After six difficult years, spectacular Aussie swimming spot to reopen

It’s a top time to be in the Top End. One of Kakadu’s most popular natural attractions, Gunlom Falls, is set to reopen, just as soon as the conditions are right.

This concludes a difficult six years during which the Jawoyn traditional owners closed the falls to visitors due to the disturbance of a sacred men’s site by Parks Australia while building a walkway.

Kakadu’s Gunlom Falls – set to reopen to the public.Credit: Tourism NT/Salty Wings

The parties ended up in court, with the end result being a $200,000 fine for Parks Australia, the largest penalty ever under the Northern Territory’s Sacred Sites Act.

But now, traditional owners from the Gunlom Aboriginal Land Trust have given approval for Parks Australia to reopen Gunlom.

There’s been a lag between that happening and the actual opening while Parks Australia ensures the safety of the site, particularly as water levels remain high following late seasonal rain. Meanwhile, roadworks, crocodile surveys and general maintenance of campgrounds, walking tracks and amenities have been under way.

Parks is working towards Gunlom opening in late May, following final safety checks.

Nature’s infinity pool at Gunlom Falls.Credit: Jewels Lynch/Tourism NT

Traditional owners will be given greater say about their Country in Kakadu under a new, first of its kind partnership agreement between the Northern Land Council and the Australian government.

Under the new agreement, Kakadu’s traditional owners will be better supported to live and work on Country and will contribute to their own economic development fund. This will support projects such as housing and infrastructure improvements as well as business and employment opportunities.

Taste of Kakadu features workshops centred around bush spices,

And in other good news for Kakadu, Australia’s premier Indigenous food festival – Taste of Kakadu – returns for a ninth year on Friday, May 23.

Held in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the festival features a number of free events as well as ticketed sessions, such as the marquee Kinh Kinh Dinner, where chef Paul Iskov of Margaret River’s Fervor restaurant joins Ben Tyler of Kakadu Kitchen to create a four-course al fresco dinner.

There are also workshops centred around bush spices, cooking demonstrations and a whole session dedicated to that famous Kakadu plum.

See kakadu.gov.au