WURRGENG SEASON
TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE # 10
22 June 2012
NEW TO OPEN THIS WEEKEND
TWIN FALLS!
We’re pleased to advise we’ve completed the crocodile surveys at Twin Falls. Yesterday we
choppered in and installed the floating boardwalks (see below). Shuttle boats are in the
water (today) and we’re finalising other work so that we can open the gates to Twin Falls
tomorrow – to high clearance 4WD with a snorkel (water depth is 0.7 m). That’s earlier
than the last two years (July).
Access to Twin Falls is by boat shuttle service and a walking track over boulders, sand and
a boardwalk. Tickets for the boat shuttle can be purchased at our Bowali Visitor Centre or
the shuttle area ($12.50 per adult and children under 16 years free). The shuttle will operate
from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm everyday with the last shuttle leaving the falls and returning to
the car park at 5:00 pm.
Also new to open is the Jim Jim day use area and the Budjmi walk. Please exercise
extreme caution around waterways. Although croc surveys have been carried out, crocs can
move in and out at any time. At the day use area keep a safe distance from the water edge.
Please also drive with care as there is a section of road newly repaired.
Why not check out these places this weekend.
Above: Twin Falls boardwalk
Above: boardwalk choppered into Twin Falls
For more information about Kakadu National Park contact Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120
or visit our websites www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu or www.kakadu.com.au
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JARRANGBARNMI (KOOLPIN GORGE) UPDATE
Since last week’s update Mary River rangers have spotted two salties in the crocodile
management area. Yesterday they saw a 2.5 metre saltie downstream of the long pool (near
the campground) just before dirty creek and a one metre saltie downstream. Despite the slow
drop of water levels, crocs are still moving upstream and entering crocodile managed zones.
Above: Jim Jim Falls viewing platform
Our plan to open the area by the end of this month has been moved to early to mid July to
allow extra time for rangers to push on with croc surveys – it’s just not safe to clear the area.
Thank you for your patience while we work to open this area — we know how keen your clients
are to explore these popular places.
KAKADU ROAD AND ACCESS REPORT
Daily road reports are available on our website: www.kakadu.com.au/access Note: The following forecast times
are based on our best predictions and are likely to change. Please check the road report for the daily update.
Current Forecast to
Visitor Site
Comments
Status
open
Arnhem Highway
Open
Kakadu Highway
Open
Old Darwin/Old Jim Jim Rd
Open
Seasonal cool burning along the highway is scheduled. Drive with
care as there may be smoke and wildlife seeking refuge.
High clearance 4WD only as 0.5 m of water is over the South
Alligator crossing.
East Alligator Region
Ubirr Art Site
Magela Creek (road to Ubirr)
Cahills Crossing
Merl Campground 1 & 2
Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk
Manngarre Walk
Sandstone & River Walk
Jabiru Region
Burdulba Campground
Malabanjbandju Caravan
Area
Malabanjbandju Tent Area
Illigadjarr Walk
Open
Open
Open
Open
Shallow water across the road. Drive with care.
High clearance 4WD. Water is flowing at 0.3 m affected by tides.
Contact Bowali for tidal information on 08 8938 1120. Please note:
East Alligator River upstream of Cahills Crossing is temporarily
closed to fishing for important funeral ceremonies.
See comments next to Magela Creek (above).
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Closed
Nourlangie Region
Nourlangie Rock Art Site
Nanguluwurr Art Site
Nawurlandja Lookout
Gun-warddehwardde Lookout
Open
Open
Open
Open
Gubara
Open
Mirrai Lookout
Open
Sandstone Barrk Walk
Open
Muirella Park Campground
Open
Anbangbang Billabong Walk
Ubirr art site is open from 8.30 am until sunset daily.
Closed
There is evidence of visitors accessing this walk. Visitors are asked
End June to observe closure as high water levels near the track present a
crocodile risk.
4WD only as there are several washouts. Grading of the road is
scheduled soon. Drive with care and observe signage.
Plan to depart as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day.
Take at least three litres of water for each walker.
Visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge to
avoid crocodile risk.
Rangers inspected the area this week. Sections of the track are wet
End June
underfoot. Needs to dry out. In the meantime slashing and clearing
For more information about Kakadu National Park contact Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 89 381120 or visit our websites
www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/ or www.kakadu.com.au
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Visitor Site
Sandy Billabong
Bubba Wetland Walk
Yellow Water Region
Jim Jim Billabong
Campground
Mardugal Campground 1
(Caravans)
Mardugal Campground 2
(Tents)
Gun-gardun Walk
Current
Status
Closed
Closed
Forecast to
open
Comments
of parts of the track continues.
End June Area is still wet. Needs to dry out.
June/July High water levels continue near the track present a crocodile risk.
Open
Open
Open
Open
Yellow Water Road and
Carpark
Open
From the carpark visitors need to walk along the road to access
Yellow Water boat cruises, the boardwalk and boat ramp. Please
call Gagudju Lodge Cooinda on 08 8979 0145 for boat cruise
bookings. Be very careful – walk between the fencing barriers as
crocodiles may be present in the surrounding area.
Yellow Water Boardwalk
Open
Start of walk is opposite Yellow Water cruise boat ramp. Boardwalk
meets up with Home Billabong walk. The Home Billabong walk and
viewing platform is closed due to water levels and crocodile risk.
Mardugal Billabong Walk
Open
Home Billabong Walk
Closed
Late July
This track is submerged and inaccessible. Visitors can take the
alternative Yellow Water Boardwalk. Starting point is opposite
Yellow Water cruise boat ramp.
Jim Jim and Twin Falls Region – 4WD ACCESS ONLY
Garnamarr Campground
Open
Jim Jim Falls
Open
Barrk Marlam Walk
Open
Budjmi Walk
Closed
Twin Falls
Closed
Twin Falls Plateau Walk
Closed
Maguk
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
Mary River Region
Kambolgie Campground
Yurmikmik Walks
Gunlom
Closed
Closed
Open
Open
Open
Ikoymarrwa Rock Holes
Open
Bukbukluk Lookout
Gungurul Campground
Gungurul Lookout & River
Walk
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin
Gorge)
Guratba/Gimbat Day Use
Area
Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle
Springs)
Open
Open
Police enforce the 60 km/h speed limit on this road. Please observe
signs and use headlights due to airborne dust created by vehicles.
The road to Jim Jim is rough in sections and requires a high
clearance 4WD. Please observe signs and use headlights due to
airborne dust created by vehicles. Sections of this walk are rocky
and slippery. Please wear sturdy footwear and observe the track
markers.
This is a difficult walk and takes approx 4-6 hours. Please start the
walk early to avoid the heat of the day, carry at least two litres of
water per person and wear sturdy footwear and sun protection.
To open Even though croc surveys have been completed be cautious
23 June around waterways as crocs can move in and out at any time.
Area to open to high clearance 4WD with a snorkel. Water
crossing is 0.75 m. Access to Twin Falls is by boat shuttle service
and a walking track over boulders, sand and a boardwalk. Tickets
To open for the boat shuttle can be purchased at our Bowali Visitor Centre
23 June or the shuttle area ($12.50 per adult and children under 16 years
free). The shuttle will operate from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm everyday
with the last shuttle leaving the falls and returning to the car park at
5:00 pm.
Please wear sturdy footwear and observe the track markers. This is
To open a steep walk and takes approx 1-2hours (return). Please start the
23 June walk early to avoid the heat of the day, carry at least two litres of
water per person and wear sturdy footwear and sun protection.
End June Crocodile surveys continue.
End July Sections of the road are still wet. Area needs to dry out.
4WD recommended.
4WD recommended.
4WD recommended.
4WD only. Please use caution as there are several sections of road
with deep holes. This is a day-use area only and no camping
permitted.
Open
Closed
Closed
Early to Mid
Crocodile surveys continue (see note on page 2).
July
Pre-opening work will start soon (see note above next to
Late June
Jarrangbarnmi – Koolpin Gorge).
Open
For more information about Kakadu National Park contact Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 89 381120 or visit our websites
www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/ or www.kakadu.com.au
Page 3
Visitor Site
Current
Status
South Alligator Region
Mamukala
Open
2 Mile Hole Billabong
Open
4 Mile Hole Billabong
Closed
West Alligator Head
Closed
Gungarre Walk
Closed
Red Lily Billabong
Closed
Bucket Billabong
Closed
Alligator Billabong 1
Closed
Alligator Billabong 2 Southern Access via Old
Darwin Rd
Boat ramps
South Alligator boat ramp
East Alligator upstream boat
ramp
East Alligator downstream
boat ramp
Yellow Water boat ramp
Closed
Forecast to
open
Comments
4WD with snorkel only. Two water crossings currently at 0.75 m
and a section of road with washout. Please drive with care and
observe signage.
On 13 June rangers conducted inspections. Water is still sitting
July
across the floodplain between the billabong and tree line restricting
access into the campground.
Water is still sitting across the floodplain restricting access to the
August
coastline.
June/July High water levels present a crocodile risk.
Water levels are still high preventing access to some road sections
July
and campgrounds.
Water levels are still high preventing access to some road sections
July
and campgrounds.
Water levels are still high preventing access to some road sections
July
and campgrounds.
End June
Rangers recently tried to access the campground on 8 June but the
road is still wet. Once the area dries out then the site will open.
Open
Open
To respect traditional Aboriginal funeral practices, the East Alligator
River upstream of Cahill’s Crossing will be temporarily closed to
fishing until important funeral ceremonies for a senior traditional
owner are completed
Open
Open
Home Billabong boat ramp
Open
Mardugal Billabong boat
ramp
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching and docking boats.
Use caution on this gravel boat ramp. Channel erosion can cause
the ramp surface to become uneven. This ramp provides access to
Yellow Water Billabong via a connecting channel. Use caution
when navigating through the channel. The channel is just below
0.4 m deep. Please take care as there are submerged logs and
rocks.
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching and docking boats.
For more information about Kakadu National Park contact Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 89 381120 or visit our websites
www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/ or www.kakadu.com.au
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