WURRGENG SEASON
TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE # 12
27 June 2012
Above: Anbangbang Billabong Walk
NEWLY OPENED! Anbangbang Billabong Walk
We’re pleased to advise water levels have receded and that the walking track has mostly
dried out at Anbangbang Billabong. We’ve cleared and opened the eastern section today!
Why not explore Anbangbang on your next visit? Start from the carpark and walk in an
easterly direction to meet up with the Nawurlandja Lookout carpark (please observe
signage). The track follows one of Kakadu’s most attractive billabongs with Nourlangie
forming an impressive backdrop. Unfortunately the western section of the track remains
closed as it’s too wet underfoot – it needs to dry out some more before fully opening.
NADIOC WEEK: 2–8 July 2012
Since yesterday’s update there’s been a slight itinerary change to our NAIDOC celebration
activities. Sorry for any inconvenience – essentially the celebrations will start on Monday 2 July
instead of Sunday 1 July. We’ve attached our updated schedule. Check out the activities we’ve
got lined up – we’d love to see you there!
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
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.
4WD only. 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
Open
Sandy Billabong
Bubba Wetland Walk
Yellow Water Region
Jim Jim Billabong
Campground
Mardugal Campground 1
(Caravans)
Mardugal Campground 2
(Tents)
Gun-gardun Walk
Ubirr art site is open from 8.30 am until sunset daily.
Closed
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.
Start from the carpark and follow the eastern section of the walking
track (observe signage). The rest of the track is still wet and needs
to dry out before fully opening.
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.
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 2
Visitor Site
Mardugal Billabong Walk
Home Billabong Walk
Current
Status
Forecast to
open
Comments
Open
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
Open
Twin Falls
Open
Twin Falls Plateau Walk
Open
Maguk
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
Mary River Region
Kambolgie Campground
Yurmikmik Walks
Gunlom
Open
Closed
Open
Bukbukluk Lookout
Gungurul Campground
Gungurul Lookout & River
Walk
Open
Open
Guratba/Gimbat Day Use
Area
Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle
Springs)
South Alligator Region
Mamukala
Area to open to high clearance 4WD with a snorkel. Water
crossing is 0.7 m. 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.
Please wear sturdy footwear and observe the track markers. This is
a steep walk and takes approx 1-2hours (return). 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.
4WD recommended.
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
Mid July
Closed
Mid July
Crocodile surveys continue. Rangers spotted a 2.5 and 1 metre
saltie downstream last week. Once crocs are captured the area can
be cleared.
Once Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) is open rangers will commence work
on the day use area.
Open
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
End July
Open
Open
Open
Ikoymarrwa Rock Holes
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin
Gorge)
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.
Open
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.
4WD only. Please drive with care as water crossing of the South
Alligator river is required.
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
East Alligator upstream boat
ramp
East Alligator downstream
boat ramp
Yellow Water boat ramp
Current
Status
Open
Forecast to
open
Comments
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
Page 4