Maguk and Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) reopen in time for dry season

Must-see spots at Kakadu National Park including Maguk and Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) have finally reopened to visitors this week as waters recede in time for the dry season.

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POPULAR spots at Kakadu National Park including Maguk and Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) have finally reopened to visitors this week as waters recede in time for the dry season.

Kakadu National Park visitor services manager Anja Toms said the sites had become accessible again after a solid wet season.

“There are so many ways to experience this incredible national park with Maguk offering walks through changing landscapes, including a monsoonal rainforest area, sandy banks, rugged sandstone formations and waterfalls,” she said.

Maguk is a pristine natural waterfall and plunge pool at the base of steep gorge walls.

“There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves amongst endemic plant species, such as the Anbinik trees, and to also spot local bird life, such as spangled drongos and rainbow pitas.

“Both Maguk and Jarrangbarnmi also provide camping areas where visitors can settle in and take in the unique atmosphere of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed national park.”

Jarrangbarnmi is an important site for local Jawoyn people in the upper South Alligator River valley and a permit is required to access the area for day use or camping.

The area reopened on Thursday and all permits for May have been issued, with only a few permits left available for June and July.

Maguk reopened on Friday following the completion of crocodile surveys.

The Maguk top pools will remain closed for the season while Parks Australia works with Traditional Owners, tourism stakeholders and district staff to develop a site plan for the area.

Other highlights for visitors heading to Kakadu right now include the Burrungkuy region which offers bushwalking opportunities, rock art sites and lookouts.

The 3km loop walk at Mamukala and the bird hide have recently reopened and the Old Jim Jim Road (unsealed road between Arnhem Hwy east of Bark Hut Inn and Kakadu Hwy south of Cooinda) is now open to high-clearance 4WD.

POPULAR SITES CURRENTLY OPEN:

· Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock) art site

· Nanguluwurr art site

· Kubara Pools walk (Gubara Pools Walk)

· Barrk bushwalk

· Nawurlandja lookout

· Mirray (Mirrai) lookout

· Mamukala wetlands – bird hide and loop walk

· Kungarre walk

· Guluyambi Cultural Cruise

· Malabanjbanjdju and Burdulba campgrounds

· Djarradjin (Muirella Park) campground

· Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

· Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) boat cruise

· Mardukal (Mardugal) campground two

· Maguk

· Yurmikmik walks

· Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) by permit

· Upstream and downstream boat ramps on the East Alligator River

SITE FORECAST TO OPEN IN MAY:

· Anbangbang Billabong Walk

SITE FORECAST TO OPEN IN JUNE:

· Jim Jim Falls (Barrkmalam)

SITE FORECAST TO OPEN IN JULY:

· Twin Falls escarpment walk

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