/Mungguy. The drying winds and flowering Darwin woolly butt tell them it's time to start patch burning to 'clean the country' and encourage new growth for grazing animals. The skies become hazy with smoke from fires that slowly burn out during the night. You might see the smoke from this traditional burning as you drive in to Kakadu - remember to drive safely according to the conditions.
Free ranger activities
Kakadu's program of free ranger-guided activities has begun for 2012. From now until 7 October, come and join our seasonal rangers for free talks, guided walks, cultural activities and slideshows on offer across all seven Kakadu regions.
You'll get a deeper understanding of Kakadu's fantastic environment and living Aboriginal culture, and meet some of our passionate staff. There are lots of activities on offer - come and see for yourself!
Details are in our What's On Guide - or see dates and times for our painting, weaving and slideshow activities at www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-activities/index.html#seasonal
What to see right now
Motorcar Creek, Yurmikmik walks
Kakadu just gets better and better at this time of year, as a string of favourite sites open up after the wet season.
One of the park's most spectacular spots, the Ubirr lookout and rock art site, is accessible by road again. To get there you need to cross the Magela Creek, which has been flooded for months. There's still shallow water over the road, so make sure you know what your vehicle is capable of and drive with care.
The Mamukala bird hide is now open providing a fascinating glimpse into life in the wetlands. The Yurmikmik walks down south are not to be missed (4WD recommended) - the views you get of Boulder Creek and Motorcar Falls are astonishing.
Check our website for a list of the seasonal attractions, and look them up in the Kakadu National Park Visitor Guide for maps and further information. Our daily access report tells you what's open or drop in to the Bowali Visitor Centre for advice. If you'd like to contact Bowali before you travel, you can email them at kakadunationalpark@environment.gov.au or call them on (08) 8938 1120.
Behind the scenes at Gunlom
If you're heading to Kakadu, Gunlom is a great reason to explore the south of the park. It's a favourite part of Kakadu for many locals and you can see why!
Top of Gunlom Falls | Tourism NT
You can camp at Gunlom and enjoy a hot shower to wash off the dust of the day. There are some great walks in the area, particularly the hike up the falls. The plunge pool at the top might look familiar - it was immortalised in the classic 1980s film Crocodile Dundee.
Croc trap being installed at another of Kakadu's crocodile management zones
Gunlom has just opened up, after the usual wet season flooding. The road in was impassable until a month or so ago, and we've been flat out ever since getting the area visitor ready - repairing the shower block, clearing the campground and patrolling for crocs.
The croc surveys alone take at least two weeks...time well spent, particularly if you're planning on camping in the area!
For more on Gunlom see the park note at www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/kakadu/pubs/gunlom.pdf
Sorry time at Kakadu
Kakadu's Aboriginal owners are mourning the loss of one of their most senior men. Na Godjok Nayinggul, a senior traditional owner of the Manilakarr clan and former Board Chair, passed away earlier this year.
Under Aboriginal custom when someone dies country and places must be cleansed to allow the spirit of that person to move on. The traditional cleansing ceremonies are about to begin in the upper part of the East Alligator River, upstream of Cahill's Crossing. For cultural reasons, this part of the river will be closed to fishing until mid-July.
The family still welcome you to that part of the river for boating and sightseeing, but they ask that you respect their wishes to follow Aboriginal cultural way in this sorry time and refrain from fishing there. We thank you for your respect and understanding.
Catch us on Flickr
Taking your camera along on your Kakadu adventure? We'd love to see your shots!
Why not show them off in the Kakadu Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/15811403@N00/
