WURRGENG SEASON
TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE # 15
1 August 2012
Above: Yellow Water at sunset
RECENTLY OPENED!
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
Fantastic news! We’re delighted to be able to open up Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
yesterday, Tuesday 31 July. With the warmer and drier weather that Wurrgeng brings, the
road has dried out providing another beautiful camping and walking opportunity.
Access is 4WD high clearance only, with a permit. Please contact our Permits Officer on
08 8398 1140 to arrange yours.
It’s a beautiful site for those prepared for rough and remote conditions - there are several
washouts and sandy sections on the drive in. From the car park, walk 1.5 kilometres
upstream (keeping to the right hand side) to access the camping area.
We’re almost there with getting all visitor areas open - just West Alligator Head, the Bubba
and Home Billabong Walks to go!
MAGUK – REPORTS OF ROCK CLIMBING AND JUMPING
Unfortunately we’ve received a number of reports from tour operators, members of the public
and park staff of visitors rock climbing and jumping at the Maguk plunge pool. Although
warning signs are present, sadly this dangerous activity continues.
Guides can help prevent injuries amongst their clients by ensuring this prohibited activity
doesn’t occur. Tempting as it may be, with jagged rock formations, slippery surfaces and not
knowing what lies beneath the pool water, a serious accident is just waiting to happen. It’s also
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
an offence to not comply with a park safety direction and it could be potentially damaging to the
environment, as the soft sandstone can easily erode away – another reason why it is prohibited
under World Heritage legislation and national environment law.
We take visitor safety very seriously. Ensure you are well prepared on your next visit by
making your clients aware of this important safety message. Our compliance staff will be acting
on future complaints.
JARRANGBARNMI (KOOLPIN GORGE) – KEY COLLECTION
You will need a key to open the access gate.
It’s here - our secure key safe has arrived ! A picture is below. Our rangers have done a
fantastic job of getting it set up and for your convenience they’ve installed an after hours key
return slot box too.
The key box is located at the information centre at the Mary River Ranger Station. Visitors and
tour operators can obtain a key between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm daily.
To open the safe an access code is required. This code is provided on your individual permit,
so it’s important that guides print it out and carry it with them. Once the safe is open, take a key
and complete the key register (located within the safe).
To return the key, simply drop it into our return slot box (below).
Operators wishing to arrange a key in advance (for the entire season) can contact our Permits
Officer on 08 8938 1140.
Questions about key collection may be directed to our Permits Officer on 08 8938 1140,
Monday to Friday during normal business hours, or our Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120
between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm daily.
Above: Secure key safe
Above: After hours return slot
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
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JABIRU!
We recently helped Jabiru celebrate the town’s 30th birthday. It was a great opportunity for the
businesses in Jabiru to get together, to showcase what we all do and how everyone has
contributed to Jabiru over the years. The local school also joined in the fun with a BBQ lunch,
clay bat making (to be displayed on one of the walls in the town square), balloons,
commemorative t-shirts and a huge cake donated by the town bakery.
Above: Kids learning about the history of
Kakadu
Above: The cake!
Above: Making clay bats
Above: The hungry crowds anxiously
await the cutting of the cake
SPECIAL PERMITS UPDATE – SECOND ROUND CALLOUT
Interested in a special permit for next year’s visitor season? You can apply now for a special
permit to conduct the following activities:
 Sportfishing tours
 Safari camps at Merl, Muirella Park, Garnamarr and Gunlom
 Bushwalking tours
 Casual access into Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
 Casual and regular access permits into Ikoymarrwa
These interim special permits will apply from 1 April 2013 until 31 March 2014. We have
already held one application round for special permits so far this year (in May) – this second
round covers any unallocated permits and activities where there isn’t a cap on the number of
available permits.
As you know, both the park and the tourism industry are keen to move from special permits to
a licensing system for more exclusive or restricted activities. To do that, we are working to
agree a price structure that is fair to all and mutually agreeable.
The next meeting of the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee, on Thursday 9 August, will
be discussing a structure for licences. We hope to introduce licences from April 2014, when the
interim special permits expire. That timing will be discussed at the KTCC meeting. If you want
to make your views known about licences, why not contact one of your KTCC representatives?
They are tour operators and members of the tourism industry, and they are there to be your
voice on issues like this. You can find their names and details at
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-information/pubs/ktcc.pdf
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
Special permit applications
Application kits for the one year special permit from 1 April 2013 are now available from
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/permits/kakadu-special.html
or by emailing us at kakadu.permits@environment.gov.au
SPEED LIMITS AND GRADING – ROAD TO JIM JIM, TWIN FALLS AND GUNLOM
The road to Jim Jim, Twin Falls and Gunlom has been recently graded, with a rotating roster
set up to grade every three weeks.
To reduce vehicle damage and to avoid further damage to the road, please slow down for
everyone’s safety as there have been reports of vehicles not observing the 60 km/h speed
limit. Police are enforcing speed limits.
Despite our reminder about the importance of observing speed limits in our 13 July Industry
Update, we’re still getting reports that some operators are travelling well beyond the 60 km/h
speed limit.
Recently our rangers have had to lend a hand with several vehicle accidents resulting from
unsafe driving practices. Fortunately no-one has been hurt, but it’s important for everyone
(operators and visitors) to be mindful of their speeds and courteous to others on the road.
We appreciate your help to ensure safe driving conditions!
Above: Last week’s roll-over on Jim Jim Road
PURCHASING PARK PASSES FROM OUR BOWALI VISITOR CENTRE
We know how important time is when travelling with your clients, especially with so much on
offer right now – time is of the essence.
To make the most of your client’s experiences and to reduce queues and waiting times, guides
(or your office) are welcome to request advance park pass purchases by calling our Bowali
Visitor Centre team, ahead of visiting.
As requests are received we’ll ensure timely processing of payment and passes so that passes
are ready for speedy collection from our information desk at the Bowali Visitor Centre.
Please remember payment of park passes is credit card, eftpos and cash only.
Unfortunately we don’t have the facilities to accept Amex or cheques.
To arrange advance purchases, please call our Bowali Visitor Centre team on 08 8938 1120,
or email us at kakadunationalpark@environment.gov.au
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
By the way operators still have the option of purchasing passes in bulk. To arrange yours click
here http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/visitor-information/commerical-faq.html
Got questions? Please contact our Park Pass Officer on 08 8920 1187 or email
parkpass@environment.gov.au.
YELLOW WATER CRUISES AND FISHING
The funeral for a traditional owner and board member of Gagudju Dreaming will take place this
Friday 3 August. As a mark of respect, Yellow Water Cruises and Yellow Water Fishing will not
be operated on that day.
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.
INVITE FROM THE DARWIN BUSHWALKING CLUB
Looking for something to do this long weekend? The Darwin
Bushwalking Club are participating in a couple of short day
hikes in Kakadu which anyone is welcome to join.
On Saturday (4 August), the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk is an
easy 2.5 km loop taking 1.5 hours. Stay overnight at the
Lakeview Caravan Park in Jabiru. On Sunday (5 August), try
the Barrk Bushwalk around Nourlangie (12 km, 6-8 hours,
moderate - take lunch, snacks and plenty of water and sun
protection).
For more information on upcoming bushwalks with the Darwin
Bushwalking Club, see
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/dbc/Walks_2012.html.
To join the club or come as a temporary member is $40 or $10 respectively. Contact Jan at
jajallen30@gmail.com or Craig on 0403 872 205.
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.
Are you our friend?
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook – Parks Australia for updates about what is happening.
Post your favourite photos or share a story of your own with us. Follow the blogs of our
seasonal rangers who are having a blast in the field and experiencing something new
everyday.
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
Kakadu Highway
Open
Open
Old Darwin/Old Jim Jim Rd
Open
High clearance 4WD only as 0.5 m of water is over the South
Alligator crossing.
East Alligator Region
Ubirr Art Site
Open
Ubirr art site is open from 8.30 am until sunset daily.
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 5
Visitor 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
Nourlangie Region
Nourlangie Rock Art Site
Nanguluwurr Art Site
Nawurlandja Lookout
Gun-warddehwardde Lookout
Current
Status
Open
4WD recommended. Water levels and flows are affected by tides.
Contact Bowali for tidal information on 08 8938 1120.
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Mirrai Lookout
Open
Sandstone Barrk Walk
Open
Muirella Park Campground
Open
Anbangbang Billabong Walk
Open
Sandy Billabong
Open
Yellow Water Region
Jim Jim Billabong
Campground
Mardugal Campground 1
(Caravans)
Mardugal Campground 2
(Tents)
Gun-gardun Walk
Comments
Open
Gubara
Bubba Wetland Walk
Forecast to
open
Closed
4WD recommended as there are several washouts. 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.
August
Rangers inspected the area last week. High water levels continue
to remain near the track presenting 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
August
This track is remains 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
Grading has recently been completed. Police enforce the 60
km/h speed limit on this road. Please observe signs and use
headlights due to airborne dust created by vehicles.
Police enforce the 60 km/h speed limit on this road. The road
beyond Garnamarr Campground 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
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
Visitor Site
Current
Status
Forecast to
open
Comments
water per person and wear sturdy footwear and sun protection.
Budjmi Walk
Open
Twin Falls
Open
Twin Falls Plateau Walk
Open
Maguk
Open
Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge)
Mary River Region
Kambolgie Campground
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
2 Mile Hole Billabong
Open
4 Mile Hole Billabong
Open
West Alligator Head
Closed
Area to open to high clearance 4WD with a snorkel. Water
crossing is 0.65 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. Please be mindful of slippery rocks covered
with sand as you walk along the creek to the falls.
4WD high clearance only, with a permit. See note on page 1.
Open
Open
4WD recommended.
4WD recommended.
4WD recommended. Drive with care along the road to Gunlom.
Corrugations, bulldust, floodway’s and roadside hazards are
present.
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.
This is an unsealed 2WD road.
Open
Open
4WD high clearance only, with a permit. Please contact our Permits
Officer on 08 8938 1140.
Open
4WD.
Open
Open
Gungarre Walk
Open
Red Lily Billabong
Open
Bucket Billabong
Open
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
Open
August
4WD with snorkel only. Two water crossings currently at 0.65 m
and a section of road with washout. Please drive with care and
observe signage.
4WD with snorkel only.
Rangers are scheduled to carry out road and tree clearance
maintenance work this weekend. Team to also see if the floodplain
has dried out to a safe level.
Pontoon to floating walkway is closed. 3.6km track is open.
The road from the Arnhem Highway through to Red Lily is open to
4WD only. Be prepared for rough conditions due to buffalo damage
and washouts. Please observe hazard signage.
4WD only. Be prepared for rough conditions such as potholes and
ruts. The Barringtonia crossing is about 0.65 m deep.
4WD only. Be mindful of ruts and potholes along this road.
4WD only. Please drive with care as water crossing of the South
Alligator river is required.
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Be mindful of crocodile safety when launching and docking boats.
Open
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 7