GUNUMELENG SEASON
TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE # 23
22 November 2012
Stunning Burrunguy (Nourlangie) at sunset. Views from the Nawurlandja
Lookout Walk. To check out what else to do in the region visit:
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/explore/regionnourlangie.html
DID YOU SEE THE RECENT SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Around 150 people made the walk up to Ubirr last Wednesday morning to view the total solar
eclipse over Kakadu. There were locals, international visitors and even visitors who came all
the way from Melbourne specifically to experience the event in Kakadu National Park – and it
didn’t disappoint.
The sun appeared on the horizon as a spectacular black disc framed by an orange-pink glow.
The eclipse continued to the sounds of brolgas, magpie geese and imperial pigeons on the
foggy floodplains.
After the excitement of the celestial event there was more to experience – two rangers had
brought joeys that they were caring for, so visitors were treated to some quality time with an
agile wallaby and an antillopine wallaroo. Thanks to
everyone who joined us for this special event. We’re glad
you had a good time!
Visit our facebook to check out more photos:
http://www.facebook.com/parksaustralia or head over to
our blog page to check out other park stories:
http://blog.parksaustralia.gov.au/.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Parks Australia) for
updates about what is happening in the park. Post your
favourite photos or share a story of your own with us.
Above | Solar eclipse at Nadab Lookout, Ubirr
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 1
THUNDER, LIGHTNING AND LOCALISED STORMS - Gunumeleng is here!
Clouds are starting to build, scattered storms are announced by cooling breezes, and lightning
and thunder have been moving through country. It’s Gunumeleng time!
Recent localised storms around the park have seen water levels rise and spot flooding occur.
This presents safety concerns which have required rangers to recently close Jarrangbarnmi
(Koolpin Gorge), the Red Lily track through to the Alligator Billabongs as well as Bilkbilkmi
(Graveside Gorge). Other sites such as Maguk (Barramundie Gorge), Waldak Irrmbal (West
Alligator Head), 2 Mile and 4 Mile Hole, and the Gimbat Day use area remain open at this
stage, but may close at short notice should further heavy rainfall occur. Rangers are
continuously assessing these areas to check for latest conditions and provide us with updates
daily.
Area closures are needed because of the increased risk from water over roads and crossings,
the upstream movement of crocodiles into plunge pools and the risk of flash floods. Up-to-date
advice is published daily in the
Bowali Visitor Centre road and
access report. Click here to view
current conditions:
www.kakadu.com.au/access or give
our team a call on 08 8938 1120.
Even though we’ve had recent
storms, many days are still hot and
humid, so why not visit some of
Kakadu’s iconic sites to cool down?
Maguk and the Yurmikmik area are
starting to green (no waterfalls just
yet) and Gunlom is particularly
beautiful at this time of year.
Above | Maguk photo taken last weekend
STAY SAFE IN KAKADU THIS WET SEASON
As we move from the hot part of the year to the wet season, there are a few safety tips to bear
in mind during Gudjewg, monsoon time (December to March):
 Obey all signs and drive to the conditions
 Look out for wildlife seeking higher ground on roads and bridges
 If heavy downpours reduce visibility, slow down or pull over to the side of the road
 Check depth indicators and the speed of the water before crossing swollen creeks
 Remain cautious near waterways. With rising water levels, crocodiles are on the move
 Be wary of flash flooding after heavy rain, particularly around Gubara and Yurmikmik.
Visit http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/explore/safety.html for more safety tips.
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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SUPER DEED AWARD WINNERS – MARY RIVER RANGERS!
Every month Tourism Top End congratulates a winner for going that extra mile to make
someone’s visit to the Top End region one to remember. We’re proud to share exciting news of
the Mary River rangers winning a Super Deed award for October!
During October the rangers responded to a couple that had broken down precariously on a hill.
They were blocking one side of the Kakadu highway,and at risk from the regular traffic including road trains. Rangers did a terrific job of assisting the couple by towing the vehicle and
caravan to the ranger station and providing phone access, cold drinks and air-conditioned digs
until the tow truck arrived.
A fantastic team effort by Robbie Markham, Billy Fordham (below) and Melissa Pepper, one of
our seasonal rangers, who was the first to find them. It is great to receive this recognition for
the extra work our rangers do with assisting the public on their visit to Kakadu National Park –
thank you!
Above | L to R, Robbie Markham and Billy Fordham
Above | Rangers towing the vehicle and caravan
Our Seasonal Ranger team was also awarded a Super Deed nomination for being “friendly,
approachable, knowledgeable and passionate as well as being deeply respectful of Indigenous
culture – they made our trip to the Top End memorable and special”. Each year our team of
six interpretive rangers provide 57 free activities a week from May to October; this year we had
over 43,000 people take part in these free activities!
Want to help us live, breath, interpret and share Kakadu with the world? Well why not consider
a position as a Seasonal Ranger with us for 2013? Watch this space as we will be calling for
applications shortly.
SPECIAL PERMITS REMINDER
Don’t forget special permit applications for next year close on 30 November 2012. For more
details or to download an application package for the one year special permit from
1 April 2013, visit: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/permits/kakadu-special.html
STANDARD LAND- BASED PERMITS – three-year permits
As we flagged in the Industry Update in September, from 1 January 2013 all accredited
operators under Tourism Accreditation Australia Limited (TAAL) programs will be able to apply
for a three-year standard land-based permit. This is in addition to the existing one-year permit.
Something to consider at the time of application, for those wishing to take up the longer permit,
is that fees must be paid up front with demonstration of accreditation provided annually.
We’re getting busy pulling together our 2013 application packs and invitations, with first round
of invitations scheduled for January. For more information please visit:
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/permits/kakadu-tours.html.
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
UBIRR WET SEASON PERMIT
For those operators interested in obtaining a wet season permit, we recently emailed all
operators an application pack, as well as promoting it within the last industry update.
We’ve already received a number of applications, but for those of you yet to submit an
application get in quickly - 1 December 2012 is when Ubirr wet season access officially kicks
off. From this date public access will change to 2.00 pm until sunset. Only tour guides with a
permit and key may access this stunning site from 8.30 am onwards.
To obtain a permit, you need to send us both an application and tour guide agreement form(s).
If you’re unable to submit the tour guide agreement, please contact our Permits Officer to make
alternative arrangements. As a guideline please allow between five to seven working days for
our team to process applications. If all details are in hand, often we’ve been able to turn around
applications in a few days or less. For operators providing less than seven working days notice
between applying and commencing tours, please contact Penny Scarpellino on (08) 8938 1176
to discuss the possibility of fast tracking your application. We’ll try our best, but would
appreciate a call.
To submit applications please email kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au or mail: The Permits
Officer, PO Box 71, Jabiru NT 0886.
ACCREDITED TOUR GUIDES
A grand total of 1,000 tour guides have successfully completed the Knowledge for Tour Guides
program since its inception in 2006! It’s great to see such commitment by tour guides to
complete the accreditation and ensure interpretation of park information is culturally
appropriate and of a high standard. We’d love to hear your views on the course. Please send
any feedback to kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au or give Penny Scarpellino a call on 08
8938 1176.
Don’t forget that once guides have successfully completed the course to contact our Bowali
Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120 to arrange a Kakadu Tour Guide Card (below). These cards
can be carried in your wallet or pocket and shown during compliance checks, so why not give
us a call today?
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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TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS – UPDATE
Since the last industry update we’ve received more news regarding a number of significant
traffic disruptions to motorists using the Arnhem, Stuart and Kakadu highways between now
and Christmas.
This temporary disruption is part of ERA’s
$220 million brine concentrator project, requiring
the transportation of oversized modules between
East Arm Port and Jabiru.
The latest update is as follows:
 On Saturday 24 November the convoy will
depart East Arm Port approximately 6 am,
travel along Berrimah Road, Wishart Road,
Elrundie Avenue and Jenkins Road to the
Stuart Highway. Approximately 8.00 am
depart Noonamah, depart Emerald Springs
approximately 1.30 pm, reach Mary River Roadhouse on the Kakadu Highway
approximately 4.00 pm.
 On Sunday 25 November the convoy will depart Mary River Roadhouse approximately 6.00
am, to arrive on the outskirts of Jabiru approximately 10.00 am.
ERA has planned for each convoy to be escorted by police and pilots and will pull over where
safe to let traffic pass. Please take care, obey police directions and drive to conditions during
this disruptive but necessary period of time.
For more information with regards to routes and schedules visit:
http://www.energyres.com.au/whatwedo/2324_brine_concentrator_transportation.asp.
ERA will continue to publish updates on their website or you can also ring 1800 237 228 to
help plan your travel.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS
GOT A STORY?
This is your newsletter, don’t forget if you’ve got an offer you’d like us to share with the tourism
industry please let us know.
SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE
Operators and tour guides can self manage their subscription to this newsletter from our
website: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/industry-update.html.
Having problems with subscribing / unsubscribing? Please contact Penny Scarpellino on
08 8938 1176.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook (Parks Australia) for updates about what is happening in
the park. Post your favourite photos or share a story of your own with us.
blog
facebook
twitter
flickr
podcasts
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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KNOW YOUR KAKADU!
DID YOU KNOW?
Language is the life blood of culture
The cultural identity and unique world view of each person is carried in their language.
English (or other language) interpretations of complex Aboriginal concepts like the Creation
(often called the Dreamtime) tend to be over-simplified and sometimes misleading, even
though these many distinct languages have extensive vocabularies and complex grammars.
Escarpment languages
Gun-djeihmi, a living language, is the language
spoken in the central part of Kakadu today.
Other languages still actively spoken are Kunwinjku and Jawoyn. Gun-djeihmi (also called
Mayali) and Kun-winjku are regarded as dialects of
one another because speakers can understand
each other. These languages, long spoken around
the Arnhem Land escarpment, share similar
structure and grammar and together with other
other languages in the region are grouped into a
large language family called the Kunwinjkuan
language family. Jawoyn is a separate language.
Lowland languages
Gagudju is one of the few floodplain languages
still remembered. This complex language was the major language spoken in the northern part
of Kakadu. The name Kakadu is an interpretation of the name Gagudju. It is estimated that the
Aboriginal population of this area was catastrophically reduced to just four per cent between
1869 and 1930, due to factors that included violence and the introduction of exotic diseases.
Many of the lowland languages are extinct or remembered by only a few elderly people today.
Multilingual society
The large number of languages in the relatively small area of Kakadu is some indication of the
great diversity and complexity of Aboriginal society. Most Aboriginal people were at least
bilingual and many spoke three or four languages. This is still the case today. English is often a
person’s second or third language.
Place names
Sometimes places are named for the presence of a spirit from the creation era. Namarrgon
Djadjam is the name of the place where the lightning man, Namarrgon resides. Other names
relate to events in the creation era. Badbong Bawardedjobgeng is the name of a distinctive
rock in the Nourlangie region. The name means ‘the short-eared rock wallaby cut the rock’.
Some names, such as Anbangbang and Mardugal, have no known meaning.
Visit these links to hear how to pronounce place names in Kakadu:
http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/tourism/kakadu/background/crosscultural/knowledge.html
http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/tourism/kakadu/background/pdf/kakaduplacename.pdf.
Or want to learn more about Aboriginal languages in Kakadu? Visit: http://bininjgunwok.org.au/.
Above information is taken from our park note: Aboriginal Languages and Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides.
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 6
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
Significant traffic disruptions due to oversize transports on the
Arnhem, Stuart and Kakadu Highways until Christmas. Please drive
with care. For more information please visit the ERA website
www.energyres.com.au or you can ring 1800 237 228 for help to
plan your travel.
Significant traffic disruptions due to oversize transports on the
Arnhem, Stuart and Kakadu Highways until Christmas. For more
information please visit the ERA website www.energyres.com.au
or you can ring 1800 237 228 for help to plan your travel.
Also roadworks to reseal affected area of the highway with
aggregate (approximately 83km from the southern exit / exit gate)
continues until the end of November. Please drive with care and
observe signage.
High clearance 4WD only as 0.5 m of water is over the South
Alligator crossing.
East Alligator Region
Please observe signage and 40km/h speed limit as road works are
underway at the East Alligator upper boat ramp. Ubirr art site is
open from 8.30 am until sunset up until 30 November.
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
Open
Open
Open
4WD recommended. Water levels and flows are affected by tides.
Contact Bowali for tidal information on 08 8938 1120. If fishing,
please keep a safe distance due to the risk of crocodiles.
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Illigadjarr Walk
Open
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
Ubirr wet season access arrangements: From 1 December 2011 to
31 March 2012, Ubirr opens to the public between 2:00pm and
sunset. Operators may apply for a permit and a key, to access the
area between 8:30 and sunset, by contacting the Permits Officer on
08 8938 1140.
Closed
Muirella Park Campground
Open
Anbangbang Billabong Walk
Open
Sandy Billabong
Bubba Wetland Walk
Yellow Water Region
Open
Open
Walk accessible from Malabanjbandju caravan area and Burdulba
tent area.
4WD recommended. Drive with care. Corrugations, bulldust,
washouts and roadside hazards are present.
Subject to Temporarily closed due to increasingly hot and adverse conditions.
rainfall
The walk will reopen after regular rainfall.
Please observe crocodile warning signs, and stay a reasonable
distance from the edge of the billabong.
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 7
Visitor Site
Jim Jim Billabong
Campground
Mardugal Campground 1
(Caravans)
Mardugal Campground 2
(Tents)
Gun-gardun Walk
Current
Status
Open
Closed
Forecast to
open
Comments
Due to recent rainfall water puddles are on some road sections.
Please drive with care.
High water levels present a crocodile risk. Cooinda,
Malabanjbandju and Gungurul offer the nearest caravan camping.
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.
Yellow Water Boardwalk
Open
Start of walk is opposite Yellow Water cruise boat ramp. Boardwalk
meets up with Home Billabong walk.
Mardugal Billabong Walk
Open
Rangers have carried out operations and continue to assess the
November area. Sightings of buffalo damage are still present. This track will
re-open once confirmed safe.
Jim Jim and Twin Falls Region – 4WD ACCESS ONLY AND PLEASE OBSERVE ROAD CONDITIONS
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Garnamarr Campground
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Jim Jim Falls
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Barrk Marlam Walk
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Budjmi Walk
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Twin Falls
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
In line with closing strategy due to heat, rain, upstream crocodile
Closed
2013
Twin Falls Plateau Walk
risk and need to remove infrastructure before the area becomes
inaccessible.
4WD recommended. Please be mindful of slippery rocks covered
with sand as you walk along the creek to the falls. No jumping or
Open
Maguk
rock climbing is permitted. This road was last graded on 2
November.
Closed
2013
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
The road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Mary River Region
Open
Kambolgie Campground
4WD recommended.
Open
Yurmikmik Walks
4WD recommended.
4WD recommended. Drive with care along the road to Gunlom.
Open
Gunlom
Corrugations, bulldust, washouts and roadside hazards are present.
4WD only. Please use caution as there are several sections of road
Open
Ikoymarrwa Rock Holes
with washouts and pot holes. This is a day-use area only and no
camping is permitted.
Open
Bukbukluk Lookout
This is an unsealed 2WD road.
Open
Gungurul Campground
Gungurul Lookout & River
Open
Walk
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin
The road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain. High water
Closed
2013
Gorge)
levels at this site also present a crocodile risk.
Guratba/Gimbat Day Use
Open
4WD only.
Area
Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle
Open
4WD only.
Springs)
South Alligator Region
Open
Mamukala
4WD only. Please drive with care and observe signage. The road
Open
2 Mile Hole Billabong
was last graded on 12 September. Please be aware that road
conditions can change rapidly after rainfall.
4WD only. Please drive with care and observe signage. The road
Open
4 Mile Hole Billabong
was last graded on 12 September. Please be aware that road
conditions can change rapidly after rainfall.
Open
West Alligator Head
4WD only. Be mindful of crocodiles along the beaches at West
Home Billabong Walk
Closed
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 8
Visitor Site
Current
Status
Forecast to
open
Comments
Alligator Head and camp only in designated areas. Observe
signage. Recent rains have had some impact on the road leading to
the coastline. Rangers continue to assess conditions and may need
to close the area at short notice, due to rainfall.
Gungarre Walk
Red Lily Billabong
Bucket Billabong
Alligator Billabong 1
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
Home Billabong boat ramp
Mardugal Billabong boat
ramp
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
2013
2013
2013
Road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Closed
2013
Road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Open
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching.
Please observe signage and 40km/h speed limit as road works are
underway to upgrade boat ramp and surrounding area. Be mindful
of crocodile safety when launching.
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching.
Open
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching and docking boats.
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching.
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 9