GUNUMELENG SEASON
TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE # 25
17 December 2012
Afternoon thunderstorm during Gunumeleng! If you like this photo check
out www.tracyryanphotography.com for more and a Steve Parish event.
TIME TO PREPARE FOR GUDJEWG CLOSURES
GUNLOM
In preparation of Gudjewg a progressive closure of Gunlom will be undertaken. But Gunlom
will remain open until heavy rainfall reaches the park which is expected to be in the
next couple of weeks.
Starting today our Mary River District team will commence a progressive ‘strip down’ to
prepare for the wet season. They’ll be removing the gas (meaning no barbeque facilities),
fencing, hand rails and lastly a crocodile trap
positioned in the bottom plunge pool. When the
traps is removed, it will not be safe to swim in the
bottom pool. We’ll advise removal via our
www.kakadu.com.au/access report - stay tuned for
on the spot updates and please adhere to all safety
signage.
The top pool will remain accessible for swimming however be aware there is a likelihood of flash flooding in the event of a storm, with high
water flows and strong currents. Please stay tuned to Bowali’s road and access report for
updates and obey all safety signage. To reach the top pool take a 2 km return climb to the top
of the waterfall to experience the iconic views over southern Kakadu in serenity. It may take a
little bit of extra effort, but it’s worth the trip. Plan to start early to avoid the heat.
Why not check out Gunlom on your next visit to Kakadu before it’s inaccessible due to
Gudjewg – monsoon time? With possible flash flooding or several storms expected to come
our way, it may have to close at short notice. However, rainfall permitting, we are going to
attempt to re-open Gunlom for sight seeing only throughout Gudjewg.
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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VOTED THE BEST SPOT TO VISIT!
In exciting news, thanks to its amazing views, Gunlom has been named one of Australia’s
favourite secret spots by Australian Traveller Magazine! Visit our facebook page and tell us
about your favourite spot: http://www.facebook.com/#!/parksaustralia - don’t forget to like us
too!
BOWALI GETS INTO FESTIVE SWING!
The Bowali team have been busy adding that extra sparkle
with a few festive decorations on display. Why not say hello
on your next park visit, if you happen to be spending time
with us during this special time of the year?
Bowali also provides cooling relief from Gunumeleng time.
Watch a Kakadu documentary in our air-conditioned theatre,
check out one of our many books in the library, or treat
yourself to an ice-cream in the Anmak An-me cafe.
Just remember our centre is closed on Christmas Day as
flagged in a previous update. However the information board
with road access will be up to date, park notes will be
available on the desk and the e-ticket machine will be open
for any park pass purchases.
To help plan your travel ahead of Christmas Day why not
contact our Bowali team on
08 8938 1120 or email KakaduNationalPark@environment.gov.au?
CONGRATULATIONS TO BROLGA AWARD WINNERS
The Brolgas are the official annual tourism awards for the Northern Territory, recognising and
encouraging tourism businesses that strive for excellence in every area of their operation.
Congratulations to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for taking out a
2012 Brolga for Major Tourist Attraction. Last year Kakadu won this
category so both parks have their eye on the prize for 2013 – let’s see
who wins!
Big congratulations also go out to the following Kakadu operators drum roll please. Yellow Water Cruises winners of the Major Tours and / or Tour Operators
category, Venture North Australia winners of the Heritage Cultural Tourism category and
Wildman Wilderness Lodge winners of the unique accommodation category – outstanding
efforts and job well done!
For more details visit http://www.tourismnt.com.au/brolga-awards.aspx.
FREE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR INDUSTRY
Interested in digital marketing? Tourism NT is running a
free, half day program for tour operators, where you will
walk out with an initial online marketing program
activated and ready to go. The training happens in
early 2013, and will ensure consumers can find your business when they are searching for you
on the web, helping to generate additional bookings for you.
As a preliminary step, Tourism NT would like to have a quick insight into the current activity of
their partners, so the program can be tailored to your specific needs. Please take a few
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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minutes, by Friday 21 December, to complete the short survey. Visit
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Digital_Marketing_Activity_Survey
If you have any queries, please contact either Rebecca Dawes on rebecca.dawes@nt.gov.au
or 08 8951 8568, or Meg Cotter on meg.cotter@nt.gov.au or 08 8999 3936
.
KNOW YOUR KAKADU!
DID YOU KNOW?
GUNUMELENG: PRE-MONSOON SEASON
This is the time of great visual changes. Have you noticed the explosion of plant life and wildlife
recently? There’s definitely a change to Kakadu’s scene, with the cloudless dry season sky
giving way to heat and humidity and big storm cells developing.
Towering cumulus cloud columns form in the east over the rugged sandstone country of
Arnhem Land. They expand upward and outward as they move rapidly west, passing over the
park to deliver bursts of much needed rain. These storms are known to travel at an average
rate of 100 kilometres per hour, frequently gaining intensity as they go. They deliver a lot of
rain in a short period of time and
are often preceded by violent
blasts of cold air which can tear
down branches and uproot trees
over a wide area. In the process,
lightning strikes demolish many
eucalypts, particularly
stringybarks. Recently the
Nourlangie region had to be closed
because of significant storm
damage to the area, leaving many
trees up-rooted and debris over
the road and walking tracks. But
our rangers were quickly onto it,
working hard to clear the area and
re-open this culturally diverse area
to the public.
Gunumeleng can also bring fires, which may start from lightning strikes on floodplains or in
woodlands. Recently our Gubara track had to be quickly closed because of a lightning strike no mean feat for our ranger team who had to respond and manage the situation very fast. If
you happen to have visited Gubara of late, you’ll have seen the impact of the fire and the
beginning of regeneration.
The pre-monsoon season is a time of rapid growth, energy production and nutrient storage for
all life forms. It is the precursor for Gudjewg. The ripening of the little green plums called
Anduwitjmi tells Bininj that the pre-monsoon is starting. Bininj recognise six seasons in Kakadu
and visitors can learn more about these seasons when visiting Warradjan (see photo above) or
Bowali – there’s a seasonal calendar providing excellent information on each one!
Extracts taken from and further reading:
 Kakadu National Park Australia: Steve Parish Natural History Guide.
 Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides: Reading 4.1.3: Seasonal Changes, page 187-190.
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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SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS
GOT A STORY?
This is your newsletter, don’t forget if you’ve got an event or a story 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
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
Pavement upgrade works underway between 8 km and 21 km from
the Arnhem and Stuart Highway intersection. This upgrade is part
of a $20 million project to upgrade the highway. Drive with caution
and observe all 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
Magela Creek (road to Ubirr)
Cahills Crossing
Merl Campground 1 & 2
Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk
Manngarre Walk
Sandstone & River Walk
Open
Ubirr art site is open from 1 December 2012 to 31 March 2013 to
the public between 2:00 pm and sunset. Operators may apply for a
permit and a key, to access the area from 8:30 am and sunset, by
contacting the Permits Officer on 08 8938 1140.
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
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
Jabiru Region
Burdulba Campground
Malabanjbandju Caravan
Area
Malabanjbandju Tent Area
Current
Status
Open
Open
Open
Nourlangie Region
Nourlangie Rock Art Site
Nanguluwurr Art Site
Nawurlandja Lookout
Gubara
Mirrai Lookout
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Sandstone Barrk Walk
Closed
Muirella Park Campground
Closed
Open
Sandy Billabong
Closed
Bubba Wetland Walk
Closed
Yellow Water Region
Jim Jim Billabong
Campground
Mardugal Campground 1
(Caravans)
Mardugal Campground 2
(Tents)
Gun-gardun Walk
Comments
Open
Illigadjarr Walk
Anbangbang Billabong Walk
Forecast to
open
Open
Closed
Walk accessible from Malabanjbandju caravan area and Burdulba
tent area.
4WD recommended. The road has been recently graded.
Subject to Temporarily closed due to increasingly hot and adverse conditions.
rainfall
The walk will reopen after regular rainfall.
Temporarily closed due to significant damage to the solar fixtures
Subject to
and toilet block from recent storm activity in the area requiring
repairs
repairs.
There have been recent storms. Please be mindful of fallen trees
and debris near access roads and walking tracks. Observe all
safety directional signage.
Subject to Temporarily closed due to fallen trees on the road from recent
clean up storm activity.
Subject to Temporarily closed due to fallen trees on the road from recent
clean up storm activity.
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
Closed
2013
Home Billabong Walk
Closed for the season due to wild buffalo risk in area.
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. Anticipated roadworks to commence soon.
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
Current
Status
Yurmikmik Walks
Open
Gunlom
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)
South Alligator Region
Mamukala
Open
Open
2013
The road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain. High water
levels at this site also present a crocodile risk.
Closed
2013
The road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Open
4WD only.
Open
4 Mile Hole Billabong
Open
East Alligator downstream
boat ramp
Yellow Water boat ramp
Home Billabong boat ramp
Mardugal Billabong boat
ramp
Stay tuned to our www.kakadu.com.au/access report for on the
spot updates.
4WD recommended. Anticipated roadworks to commence soon.
Stay tuned to our www.kakadu.com.au/access report for on the
spot updates.
4WD recommended. Rangers to commence operational ‘strip down’
including the removal of a crocodile trap positioned in the bottom
plunge pool. See note on page 1 and observe all safety signage.
4WD only. Please use caution as there are several sections of road
with washouts and pot holes. This is a day-use area only and no
camping is permitted.
This is an unsealed 2WD road.
Closed
Open
East Alligator upstream boat
ramp
Comments
Open
2 Mile Hole Billabong
West Alligator Head
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
Forecast to
open
4WD only. Please drive with care and observe signage. The road
was last graded on 12 September. Please be aware that road
conditions can change rapidly after rainfall. This site may close at
short notice subject to severe storms and flash flooding.
4WD only. Please drive with care and observe signage. The road
was last graded on 12 September. Please be aware that road
conditions can change rapidly after rainfall. This site may close at
short notice. This site may close at short notice subject to severe
storms and flash flooding.
Road is inaccessible due to the effects of heavy rain.
Closed
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
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