Iconic NT resort Aurora Kakadu Resort closes down

ONE of Kakadu National Park’s longest standing resorts has decided to close their doors for good due to the business no longer being economically viable

The Aurora Kakadu Resort is closing down due to falling visitor numbers. Picture: Supplied

ONE of Kakadu National Park’s longest standing resorts has decided to close their doors for good due to the business no longer being economically viable.

Owners said the Aurora Kakadu Resort — which employs about 12 staff — is set to close at the end of September due to tough economic circumstances.

The Aurora Kakadu Resort is closing its doors at the end of September. Picture: Supplied

The 138-room resort is one of Kakadu’s oldest tourist accommodation spots and first opened in the 1970s.

One of the resort’s equity partners, Tony Quatermass said Kakadu visitor numbers had taken a huge hit over recent years and they made the decision to close down because the resort was no longer economically viable.

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Data from Parks Australia shows visitor numbers have fallen over the last decade despite last year’s record turnout.

There were 200,577 visitors in 2018 compared to 227,262 visitors in 2008.

The closure will put 12 staff members out of a job. Picture: Supplied

“It’s sad that we have to close but it’s expensive keeping up with the huge overheads we have to cover with power, water and electricity due to being so remote,” Mr Quatermass said.

“At this stage we don’t know what the future holds for the resort or if and when we will sell up.”

He said the resort’s closure would also bring the end of the annual Kakadu Klash barramundi fishing competition the business holds on the South Alligator River.

“It’s a huge part of the Territory’s recreational fishing calendar so it would a terrible shame to see it disappear,” he said.

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“Hopefully the closure of our resort creates an opportunity for somebody else to pick up and continue running it.”