Latest news
Welcome to the latest news page for Kakadu National Park. As you can see, there is always lots going on! Feel free to pass these stories around or contact us if you would like more information.
Tourism industry update 18 | 21 October 2013
- The build-up season is here
- Jeffrey Lee - Finalist NT Australian of the Year Award 2014
- Ubirr wet season access - invitation to obtain a permit
- Visitor service quality survey 2013
- Kakadu signage project!
- Kakadu - Where man meets wild and nature calls the shots
- Farewell to our seasonal interpretive rangers
- Fireplot surveys
Tourism industry update 17 | 4 October 2013
- Seasonal closure due to extreme heat
- The ABC's KAKADU
- Incident management
- New look Kakadu website
- Visitor service quality survey 2013
- Licence applications still open
- Tackling the ferals - cat exclosure fence
Tourism industry update 16 | 20 September 2013
- Licence applications open now
- Crocodile Holiday Inn celebrates 25 years
- Jim Jim/Twin Falls closure plan
- Penny's leaving
- Permits Officer position open
- World Parks Day
- Mahbilil Festival 2013
- Fire management in Kakadu
Tourism industry update 15 | 5 September 2013
- Gurrung season - hot weather time!
- Save the date!
- Super deeds nominations
- Preventing deydration
- First aid
- Using non-tv plated vehicles
- Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference
- Mahbilil festival 2013
- National Threatened Species Day
Temporary closure - Maguk | 5 September 2013
Maguk
To respect traditional Aboriginal funeral practices, Kakadu's southern visitor area at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) will be temporarily closed from Saturday 7 September until Saturday 14 September 2013.
A senior traditional owner of the Maguk area has recently passed away and as a sign of respect, traditional owners and family members have requested the area be closed.
Under Aboriginal custom when someone dies, country and places must be cleansed to allow the spirit of that person to move on.
The family asks all visitors and tour operators in Kakadu to honour their wishes to follow Aboriginal cultural way during this sorry time.
Maguk will re-open at 8.00 am on Saturday 14 September 2013. For more details on this temporary closure, please contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120.
Tourism industry update 14 | 19 August 2013
- Wurrgeng season - cold weather time!
- Bowali tourism touchscreen is live
- Illegal hunting and dogs in the Park - what you need to know
- Snake story
- One week remaining - Kakadu industry update survey
- Sharing knowledge - the invitation still stands
- Wetland Australia photography prize 2014
- Mahbilil festival 2013
- Jim Jim road grading update
Twin Falls
Twin Falls Gorge opens tomorrow | 5 July 2013
Twin Falls Gorge will open from 8.00 am tomorrow, Saturday 6 July. The Jim Jim Falls area including Garnamarr campground is also reopening to visitors.
Access to Twin Falls is by high clearance 4WD with snorkel only. Please take note of any crocodile warnings and other safety signs.
Jump aboard the shuttle boat and marvel at the natural beauty of sheer sandstone cliffs and crystal clear waters as it ferries you to the falls. If you’re feeling energetic, take the 6 km hike (4-6 hours) up on to the escarpment. Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water.
Maguk
Temporary closure at Jim Jim Falls | 2 July 2013
At the request of senior traditional owners, the Director of National Parks has closed Kakadu’s Jim Jim area until Saturday 6 July 2013 following the death of a visitor.
Kakadu’s traditional owners feel a great sadness whenever somebody dies or is hurt on their country. They made the request as a mark of respect to the man and his family and friends.
The Jim Jim area, including the Garnamarr camping area and Twin Falls, will open on Saturday 6 July 2013, from 8:00 am.
All other parts of the park that are currently open remain so. A special spot to explore right now is Gunlom with its ‘original horizontal infinity pool’. It’s accessible to high clearance vehicles only - 4WD recommended. At Maguk walk through shady monsoonal rainforest along Barramundi Creek, sandy banks and rugged sandstone formations to discover a large plunge pool and seasonal waterfall.
Please check the road and access report on our website for more information on what is open at Kakadu http://kakadu.com.au/access or call the Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120.
We appreciate your understanding at this very sad and difficult time. We regret any inconvenience.
Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls closed | 28 June 2013
Following an incident at Jim Jim Falls, the Jim Jim Falls area (from the car park) is closed until further notice. Garnamarr campground remains open.
Maguk open again | 26 June 2013
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Maguk has been closed for a week following the possible sighting of a 2.5 metre crocodile close to the footbridge crossing the Maguk Creek.
Although Maguk was cleared of crocodiles at the start of the season, and continues to be monitored, this sighting highlights how mobile crocodiles are - they can move in to a waterway at anytime. Please follow safety signs and report any possible sighting to a ranger as soon as possible.
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) temporarily closed | 19 June 2013
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) has been temporarily closed after the park received a report of a possible crocodile sighting near the footbridge earlier today.
Park staff are taking all precautions and surveys will be carried out tonight and again tomorrow morning.
Visitors to the park are advised to stay vigilant around waterways and always keep a safe distance to the water's edge. We will let you know when the area is open again.
Beautiful pics from Yellow Water
Yellow water road, carpark and boat ramp | open 15 June 2013
Yellow Water Road, carpark, and boat ramp are open. The boardwalk is expected to open in a few days. Please take note of any crocodile warning and safety signs. The area is accessible by 2WD.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk and get up close to the vibrant floodplains of international significance. Or launch your boat and travel at your own pace along Yellow Water Billabong. Yellow Water is a must-do on anyone's visit to Kakadu. While you're in the area, check out the rich aboriginal culture and history of our park at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre - just a short drive (or walk) up the road from Gagudju Lodge Cooinda.
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) opens tomorrow | 5 June 2013
The beautiful and isolated Koolpin Gorge opens tomorrow - but only to visitors who have a special day-use or camping permit! The area is accessible by 4WD only and you need to carry all drinking water. Also, due to storms, the communications tower is broken (to be fixed imminently). If possible, please carry a satellite phone.
The trip in to Koolpin Gorge campsite is an adventure of its own. You need to ford two sandy creeks and traverse an 11 km track. To apply for a permit (day visit and/or overnight camping) go to permits.
Find out more about Koolpin Gorge (PDF - 705 KB) or contact the Permits Officer on 08 8938 1140.
Jim Jim Falls opens tomorrow | 30 May 2013
Jim Jim Falls
Spectacular Jim Jim Falls opens tomorrow - Friday 31 May! Although croc surveys have been carried out, be cautious around waterways as crocs can move in and out at any time.
There is so much to do at Jim Jim Falls. Take the shorter (but still challenging) walk to the plunge or the viewing pools. Or take the longer Barrk Marlam hike up the steep escarpment above Jim Jim Falls. If the climb hasn’t taken your breath away, the views will!
For further information, contact our Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120.
Tourism industry update 8 | 29 May 2013
- Jim Jim Falls opens this Friday 31 May at 6:00 am
- Next to open - Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and Twin Falls
- World Indigenous network conference
- Come along and experience the wonders of World Heritage
- Do you have your Kakadu Knowledge for tour guides accreditation?
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) opens lunch time today | 22 May 2013
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Maguk opens today - for high clearance 4WD only at this stage. Please take note of any crocodile warning and safety signs and take plenty of drinking water.
Take a walk through shady monsoonal rainforest along Barramundi Creek, past sandy banks and rugged sandstone formations to discover a beautiful large plunge pool and seasonal waterfall. Compost toilets and fire places are available and a camping spot will cost you a mere $5 per person per night (under 16 free).
For further information, contact our Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120.
Tourism industry update 7 | 17 May 2013
- Newly opened - Gunlom, Muirella Park, Jim Jim Billabong and Barrk loop walk.
- Next to open - Jim Jim Falls and Maguk
- Free seasonal ranger activities
- Who's who in the Tourism Visitor Services Unit
- Kakadu triathlon
- Business opportunity - boat shuttle
- Jim Jim /Twin Falls precinct meeting
- Park passes
- Know Your Kakadu
Gunlom - opens tomorrow! | 10 May 2013
Gunlom Falls
Gunlom Falls will open tomorrow to high 2WD and 4WD only. Stay alert - crocodiles may move in at any time.
Recently voted as one of Australia’s Top 40 Secret Spots by Hooroo (Qantas’ travel agency) Gunlom is a stunning and peaceful place to visit. Pack up the car with your camping gear and spend a night or two enjoying the serenity of the falls. Reminder - although croc surveys have been carried out, be cautious around waterways as crocs can move in and out at any time. Please take care on the Gunlom Road as repairs are not finished.
For further information about the Mary River region and road accessibility contact Bowali Visitor Centre 08 8938 1120.
Free seasonal ranger activities | 10 May 2013
Ubirr lookout
Yegge - Kakadu’s early dry season - is here and it’s a fantastic time to visit Kakadu. From now until October, come and join our seasonal rangers all over the park for free talks, guided walks, cultural activities and slideshows. With 50 weekly activities on offer, there is something to delight everyone.
The seasonal ranger program runs from Monday 13 May - Sunday 6 October 2012.
Tourism industry update 6 | 26 April 2013
- Gunlom update
- Standard landbased tour operator permits reminder
- Licences
- Ubirr wet seasons keys
- Jim Jim / Twin Falls precinct planning
- Business opportunity
- Wild dogs
- What’s happening around Jabiru?
- Know Your Kakadu
Tourism industry update 5 | 11 April 2013
- Easter long weekend - photo gallery
- Ubirr wet season key return
- Update on commercial standard landbased tour permits (April 2013 - March 2014)
- What's happening in and around Jabiru - sign up for the Kakadu Triathlon
- Yellow Water night cruise - update on the "Algohgarrng Experience"
- Kakadu threatened species workshop
- Know Your Kakadu
- April 2013 NERP Kakadu research newsletter (PDF - 443KB)
Tourism industry update 4 | 22 March 2013
- Tour operator licence application invites now open!
- Update on standard landbased tour operator permits
- New permit conditions for 2013
- Parks Week review
- Road safety message
- Upcoming Savannah Guides School (PDF - 932 KB)
- Know Your Kakadu
Kakadu tour operator licence applications now open | 12 March 2013
A reminder that our first round of tour operator licence applications for 2014 are open.
From 1 April 2014, five year licences will be issued to tour operators for the following activities ONLY:
- Sport fishing
- Bushwalking
- Safari camp sites (Gunlom, Garnamarr, Mardugal, Muirella Park and Merl)
- Access to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin)
- Access to Ikoymarrwa (Lower Moline Rockhole)
Find out more information and download the licence application form
Tourism industry update 3 | 28 February 2013
- Tour Operator licence application invites now open!
- Congratulations to Jeffrey Lee and Koongarra
- World Wetlands Day report & the upcoming Parks Week celebrations (PDF - 689KB)
- Artist in residence at Bowali
- Ubirr wet season access reminder
- Know Your Kakadu
Koongarra added to Kakadu
Jeffrey Lee and Minister Burke
18 February 2013
The shady woodlands of Koongarra have been officially added to Kakadu National Park, protecting the area's rich cultural heritage.
The historic move ensures a spectacular area near Nourlangie Rock is protected from mining forever. It follows a decades-long campaign by Koongarra's senior custodian Jeffrey Lee, who has worked tirelessly to see his country become part of the park.
More news | Media release | Blog about the fight to protect Koongarra
Tourism industry update 2 | 25 January 2013
- Tour Operator License Workshop - 11 February 2013
- Permit applications - starting 1 April 2013
- Yellow Water cruise - wet season arrangements
- Exploring the park during Gudjweg
- Marrawuddi Gallery and Anmak An-me Cafe - wet season hours
- East Alligator boat ramp and recent road works on the Oenpelli road and the road to Gunlom
- Ubirr sign in register
- Save the Children - a Kakadu adventure to raise funds for indigenous kids
- Safety on the waterways
- Last call out - become a Seasonal Ranger
- Mosquitoes
- Know your Kakadu - mimosa and other invasive weeds
Tourism industry update 1 | 8 January 2013
- Welcome to 2013
- Tour operator license workshop - save the date
- World Wetlands Day - 2 February 2013
- Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Program - applications open
Tourism industry update 26 | 21 December 2012
- Final update for 2012!
- Tourism year in review
- Park passes permit condition change
- Croc stickers and magnets
- The Melbourne Demons visit the park
- Know your Kakadu - plants of the region
Tourism industry update 25 | 17 December 2012
- Upcoming Gudjewg closures for Gunlom
- Bowali gets into the festive swing
- Congratulations to Brolga award winners
- Free training program for industry
- Know your Kakadu
- Kakadu social media - get involved
Tourism industry update 23 | 22 November 2012
- Solar eclipse at Ubirr
- Thunder, lightning and localised storms - Gunumeleng is here!
- Super deed award winners - Mary River Rangers
- Special permits, standard land-based three year permits and Ubirr wet season permit
- Traffic disruptions update
Total solar eclipse in Kakadu | 21 November 2012
The amazing photos from last week's solar eclipse keep flooding in. The eclipse was best seen from Ubirr lookout, with the cloud cover failing to prevent a spectacular show.
Read more on our blog | See more pictures on our Facebook page
Kakadu newsletter | 15 November 2012
Kakadu's latest newsletter is out now. Get a glimpse behind the scenes and see stunning photographs from the solar eclipse.
Read the newsletter online | Subscribe
Tourism industry update 22 | 9 November 2012
- Invitation to obtain a permit to access Ubirr during the wet season
- See our new bird app
- Bowali visitor centre closure on Christmas Day
- Traffic disruptions on the Arnhem, Stuart and Kakadu highways
- Special permits reminder for 2013-14 season
Tourism industry update 21 | 26 October 2012
- Welcome to Gunumeleng - the pre-monsoon season
- Special permits update - third round invitation
- Permits and operators required for marketing and advertising campaigns
- Savannah guide school - call out for registrations
- Mamukala wetlands and bird hide - year round interpretation
Tourism industry update 20 | 10 October 2012
- Changes to ordering bulk park passes
- Please dont feed our native animals
- First rains for the season
- Thank you and goodbye to our seasonal rangers
- Border store
- Know your Kakadu!
World Parks Day Monday 17 September
Come and celebrate World Parks Day at Kakadu on Monday 17 September! From 11 am until 2 pm at Bowali Visitor Centre
- Learn to make damper & billy tea on the open fire
- Help create a hand stencil mural of "What parks mean to me"
- 12:00 pm Watch an interpretive slideshow delivered by a ranger in Bowali theatre
- 1:30 pm Join a ranger on a guided tour through the interpretive centre
- Local artwork for sale at the Marrawuddi Gallery & Anmak An-me Cafe open for lunch & refreshments
- Join a free ranger guided activity elsewhere in Kakadu:
- Ubirr art site talks 9:00-11:00 am and 4:30-6:15 pm
- Nourlangie art site talks 9:00 am-10:30 am and 3:30-5:30pm
- Slideshow at Kakadu Lodge Jabiru at 7:30pm (by the pool)
Download the flyer for the day's events (pdf version of the information above 1.1mb)
Mahbilil Festival | 27 August 2012
It's festival time at Kakadu! The Mahbilil Festival is on Saturday 15 September.
It happens in Jabiru and is a one-day celebration of culture and community - family activities during the day including weaving, painting a bush foods, followed by an evening program of music and dance.
More news | Mahbilil Festival website
Welcome to Gurrung | 24 August 2012
Gurrung, from mid-August to mid-October, is one of Kakadu's six seasons. The weather is hot and dry and waterbirds gather in huge flocks in the remaining waterholes. The bright yellow flowers of the kapok bush can be seen everywhere at this time of year.
It is still 'goose time' but also time for Kakadu's Bininj/Mungguy traditional owners to hunt file snakes and long-necked turtles. Sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Field Island and West Alligator Head and goannas rob their nests sometimes. Towards the end of the season, white-breasted wood swallows arrive and thunderclouds build, signalling the return of Gunumeleng.
Visitor Guide | Road access report | Subscribe to our newsletter
Festival time! | 20 August 2012
Two of our favourite festivals are on soon in the Kakadu region:
- The annual Stone Country Festival is on Saturday 25 August. It happens in Gunbalanya in Arnhem Land, just across the river from Kakadu. Why not drop across for a day of music, food, family, cultural activities and get to know the people of the stone country?
- The Mahbilil Festival is on Saturday 15 September. It happens in Jabiru and is a one-day celebration of culture and community - family activities during the day including weaving, painting a bush foods, followed by an evening program of music and dance.
Stone Country Festival website | Mahbilil Festival website
West Alligator Head is open | 20 August 2012
Off the Arnhem Highway there’s a 4WD track travelling right up to the coastline to Waldak Irrmbal (West Alligator Head). This adventurous destination is now open for boating, bird watching and camping. It’s a place of sun, sand and sky blue seas, but also a place of stingers, sandflies and saltwater crocodiles. Be prepared for 4WD road conditions with a couple of water crossings before the 2 Mile and 4 Mile turnoffs and observe the signage to avoid things that bite!
Find this destination on the map
Kakadu newsletter | 15 August 2012
Kakadu's latest newsletter is out now. Get a glimpse behind the scenes and see our recommendations for some of Kakadu's best experiences as we near the end of Wurrgeng season.
Read the newsletter online | Subscribe
Boardwalk opens on Gungarre Walk | 13 August 2012
One of Kakadu's beautiful rainforest and wetland experiences - the Gungarre Walk - is now fully open. The boardwalk onto Anggardabal Billabong has just opened, after the water level dropped enough to be croc safe. The walk starts at the banyan tree near Aurora Kakadu Resort, South Alligator. Remember to bring your drinking water and mosquito repellent.
Find this place on the map | Check our Road and Access Report
Update on access | 31 July 2012
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) has just opened, offering great camping and bushwalking. It's a beautiful site for those prepared for rough conditions - access is 4WD high clearance and because it is a rugged and remote area you will need a permit (call us on 08 8938 1140).
On a more sombre note, Yellow Water Cruises and Yellow Water Fishing will not operate on Friday 3 August. This is a mark of respect as part of funeral arrangements for a traditional owner and board member of Gagudju Dreaming, the company that runs the tours. Visitors can still explore the Yellow Water area and all other tours and accommodation will remain open. Cruises and fishing tours will return to normal business on Saturday 4 August. Please contact Gagudju Dreaming on 08 8979 0145 with any questions.
Find these places on the map | Check our Road and Access Report
Our blog has moved
19 July 2012
Our blog has moved! Don't worry, you will automatically be redirected to the new blog site, but you may wish to update your bookmarks to:
Get all the latest exciting news from Parks Australia!
What to see right now | 13 July 2012
- Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is now open! Access is 4WD high clearance only. As this is a fragile area, we are limited to 40 visitors a day. If you'd like to visit you'll need information about getting a permit.
- Popular boating, birdwatching and camping spots Red Lily Billabong and Bucket Billabong are open. The track from the Arnhem Highway took a while to dry out but we were able to open it up on Monday 9 July. You can now access these sites from the Arnhem Highway or the Old Darwin/Jim Jim Road - just remember it's 4WD only.
- Gimbat Day Use Area opened yesterday. A lovely destination for picnics with good views of the South Alligator River. Bring your 4WD.
Find these places on the map | Check our Road and Access Report
What to see right now | 2 July 2012
- Four Mile Hole is now open! Turn left off the Arnhem Hwy as you enter Kakadu.
- Anbangbang Billabong walk in the Nourlangie region opened last week.
- Two of our favourite bush camping areas have just opened after the wet season - Maguk in the south of the park and Alligator Billabong off the Old Darwin Road. Bring your 4WD.
- To mark NAIDOC Week (2-8 July) we are running special free activities celebrating Indigenous culture. From guided walks with senior traditional owners to a buffalo barbecue, there is something for everyone. Download your activity timetable (PDF - 221 KB) (DOCX - 57 KB)
Find Anbangbang Billabong, Maguk and Alligator Billabong on the map | Check our Road and Access Report
2 Mile Hole and Yellow Water boatramp and boardwalk open | 15 June 2012
More areas of the park are becoming accessible as water levels drop:
- 2 Mile Hole will be open today (Friday 15 June) at 5.00 pm
- Yellow Water carpark, boardwalk and boatramp will open on Saturday morning.
Rangers removing a four metre croc from Maguk on 2 June
Jim Jim Falls open in time for the long weekend | 8 June 2012
The following areas in the Jim Jim region will be open in time for the coming June long weekend:
- Garnamarr campground will be open today (Friday 8 June) at 4.00 pm
- Gates to Jim Jim Falls will open Saturday morning. Although croc surveys have been carried out, be cautious around waterways as crocs can move in and out at any time.
- Barrk Marlam walk at Jim Jim will open on Saturday.
Traditional weaving | Sharon Davies
Free seasonal ranger program begins in Kakadu | 14 May 2012
From now until October, come and join our seasonal rangers for free talks, guided walks, cultural activities and slideshows on offer across all seven Kakadu regions.
The seasonal ranger program runs from Monday 14 May - Sunday 7 October 2012.
Na Godjok Nayinggul | 10 July 1943 to 3 January 2012
Temporary fishing closure for cultural reasons | 2 May 2012
As part of traditional Aboriginal funeral practices, the East Alligator River upstream of Cahill's Crossing will be temporarily closed to fishing from 7 May until 13 July 2012.
The area is still open to sightseeing and boats.
The temporary closure follows the death of a very senior traditional owner, Na Godjok Nayinggul, earlier this year. Under Aboriginal custom, when someone dies places must be cleansed to allow their spirit to move on. The family asks all visitors and tour operators to follow Aboriginal cultural way in this sorry time and refrain from fishing in this part of the river.
To view the declaration and map of affected areas please click here (PDF - 839 KB).
Seasonal burning | 30 April 2012
As Kakadu dries out after the monsoon season, rangers are starting to do their season burning. You might see us doing small patch burns along the Arnhem Highway over the next few days.
Please slow down when you see the smoke and drive with care. Thanks for your understanding - this is an important part of keeping Kakadu's native habitats healthy.
Doing business at Kakadu | 28 April 2012
Applications are now open to conduct the following activities in Kakadu National Park for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014: guided sports fishing tours, safari camps, commercial bushwalking tours, tours to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and Ikoymarrwa (lower Moline Rockhole).
Like a glimpse behind the scenes? | 10 April 2012
Why not subscribe to the Kakadu newsletter? We will send you interesting updates on life in the park and information to help you plan your trip.
Read the first edition of the Kakadu newsletter | Subscribe
See the media release | More news
Nourlangie | Anja Toms
Easter in Kakadu | 4 April 2012
It's all clear skies and lush new growth as Kakadu heads into the Easter long weekend. Why not pop down to Kakadu with the family and spend a few days soaking up the sunshine?
See the media release | More news
What to see in Kakadu right now | 3 April 2012
Monsoonal conditions make way for clear skies in April during Banggerreng, one of Kakadu's six seasons. There is a noticeable change in the air as humidity levels start to ease. While the days are still warm, evenings bring a hint of cooler things to come. Vast expanses of floodwater start to recede and streams begin to run clear. Spear grass which has grown to over two metres tall during Gudjewg is knocked down by strong winds that come with the occasional 'knock 'em down storm'. Wildflowers begin to bloom, plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young.
Rangers working in the field
Recognising our rangers
13 March 2012
Do you know a ranger who has made an outstanding contribution in the Northern Territory? Now is your chance to nominate them for the inaugural NT Ranger Awards!
Rangers do an amazing job across all of our parks and Indigenous Protected Areas. They have a wide range of responsibilities - from fire, weed and feral animal management to managing visitor facilities, services and safety and providing environmental and cultural education programs.
The Northern Territory Government has established the NT Ranger Awards to recognise the many achievements of the Territory's 600 plus rangers.
For more information or to nominate a ranger or ranger team visit:
nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/nt-ranger-awards
Kakadu takes home tourism honour | 3 March 2012
Kakadu has cemented its place amongst Australia's top tourism attractions, winning a coveted bronze at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last night.
At a gala dinner in Cairns, Kakadu was named one of Australia's top three Major Tourist Attractions.
Have your say on the future of Kakadu | 29 February 2012
A new management plan is being developed for Kakadu National Park. You are invited to have your say on the issues it should consider.
Send us your views by Friday 13 April 2012.
Have your say | See the media release
New Commercial Tourism Management Arrangements | 2 February 2012
The Director of National Parks will be making improvements in 2013 to commercial tourism arrangements. The changes are designed to support innovative experiences and sustainable tourism. The new more flexible arrangements follow a review of commercial tourism activities in all Parks Australia's national parks and reserves. For more information see the Questions and Answers for Tour Operators.
More on Parks permits | Find out about Kakadu National Park commercial tour permits
Jeffrey Lee
Photo | James Hunt
Jeffrey Lee AM - honoured on Australia Day | 26 January 2012
Kakadu traditional owner, Jeffrey Lee, has been honoured in today's Australia Day awards as a Member of the Order of Australia. The prestigious award recognises his services to conservation, and particularly his advocacy to secure the inclusion of his ancestral lands of Koongarra in the Kakadu World Heritage Area.
Koongarra's stunning woodlands and rock art sites lie 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.
Last year Jeffrey, the senior traditional owner of the Djok clan, flew to Paris to make a personal - and successful plea - to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to declare Koongarra as part of the Kakadu World Heritage Area.
Jeffrey speaking on YouTube | Minister Tony Burke discussing the successful World Heritage listing of Koongarra on YouTube
Na Godjok Nayinggul | 10 July 1943 to 3 January 2012
Na Godjok Nayinggul | 10 July 1943 to 3 January 2012
It is with deep sadness that we advise the passing of Na Godjok Nayinggul, senior traditional owner of the Manilakarr clan and former Chair of the Kakadu Board of Management.
Na Godjok passed away at Gunbulunya at 7.30pm on Tuesday 3 January 2012.
Na Godjok will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. We will remember his charm, his generosity, his sense of humour and the fascinating stories he told about his life growing up in the Top End.
Above all we will miss his strong leadership, gentle diplomacy and wisdom, so central to decades of his guidance of Kakadu National Park.
Na Godjok walked in both worlds, Bininj and Balanda. He was passionately committed to passing on his traditional knowledge to young generations of Bininj - and at the same time he embraced the economic and social opportunities his beloved national park could offer them, both in environmental work caring for country and in tourism, sharing culture with visitors.
He thought very carefully about his duty to both worlds. He firmly told us that when he passed away he thought it was right that his image and words remain on all Kakadu's publications, electronic or printed.
Na Godjok has left an enduring legacy to the worlds he traversed, Bininj and Balanda. We miss him - but his spirit will continue on through the management of Kakadu now and in the future.
Northern quoll | Bruce Thomson, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Kakadu's 'smart' quolls are coming out on top | 4 January 2012
Kakadu's northern quolls have been undergoing a training program to learn not to eat cane toads.
The ABC's 7.30 Report has provided an update on how the cute little quolls are going - and it seems they are doing well! Despite still facing other predators such as feral cats, the quolls are overcoming the cane toad obstacle and battling on.
Watch the 7.30 Report | Read more about the program on our blog
