Jewel in the crown of Kakadu to finally reopen to the public

The majestic Gunlom Falls will reopen to the public in May in time for the Dry season.

Swimming in the upper pools, Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park. Picture: Sam Earp/Tourism NT

The majestic Gunlom Falls will reopen in May in time for the Dry season.

The jewel in the crown of Kakadu has been closed since 2019 after a sacred men’s site was breached during the construction of a walkway.

The walkway route was built too close to a sacred rock art site, exposing it to the public when it should have only been seen by men.

Parks Australia was fined $200,000 for damaging the site and has since apologised to traditional owners.

Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan has welcomed the reopening of Gunlom Falls, saying it was an important feature of Kakadu that would boost the number of visitors to the national park and increase tourism across the Northern Territory.

The announcement of Gunlom’s reopening to the public comes hot on the heels of the new Kakadu National Park partnership agreement.

Swimming in Gunlom Falls upper pool. Picture: Jane Burhop – Common Ventures/Tourism NT

The Northern Land Council has negotiated an increased rent of $10.7 million per year with the Federal Government as part of a new lease agreement for Kakadu National Park.

The deal also includes 50 per cent of commercial revenue such as entry fees, permits, camping fees and licences.

The NLC said the new agreement for Kakadu National Park marks a reset in the relationship built on trust, cultural authority, and a long-term commitment to caring for Kakadu together.

The only review of the lease since the first lease was signed in 1991 includes a number of reforms to the park, detailed in a five-year partnership agreement, reflective of Traditional Owner aspirations for greater economic, cultural opportunities and participation in decision-making.

The agreement commits to reforming outdated laws and co-designing new joint management structures.

An economic development fund will provide business opportunities such as Traditional Owner-led tourism, cultural enterprises, and land management programs underpinned by employment and training opportunities for locals.

Further, improved housing and infrastructure on homelands will make it easier for traditional owners to live on Country.

Mr Ryan said the negotiated investment in Kakadu National Park reflects the vision traditional owners have held for a long time to boost the economic, cultural and environmental sustainability of this ancient wonderland.

“The deal follows a thorough consultation process with traditional owners and enables them to have a greater say in protecting country and culture in Kakadu, and in the development of prosperity pathways such as job creation, training opportunities and local business expansion, he said.

“Culture and heritage tourism is an important industry and this deal puts the Northern Territory on the map as far as being able to further develop the national park as a world-class attraction.”