Kakadu National Park | Access to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)

Application form | Phone enquiries: 08 8938 1140 | E-mail enquiries: kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au

About the permit | Applying for the permit | Download the application

About this permit

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is a restricted access area under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservations Regulations 2000 and a permit is required to enter this visitor site. Access is available only with a high clearance 4WD and only during the dry season.

There is a limit of 40 people who are allowed to use the area at any one time and both independent travellers and tour operators have the opportunity to access the site. Permits are required for visitors wishing to enter the area for day use only and also for overnight camping.

Camping fees apply at Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) campground. This fee is $5 per person for adults. Children under 16 are free. Camping fees must be paid via a fee collection box at the camp ground.

Visitor Safety
Jarrangbarnmi is located in a remote area of Kakadu. Mobile phone reception is not available. An emergency radio is available at the carpark, which is monitored daily by Park staff from 0630 to 2230. It can be used in emergency situations to request medical help, or a search and rescue operation, or to notify park staff of any other incident where an urgent response is required.

Significant Sites
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) lies within the general area of Bula (creation ancestor) sickness country (Buladjang country). Bula formed this landscape and then went to live under the ground. Bolung (rainbow serpent) lives in the plunge pools in this country. Both of these powerful creation ancestors can cause earthquakes, storms, floods and disease if disturbed. Jawoyn are very respectful and careful while in Buladjang country and request that visitors also respect these sites and do not go near them.

Visitors must not go ashore on the creek bank opposite the camping area. Refer to the signs on site. This is a sacred site and entry is prohibited under the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000, specifically under Regulation 12.23. Entering a prohibited area under Regulation 12.23 carries a maximum penalty of $5,500.

Visitors to the area must keep to the creek line. Some places away from the creek are important cultural sites and can only be visited by Jawoyn who have the authority to go there. Please show respect for the views of traditional owners in relation to these significant areas.

How to apply for this permit

If you intend to apply for a permit to access Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), please download the application form, complete it, print it out, sign it, and post, fax or e-mail a scanned copy of the signed application and associated conditions with all required attachments to the address indicated on the form.

You will also need to complete the accompanying key deposit credit card authorisation form. This will allow us to charge $50 to your credit card in the event that you fail to return the access key provided.

Kakadu National Park
Permits Officer
08 8938 1140 Fax: 08 8938 1117
kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au
* PO Box 71, Jabiru NT 0886

In order to allow efficient processing of your permit, please ensure your application contains the following:

A completed application form
A signed copy of the declaration and permit conditions

Please allow up to seven days for your permit to be reviewed. Note that in peak periods where we have high volumes of applications, we may require additional time.

We will send you an e-mail confirming receipt of your application. If we require any additional information or need to discuss your application in more detail, we will contact you. Should your application be approved, we will notify you and send a copy of the permit documentation in the format requested on your application form.

Note: All camp sites are subject to seasonal closure.

Download the permit application form

The following forms are available as PDF and Microsoft Word files.

If you are unable to access these forms, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.

Parks Australia