Kakadu National park - Visitors Guide

7/27/2019 Kakadu National park - Visitors Guide

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VISITOR GUIDE

Welcome to the Aboriginal Lands of Kakadu National Park,a jointly managed Commonwealth Reserve.

14 day Park Pass $25 per person





F o r d

UbirrMerl

Four Mile Hole

Two Mile Hole

Alligator Billabong

Mamukala Jabiru East

Burdulba

Red Lily Billabong

Mardugal

Giyamungkurr(Black Jungle Springs)

Gungurul

Maguk

Gunlom

Goymarr InterpretiveCentre (MaryRiver Roadhouse)

MirraiLookout

Gubara

Bowali Visitor CentrePark Headquarters

Information BayRanger Station

Bukbukluk

Jim Jim Falls

Twin Falls

Information Bay

Gagudju Lodge Cooinda

NourlangieYellow Water

Waldak Irrmbal(West Alligator Head)

Garnamarr

Jarrangbarnmi(Permit required)

YurmikmikWalks

AuroraKakaduResort

Kunbarllanjnja(Oenpelli)

Bucket Billabong

To Pine Creek

To Darwin

ARN H E M

H I G H WAY

H I G H W A Y

K A K A D U

O L D

J I M J I M

RO AD

Gimbat Picnic Area

WarradjanAboriginal CulturalCentre

MuirellaPark

Jabiru

Border Store

DARWIN

Alice SpringsKatherine

K A K A D U

Pine Creek

Park Passes

Entry is by Park Pass for $25 per person, valid for 14 days.Under 16 years and Northern Territory residents are free.

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Park Passes may be purchased at:

Park Pass checks take place throughout the park, and penalties apply for non payment.

Tourism Top EndCnr Bennett andSmith Street Darwin

Aurora KakaduSouth Alligator

Goymarr Interpretive Centre Mary River Roadhouse

southern entrance to KakaduNational Park

Bowali Visitor CentreKakadu National Park

Gagudju Lodge CooindaKakadu National Park

Or purchase online at: http://www.kakadu.com.au/ticket.html

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76The name ‘Kakadu’ comes roman Aboriginal oodplain languagecalled Gagudju, which was one o the languages spoken in the northo the park at the beginning o thetwentieth century. Althoughlanguages such as Gagudju andLimilngan are no longer regularly spoken, descendants o theselanguage groups still live inKakadu. Aboriginal languages usedin the Park today includeKunwinjku rom the north-easternregion, Gun-djeihmi rom thecentral region and Jawoyn romthe southern region.

“ur land has a big

story. ometimeswe tell a little bit ata time. Come andhear our stories,see our land. A littlebit might stay inyour hearts. f youwant more, youcan come back...”

JACB NAINGGL

MANLAKARR CLAN

CONTENTS Culture

7 Welcome to country 8 A living cultural landscape10 The Rainbow Serpent12 Rock art

Environment14 Biodiversity 16 Crocodiles18 Landscapes and habitats

Seasons21 Six seasons o Kakadu24 The role o re

Activities26 Bowali Visitor Centre27 Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre27 Arts and crats28 Ranger talks and cultural tours30 Bushwalking 31 Boating and shing

Regions34 South Alligator Region36 Jabiru Region38 East Alligator Region40 Nourlangie Region42 Yellow Water Region44 Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls Gorge Region46 Mary River Region

Inormation 48 Visitor saety 50 Itineraries51 Cultural ways

The Aboriginal people o Kakadu areknown as Bininj/Mungguy.Bininj (pronounced bin-ing) is a Kunwinjku and Gun-djeihmi word;Mungguy (pronounced Moong-gooy) is a Jawoyn word. Both aresimilar to the English word “man”and depending on the context canmean man, male, person or Aboriginal people. Balanda meansnon-Aboriginal people.

Welcome to CountryThe Aboriginal traditional owners welcome you to KakaduNational Park. We are happy and proud to share thisspecial place with you. We hope you take the time to look,listen and feel the country, to experience the true essenceof this land. Take care and return safely to your familyand friends and share the memories and stories you willlearn from our country.



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Language, ceremonies, kinship and caring or country are all aspects o cultural responsibility that havepassed rom one generation to the next, rom theCreation Time.

Bininj/Mungguy believe that during the Creationtime important ancestral beings, known as therst people or Nayuhyunggi, journeyed across thelandscape creating the eatures and landorms,plants, animals and the generations o Bininj/ Mungguy we see today. The land and its people havealways been linked.

A living cultural landscapeKakadu is a living cultural landscape. Generations of Bininj/Mungguy have lived on and cared for this country for tensof thousands of years. Their spiritual connection with theland is globally recognised in Kakadu’s World Heritage listing,

which honours one of the oldest living societies on earth.

Culture

Fallen kalalajorn pandanus nuts

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“People need to come here and relax,sit on the country, feel the spiritsof this country, and go home and feelthe same way.”NATAA NAJI BUNID CAN

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The Rainbow erpentThe Rainbow Serpent was a major creator being. Shecreated passages through rocks and formed waterholesin the Kakadu landscape. She spl it rock faces and createdranges of hills, helping form the habitat for all beings.

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The Rainbow Serpent is a powerul ancestor,known by many Aboriginal groups throughout

Australia. The Rainbow Serpent played an importantrole in the conception o Bininj/Mungguy and theircultural obligations to care or country. She is alsopart o the lie cycle o plants and animals and theseasonal changes.

The many stories and sites associated with theRainbow Serpent are oten linked to water and places

where she travelled across country, leaving behindeatures in the landscape. Bininj/Mungguy believe she isstill present today, resting, and should never be disturbed.

Along with the Rainbow Serpent, Creation Ancestors came in many dierent orms. Otherimportant beings include Bula (Jawoyn Ancestor),Namarrgon (Lightning Man) and Warramurrungundji(Earth Mother).

In the Kakadu region alone, the Rainbow Serpenthas many dierent language names. To the north o the park she is known in Gun-djeihmi as ‘almudj’ andin Kunwinjku she is ‘ngalyod’. In Gagudju she isreerred to as ‘nama’rdeedjurr’, urther south Jawoynspeakers say ‘bolung’, and to the north-west she isknown in Limilngan as ‘lulydjudjan’.

The Kakadu National Park logo is a traditional image used to depict theRainbow Serpent. This culturaldesign was chosen to represent thelocal Aboriginal traditional ownersand the broader Aboriginalcommunity. It symbolises culturalunity across many clans and many languages throughout the region.The serpent’s image is a constantreminder o her power andpresence in the landscape. Moreimportantly, she is a reminder toBininj/Mungguy custodians and thenext generations about theirobligations to care or country.

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Artwork by Gabriel Maralngurra

Artwork by Gershom Garingarr

Artwork by Abel Naborlhborlh

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Mimi spirits were the rst o the Creation Ancestorsto paint on rock. They taught some Bininj how topaint and other Bininj learned by copying Mimi art.

At the end o their journeys, some Creation Ancestors

put themselves on rock walls as paintings and becamedjang (dreaming places). Some o these paintings areandjamun (sacred and dangerous) and can be seenonly by senior men or women; others can be seen by all people.

Bininj/Mungguy artists continue to paint on bark,paper, canvas and abric. In some cases, the act o painting puts artists in touch with their Creation

Ancestors — a powerul experience.Kakadu’s rock art (gunbim) represents one o the longest

historical records o any group o people in the world.More than 5,000 art sites tell o the Creation

Ancestors and the changes in the landscape overthousands o years. Look or naturalistic paintings o animals, or traditional X-ray art, and or paintingso the rst European contact.

The act o painting is generally more importantthan the painting itsel, so many older paintings arecovered by younger ones.

Rock art

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Creation Ancestors eatureprominently at the Ubirr rockart galleries

“n Dreaming painting, use special paint,

ochre, blood. Come back with that

feeling. Ceremony painting is not for

everyone to see. op business you can’t

see it. o through your body

and give you knowledge, Dreaming. You

might dream. ood one.” BILL NEIJIE BUNID CAN

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BiodiversityBiodiversity is the variety of life - the different plants,animals, insects and all other life forms, and theecosystems of which they are a part. Kakadu’s stunningbiodiversity is internationally recognised in its listing as aWorld Heritage Area.

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Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is one o very ew placesWorld Heritage listed or both its cultural and its natural values. Its enduring natural values stem rom its exceptional beauty and unique biodiversity, its variety o landorms, habitats and wildlie.

The protection and conservation o biodiversity is an important part o themanagement o this special place.

Kakadu is home to 68 mammals (almost one-th o Australia’s mammals),more than 120 reptiles, 26 rogs, over 300 tidal and reshwater sh species, morethan 2,000 plants and over 10,000 species o insects. It provides habitat or morethan 290 bird species (over one-third o Australia’s birds). Its internationally important wetlands are a major staging point or migratory birds.

Some o these species are threatened or endangered. Many are ound nowhereelse in the world and there are still others yet to be discovered.

The Creation Ancestors gave Bininj/Mungguy a kinship system linking peopleto all things and the cultural responsibility to look ater them all. They havealways understood the biodiversity o country and their traditional ancestralknowledge is a vital part o managing Kakadu’s rich environment.

Environment

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The beautiul pink blooms o theWurrmarninj lotus lily

Galawan Yellow-spotted monitorseeks reuge rom the oodwaters

Ngalmaykorlo male Gouldian nch

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CrocodilesCrocodiles are the world’s largest living reptiles. They are

also one of the most ancient, having existed unchangedfor nearly 200 million years. There are more than 20species of crocodilians in the world. Two species occur inAustralia: the freshwater and the estuarine (saltwater)crocodile.

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INCREASING CROCODIE NUMBERSBetween the 1940s and 1960s, crocodiles were huntedto near extinction or their skins. By 1971, bothspecies were ully protected. The estuarine crocodilepopulation has recovered dramatically and they continue to move urther inland into reshwaterrivers, billabongs and creeks in search o new territory. This has changed how Bininj/Mungguy liveon country and has also increased the risk o visitors

interacting with a crocodile. In some visitor areasaccess is only available ater park sta have trappedand removed any estuarine crocodiles that havemoved in during the wet season. These areas, knownas crocodile management zones, are extensively surveyed at the start o each dry season to ensure therisk or visitors is reduced. Traps remain in place orthe entire dry season as estuarine crocodiles may move in at any time. Detailed crocodile saety inormation is on page 48. Please read the crocodile

warning signs, condsider their inormation careully and obey all saety directions

FRESHWATER CROCODIESFreshwater crocodiles (Madjarrki, Crocodylus

johnstonii ) are only ound in Australia, where they livein reshwater rivers, creeks and plunge pools, such asMaguk and Gunlom. Freshwater crocodiles areusually shy animals but can become aggressive i disturbed, so do not approach them.

ESTUARINE (SATWATER) CROCODIES

Estuarine crocodiles (Ginga, Crocodylus porosus ) arealso ound in India, South East Asia and Papua New Guinea. Oten called ‘salties’, they live in reshwaterand estuarine areas, such as oodplains, billabongs,gorges, rivers and coastal waters. Estuarine crocodilesare aggressive. They have attacked and killed peoplein Kakadu. For your saety, please obey all crocodile

warning signs – do not enter the water and keep away rom the water’s edge.

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Ginga Estuarine crocodile

Madjarrki Freshwater crocodile

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“We still hunt ourturtle, goanna orle snake. We usedto swim in the water,but not this timebecause the croc’severywhere, ginga.”

VNNE MARGARLMIRARR CAN

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Landscapes and habitatsWithin the vast landscapes of Kakadu, there are 6 mainlandforms. Each landform and the habitats it containshas a range of plants and animals. As you move throughKakadu, take the time to explore and appreciate thediversity of the areas you visit - each one is truly unique.

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FOODPAINS, RIVERS AND BIABONGS Floodplains undergo dramatic seasonal changes.Following wet season rains, a sea o shallow reshwater spreads out or hundreds o squarekilometres. As the oodplains start to dry, waterbirdsand crocodiles seek reuge in the remaining wet areassuch as Yellow Water and Mamukala wetlands.

MONSOON VINE FORESTS Monsoon vine orests occur in small, isolated patches.Fruit-eating birds and ying oxes connect the plants

in these isolated pockets by dispersing pollen andseeds as they move rom pocket to pocket.

SOUTHERN HIS AND RIDGES The hills and broken ridge lines in the south o Kakadu are the result o millions o years o erosion,creating a diversity o habitats and the presence o plants and animals that do not occur anywhere else.

STONE COUNTR The dominant sandstone escarpment o the ArnhemLand Plateau ranges rom 30 to 300 metres high, andincludes the rock shelters and outliers around Ubirrand Nourlangie. In some areas the escarpment erodes

by up to 1 metre every thousand years.

TIDA FATS, MANGROVES AND COASTINE Almost 500 square kilometres o coastal and estuarineareas, most lined with mangroves, orm important

nurseries or many sh including barramundi. These wetlands, including oodplains, billabongs, rivers,coasts and estuarine areas, are recognisedinternationally as being signicant or migratory

birds.

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SAVANNA WOODANDSWoodlands make up nearly 80 per cent o Kakadu.

Appearing to consist mostly o eucalypts and tallgrasses, they may seem lieless at rst glance.However, the woodlands support a greater variety o plants and animals than any other habitat in Kakadu.

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A towering cathedral termite mound



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ix seasons of Kakadu

Throughout the year, Kakadu’s landscapes undergospectacular changes. Bininj/Mungguy recognise up tosix different seasons, as well as subtle variations thatsignpost the transition from one season to another.This knowledge of nature is fundamental to the cultureof Kakadu and its people. Bininj/Mungguy have livedwith the changing landscape for tens of thousands ofyears, adapting and using the land for food, shelterand general well−being.

easons

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2322 SI SEASONS OF KAKADU

Yegge:Cool weather time, May to JuneThe wetlands are carpeted with water lilies. Drying winds andowering Darwin woolly butttell Bininj/Mungguy to patchwork burn the woodlands to encouragenew growth.

Banggerreng:Harvest time, AprilClear skies prevail. The vastexpanses o oodwater recede andstreams start to run clear. Mostplants are ruiting and animals arecaring or their young.

Gudjewg:Monsoon, December to MarchThe heat and humidity generate anexplosion o plant and animal lie.Spear grass grows to over 2 metrestall and creates a silvery-green huethroughout the woodlands.

To experience the real essence o Kakaduplease slow down, take your time, absorbour relationship with the land, and embracenature the way we do.

Wurrgeng:Early dry season, June to AugustMost creeks stop owing and theoodplains quickly dry out. Magpiegeese, at and heavy ater weeks o abundant ood, crowd the shrinking billabongs.

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Gurrung:Hot dry season, August to OctoberHunting time or le snakes andlong-necked turtles. White-breasted wood swallows arrive asthunderclouds build, signalling thereturn o Gunumeleng.

Gunumeleng:Pre-monsoon, October to DecemberStreams begin to run, water birdsspread out as surace water and new growth becomes widespread.Barramundi move rom the waterholes downstream to theestuaries to breed.



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Reducing the risk o wildres:Please help prevent wildres. Makesure your cigarette butts and matchesare out and put them in rubbish bins,not on the ground. Clear the area around your campre and ensure it isully extinguished beore you leave.Use uel stoves to cook.

Aboriginal people have burned country or tens o thousands o years. The ancestors gave them a culturalobligation to look ater and clean up country, a duty handed down rom generation to generation. Signs innature told them o the time to burn, a time whenminimal harm would be done to country but huge benets would be gained.

Their ongoing traditional management o country isrecognised in Kakadu’s World Heritage listing.

Balanda (non-Aboriginal people) are now starting torealise the value o this age-old Aboriginal knowledge. Insome areas where no burning took place, noticeable harm was done. Now that traditional burning is back, thelandscape is once again abundant with native ora andauna. These days, conservation managers across the topo Australia are using traditional patch burning in thecooler weather to prevent wildres, to repair country andto encourage biodiversity to recover.

The role of re

“ his earth, never damage. look after.Fire is nothing, just clean up. When youburn, new grass coming up. hat meansgood animal soon, might be goanna,possum, wallaby. Burn him off, newgrass coming up, new life all over.”BILL NEIJIE BUNIT CAN

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BowaliVISITOR CENTREBowali (Bor-warl-ee) is a Gun-djeihmi name orthe local area and creek on land owned by the Mirrarclan. The building’s design was inspired by an Aboriginalrock shelter.

Inormation sta are available to help you plan yourKakadu visit. Every hal hour, there is an audio-visualpresentation, giving dierent perspectives on Kakadu.The habitat display and library have detailedinormation about Kakadu and how much there is to seeand do.

The Marrawuddi Gallery promotes Aboriginal ne art by artists rom Kakadu and the wider region. Rereshmentsare available rom the Anmak An-me Caé. Bowali VisitorCentre is open rom 8.00 am to 5.00 pm daily (exceptChristmas Day).Tel: (08) 8938 1120Email: [email protected] area map on page 5.

Activities

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Warradjan

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ABORIGINA CUTURA CENTREThe shape o this building represents a Warradjan, whichis a Gun-djeihmi name or pig-nosed turtle. This culturalcentre is on land owned by the Murumburr clan.Developed by Bininj/Mungguy, the display providesdetailed inormation about local Aboriginal culture to

help you gain an understanding o the connectionBininj/Mungguy have with their amilies and their land.Traditional owners ask that you do not take photographs while you are inside Warradjan.

During the dry season, cultural activities arescheduled here. Contact Bowali Visitor Centre orurther inormation.

The Warradjan Git Shop has a selection o arts, crats, books, clothing, cards and light rereshments.Warradjan is open rom 9.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.See area map page 5.

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For Bininj/Mungguy, art is an expression o culturalidentity and connection to country. Traditionalpaintings with ochres are commonly done on paperand canvas – a more sustainable practice than on

bark, which is used less oten now. Didgeridoos, clapsticks, carvings and hunting tools are made romdierent bush timbers. Women have a long traditiono collecting plant bres and bush dyes which are

woven into ornaments such as baskets, mats and jewellery pieces. Another increas ingly popular artorm is screen printing traditional and contemporary designs onto abrics.

Visitors can buy arts, crats and arteacts madein Kakadu or neighbouring Arnhem Land rom a number o dierent outlets within the region.

Arts and crafts

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Bowali Visitor Centre



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Ranger talksand cultural toursKakadu offers visitors a unique

opportunity to connect with Aboriginalculture through a range of toursdesigned to enlighten and inform.

RANGER GUIDED WAKS AND TAKSDuring the dry season visitors can join rangers or reeactivities throughout Kakadu, including daily art sitetalks, walks, cultural activities and night-time slideshows. These activities provide you with a chance togain an insight into Kakadu’s diverse natural lie andthe culture and traditions o Bininj/Mungguy.

Attending talks: Please respect the experiences o others by moving through or passing by talks very quietly. Commercial tours and their clients are most

welcome to join talks; however, we would encouragechecking with the ranger guide on site as space islimited at some sites.

What’s On Guide: To nd out more, pick up a Guide rom the Bowali Visitor Centre, rom Kakadu’shotels and commercial camping grounds; romTourism Top End outlets in Darwin city; or romservices en route to Kakadu on the Arnhem andKakadu Highways, such as the Bark Hut Inn or theMary River Roadhouse or online at: www.kakadu.com.

More inormation on a variety o subjects including language, geology, rock art and walks is availablein the Kakadu National Park Notes. Park Notes areavailable on the web at http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/

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INDIGENOUS CUTURA TOURS Animal Tracks Saari: Aboriginal culture and wildlie, eaturing bush ood gathering and cooking. Tel: (08) 8979 0145 Email: [email protected] www.animaltracks.com.au

Ayal Aboriginal Tours Kakadu: Experience wildlie and Aboriginal rock art with a local Aboriginal guide. Tel: 0429 470 384 Email: [email protected] www.ayalkakadu.com.au

Djabulukgu Association cultural 4WD & boat tours: Experience culture and scenery aboard the Arnhemlander 4WD Tour and the Magela Cultural and Heritage Tour.Cruise the East Alligator River aboard theGuluyambi Boat Tour or breathtaking viewso the surrounding area. Tel: 1800 895 179 Email: [email protected] www.kakaduculturaltours.com.au

Kakadu Culture Camp: Experience Aboriginal culture and a unique night wildlie boatcruise (private bookings only). Book Trek Arnhem Land or a Luxury 4WD PrivateCharter or a unique wilderness tour. Tel: 0428 792 048Email: [email protected] www.kakaduculturecamp.com

Kakadu Gorge and Waterall Tours: Spectacular adventure taking you o road to see the best o Kakadu. Tel: (08) 8979 0145 Email: [email protected] www.gagudju-dreaming.com

Wurrgeng Cultural Walk : Intimate guided walking tours with one o Kakadu’straditional owners. Tel: (08) 8979 0145 Email: [email protected]

Yellow Water Cruise: Nature and culture cruise on Yellow Water wetlands.Tel: (08) 8979 0145 Email: [email protected] www.gagudju-dreaming.com

OTHER TOURS BASED IN KAKADUKakadu Air: Scenic ights over Kakadu. Tel: 1800 089 113 Email: [email protected] www.kakaduair.com.au

Kakadu Fishing Tours: Fishing tours on some o Kakadu’s most breathtaking waterways.

Tel: (08) 8979 2025 Email: [email protected] Kakadu & Arnhemland Saaris: Day tours to Arnhem Land and private touring in Kakadu. Tel: (08) 8948 2200 Email: [email protected] www.lords-saaris.com

The Scenic Flight Company: Scenic ights over Kakadu. Tel: (08) 8979 3432Email: [email protected] www.scenicight.com.au

Top End Explorer Tours: 4WD day tours and private charters to Jim Jim Jim Falls,Twin Falls and other exciting Kakadu visitor sites.Tel.: (08) 8979 3615 Email: [email protected] www.kakadutours.net.au

Yellow Water Fishing Saaris: Fishing tours on Yellow Water wetlands.Tel: (08) 8979 0145 Email: [email protected]

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Walking is a great way to experience Kakadu. Thereare many walks throughout the park, including a widevariety o short and easy day walks as well as somelonger, more challenging ull-day walks or those whoare t. Check seasonal conditions and access.

Extended overnight bushwalks are also available.However, these require a high level o experience andcan be ar more physically demanding. For these

reasons, a permit is required or anyone wishing to doan overnight bushwalk. Advance planning is essential,as is the ability to navigate using a topographic mapand a compass. The routes are unmarked, and extendthrough remote and rugged country with variableclimatic conditions.

It is important to prevent dehydration. Make sure youalways take plenty o water and make sure you read thevisitor saety inormation on pages 48 and 49.

You can get urther inormation on permits by contacting the Permits Ofcer on (08) 8938 1140 or by emailing [email protected]. Permitsmay take up to 14 days to process.

Bushwalking

“Walking is good.You follow track...you sleep, wake inmorning to birds,maybe kookaburra.You feel country.”BILL NEIJIE BUNIT CAN

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Boating on Kakadu’s waterways can be dangerous dueto strong currents, sand bars, submerged logs andcrocodiles. For this reason use o non-motorisedvessels (canoes) is prohibited.

Please let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. In tidal areas alwayscarry lie jackets, water, oars, ares, torch, tool kit,extra uel, EPIRB and a satellite phone. Reer to theNorthern Territory Marine Act signs or more detailedsaety inormation. Boating is prohibited in certainareas – check at the Bowali Visitor Centre or details.

Concrete boat ramps are located at the South Alligator River near the Arnhem Highway, the East Alligator River, Yellow Water, Mardugal and Jim JimBillabong. Unsealed boat ramps are located at WaldakIrrmbal and Muirella Park.

Aas emembe, cces cc ea bat amps. For your saety, be alert or crocodiles at all times.

– Keep away rom the water’s edge and do notenter the water.

– Take extreme care when launching andretrieving boats.

– Do not reach into the water to bring up a sh;use a landing net.

– Do not clean sh or bleed sh in or nearthe water’s edge, as this may attract crocodiles.

– Remove all sh and ood waste, which attract

crocodiles. See pages 16, 17 and 48 or moreinormation on crocodiles in Kakadu.

Avoid spread o salvinia Salvinia is a ree-oating aquatic ern native to South

America. It was originally imported as an aquariumplant. It reproduces very rapidly by growing rom smallragments. The areas between Yellow Water north tothe South Alligator River, and the Magela Creek romMudginberri to Nankeen Billabongs have been closedto boating as a quarantine measure. I boating nearSalvinia please help stop this weed rom choking Kakadu’s wetland areas. Check your boat, trailer and carand remove any salvinia beore moving on.

Boating and shingFishing:Live bait shing is not permitted inKakadu. Recreational shing, using a line with a single hook or lure ispermitted in waters west o theKakadu Highway except in the West Alligator River system. A landing netmay be used to land hooked sh. Toprovide reuge areas, shing is notpermitted in waters east o theKakadu Highway except at thecamping areas o Muirella Park(Djarradjin and Sandy Billabongs)and Jim Jim Billabong. Crab potsand taking crabs, rearms, traps,nets, spearguns and spears are

prohibited in any CommonwealthReserve. Contact the Bowali VisitorCentre, telephone(08) 8938 1120 or latest inormation.

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Regions

The seven regions of Kakadu“If you respect the land, then you will feelthe land. our experience will be one that youcannot get anywhere else in the world.”BRIAN BARWEI WURRKBARBAR CAN

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outh Alligator region

Nour lang ie

C r e e k

S O U T H

A L L I G A T O R

R I V E R

2. 5

7

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3.6

AnggardabalBillabong

Gungarre walk

AuroraKakaduResort

Picnicarea

MamukalaWetands

Mamukala walk

Bird hide

Mamukala

Bowali Visitor Centre 31 kmJabiru 31 km

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H I G H

W A Y

KEY: refer to mapinside front cover

Darwin 210 kmRanger Station

(Emergencyinformation only)

Central to this area is the South Alligator River.The entire river and its catchment are contained andprotected in Kakadu National Park.

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ACCOMMODATION Aurora Kakadu Resort: Motel rooms, tent sites,powered and unpowered van sites, restaurant, storeand guest pool. Reservations recommended.Tel: (08) 8979 0166Bush Camping Areas: $5 ee (adults) collection box.Basic toilet acilities at Waldak Irrmbal (West AlligatorHead). Free: Two Mile, Four Mile Hole, Red Lily Billabong, Bucket Billabong and Alligator Billabong. Notoilet available. Check seasonal access. Drinking water isnot available. Rubbish bins are not provided, so please

bring rubbish out with you.

MAIN ATTRACTIONSMamukala (Mar-moo-car-lar) wetlands: Check wetseason access. Mamukala is beautiul all year but at itsmost dramatic in the late dry season (September –October) when thousands o magpie geese congregateto eed. An observation platorm allows you to view the

birdlie and a mural illustrates the seasonal changesthat occur through the year. There is also a 3 km walkadjacent to the wetlands. Allow 1 to 2 hours or the ull

walk.Gu-ngarre (Goong-narr-ee) walk: Check wet seasonaccess. Starts at the large banyan g tree near the

Aurora Kakadu Resort and eatures a 3.6 km circular walk through monsoon orest, woodlands and along the margins o Anggardabal Billabong. Allow 2 hours.

SERVICES Aurora Kakadu Resort store: Sells petrol,diesel, ood and souvenirs.

If you have MoRe tIMe... South Alligator River and picnicarea: Picnic tables and barbequeareas near the South Alligator bridge on the Arnhem Highway and boat ramp at the northern end o the carpark (See page 31 or more boating inormation).O the highway: (Dry season only)There are 2 major our-wheel drivetracks in the area: the WaldakIrrmbal (West Alligator Head) track(which accesses Two Mile Hole,and Four Mile Hole) and the RedLily Billabong, Bucket Billabong and Alligator Billabong track. Bothtracks lead to destinations suitableor boating, bird watching andcamping. Pease ea te ccefmat page 48.

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Mamukala wetlands

Bamurru magpie geese mass onthe oodplain

Red Lily Billabong (4WD accessonly)

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3736

Jabiru region

Bur dulba C r e

e k

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K A K A

D U

ARNHEM

H I G H W A Y

HIGHW AY

Yellow Water 35 km

Illigadjarr walk

LakeviewPark

not to scale

LakePicnic area

Ubirr,East AligatorRiver 40 km

Darwin 249 kmJabiru EastAirport 4.5 km

Kakadu Lodge

GagudjuCrocodileHoliday Inn

JABIRU

Malabanjbanjdju

Bowali Visitor CentrePark Headquarters

Burdbulba

Jabiru Swimming Pool


abiru is the main township in Kakadu, providing arange of essential services for visitors, and a gatewayto all parts of the park and Arnhem and.

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MAIN ATTRACTIONS Bowali Visitor Centre: The Bowali Visitor Centrecontains a wealth o inormation about Kakaduincluding a theater, library and interpretive display.Sta are available to help you plan your visit.Open daily: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tel: (08) 8938 1120.The Marrawuddi Gallery: Stocks Aboriginalarts and crats, books and gits. Rereshmentsavailable rom the Anmak An-me Caé. Open daily rom 9:00 am-4:00 pm (wet) / 8:30 am-5:00 pm (dry).

ACCOMMODATION Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn: Hotel rooms(air conditioned), restaurant, git shop, guest pooland bookings or commercial tours. Reservationsrecommended. Tel: (08) 8979 2800

Kakadu Lodge: Budget accommodation, airconditioned cabins, tent sites, powered van sites, barbeque acilities, camper’s kitchen. Bar/bistro orguests and visitors.Tel: (08) 8979 2422Lakeview Park: Bush bungalows, cabins andair-conditioned rooms. Reservations recommended.Tel: (08) 8979 3144Bush Camping Areas: $5 ee (adults) collection box.Basic toilet acilities at Malabanjbanjdju andBurdulba. Drinking water is not available. Checkseasonal access.

Please read the crocodile information on page 48.

SERVICES In Jabiru there is a service station, supermarket,newsagent and post ofce (Commonwealth Bankagency), Westpac Bank, travel agent, medical centreand chemist (Tel: (08) 8979 2018), police, publictelephones, swimming pool, library (internet),hairdresser, gol course, restaurant, caé and bakery.

If you have MoRe tIMe... Bowali bike and walking track: Starts opposite the GagudjuCrocodile Holiday Inn in Jabiru. A 4 km return rammed earth path winds through woodlands to theBowali Visitor Centre. Allow 30 to45 minutes each way.Iligadjarr (Illy-gar-jarr) walk:(Dry season only.) Starts at theMalabanjbanjdju or Burdulba Camping Areas and eatures a 3.8 km circular walk across a small grassy oodplain and along Burdulba Billabong. Allow 2 hours.Tours: Several land-based toursdepart rom Jabiru. Scenic ights, which depart rom both JabiruEast and Cooinda, provide anawe-inspiring bird’s eye view o Kakadu and its many and variedhabitats. See page 29 or tour booking inormation.

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Bowali Visitor Centre

Experience Kakadu rom the air

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3938

East Alligator regionIn the shadow of the magnicent Arnhem andescarpment, discover rainforest, stone country, rock art,extensive oodplains and the beautiful East Alligator River.

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2.5

6.5

To residential area (no public access)

ARNHEM LAND

Cahills Crossing

Mawoene woene(Catfish Creek)

A L L I G A T O R

E A S T

R I V E R

Manngarre walk

Bardedjilidjiwalk

Sandstone and

River bushwalk

Merl

UpstreamBoat Ramp

DownstreamBoat Ramp

Border StoreManbiyarra

Ubirr


Ranger Station(Emergency Information Only)

Jabiru 43 km

To Kunbarllanjnja (Oenpelli)

Arnhem Land - Permit from Northern Land Council required for entry.Tel: 08 8938 3000

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SERVICES The Border Store: Sells ood and drinks, shing gear,souvenirs and takes bookings or commercial tours.Open during the dry season. Tel: (08) 8979 2474.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Ubirr (Oo-beerr): (Check wet season access andopening times.) A 1 km circular track takes youpast several ascinating Aboriginal rock art sites.

A moderately steep, 250 m climb takes you to thetop o a rocky lookout that oers superb views overthe Nadab oodplain, particularly beautiul atsunset. Allow at least 1 hour. Open April 1 to Nov 30rom 8.30 am – sunset. Dec 1 to March 31 rom2.00 pm – sunset. During the dry season, rangersprovide inormative talks about Aboriginal art andculture several times a day. See the What’s On Guide or details.East Alligator River: (Check wet season access.)Just east o Merl Camping Area and the BorderStore, a tidal river orms the boundary betweenKakadu and Arnhem Land. The Guluyambi boatcruise operates during the dry season and on Magela Creek during the wet season. Guides explain aspectso local Aboriginal culture while you travel slowly along the waterways. See page 29 or tour booking inormation. Boat ramps are located upstream anddownstream o Cahills Crossing. See page 31 ormore boating inormation.

ACCOMMODATION Managed Camping Area: $10 ee (adults) collected onsite. Showers, toilets and generator zone at Merl.

Check seasonal access.

If you have MoRe tIMe... Bardedjilidji (Bar-de-jill-eed-gee)

walk: (Check wet season access.)Starts at a small carpark 500 mrom the upstream boat ramp and

eatures a 2.5 km walk throughlayered sandstone outliers. One o Kakadu’s most interesting short walks. Allow 2 hours.Manngarre (Marn-narr-ay)rainorest walk: (Dry season only.)3 circular walks, rom 0.6 km to 1.5km, through monsoon rainorest beside the East Alligator River. Allow 1 hour or the 1.5 km walk.Cahills Crossing picnic area:(Check wet season access.) Featuresriverside picnic tables and a viewing platorm over the East Alligator River.Sandstone and river bushwalk: (Dry season only.) Starts o theBardedjilidji walk and eatures a 6.5 km marked circular walk whichtakes you past Catsh Creek,oodplains, billabongs, sandstoneoutliers and the East AlligatorRiver. Allow 4 hours.

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View rom Ubirr over the Nadaboodplain in the dry

Guluyambi boat cruise on theEast Alligator River



4140

Nourlangie regionBurrunggui (Boor–oon–goy) is the Gun–djeihmi name for theupper section of Nourlangie. Anbangbang is the name for thelower section of the rock and surrounding area.

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1.5

125

NanguluwurBarrkBushwalk

Bowali Visitor Centre 19 km

Nawurlandja

AnbangbangBillabong walk

DjarradjinBillabong

Nourlangie

AnbangbangGallery

K o o n g a

r r a P r o j

e c t A r e

a

Sandy Billabong

MirraiLookout


Cooinda20 km

Bubbawalk

MuirellaPark

Gubara

4 W D O

N L Y

C r e e k

K A K A D U

H I G H W

A Y

G u b a r a

w a l k

N o u r l a n g i e

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MAIN ATTRACTIONSNourlangie (Burrunggui): Features a 1.5 km circular

walk that takes you past an ancient Aboriginal shelterand several outstanding art sites. A moderately steepclimb to Gun-warddehwardde Lookout providesimpressive views o Kakadu’s escarpment andNourlangie.During the dry season, rangers provide inormativetalks several times a day. See the What’s On Guide ordetails. Open daily until sunset.Kakadu Culture Camp: Operates during the dry season at Muirella Park. Night spotlight boat cruise onDjarradjin Billabong with interactive culturalactivities. Bookings 1800 811 633.

Anbangbang (Arn-barng-barng) Billabong: (Check wetseason access.) A 2.5 km dry season circular walk with

Nourlangie orming an impressive backdrop, this is oneo Kakadu’s most attractive billabongs. Allow 1 hour.Nawurlandja (Now-oo-larn-ja) Lookout walk:

A 600 m climb up a moderately steep slope oersviews o the escarpment, Nourlangie and Anbangbang Billabong. Allow 40 minutes.Nanguluwur (Narng-oo-loo-war) art site walk:

A 3.4 km return walk through woodlands leads to a quiet Aboriginal rock art site. Allow 2 hours.Gubara (Goo-bar-rar) Pools walk: (Check wet seasonaccess.) A 6 km return walk past sandstone clis toshady monsoon orest pools. A pleasant place to spendthe heat o the day. Allow 4 hours.

If you have MoRe tIMe...

Bubba (Boop-bar) walk: (Dry seasononly.) Starts at the Djarradjin(Muirella Park )Camping Area,eaturing a 3.5 km circular walkthrough several wetland habitats. Allow 2 hours.Mirrai (Mirr-eye) Lookout walk: A moderately difcult 2 km return walk to a platorm lookout on top o Mount Cahill. A steep climb. Allow 1.5 hours.Sandstone Barrk walk: Branching o the Nourlangielookout track, just past the maingallery, this is a difcult12 km walk through the sandstonecountry o Nourlangie, past theNanguluwur art gallery and back tothe Nourlangie car park. See theBarrk Walk Park Note available romBowali Visitor Centre. Allow 6 to 8 hours.

Pease ea te cce aeat fmat page 48.

ACCOMMODATION Kakadu Culture Camp: Night cruise and culturalexperience with a local Aboriginal amily at Muirella Park (Djarradjin). Reservations essential. Private

bookings only. See page 29 or booking inormation.Managed Camping Area: $10 ee (adults) collected on site during the dry season. Muirella Park (Djarradjin) has showers, toiletsand is a no-generator zone. Check seasonal access.Bush Camping Area: $5 ee (adults) collection box.Basic toilet acilities beyond Muirella Park(Djarradjin) at Sandy Billabong. Check seasonal

access. 4WD recommended. Drinking water is notavailable.

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Rock art at Burrunggui (Nourlangie).

Burrunggui and Anbangbang Billabong

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4342

The local Aboriginal name for ellow Water isNgurrungurrudjba (Noor–roong–oo–rooj–bar).The world-famous wetlands are not to be missed.

ellow Water region

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Pine Creek 156 km


Mardugal

J i m

J i m

Jim Jim Billabong

Gun-gardunwalk

MardugalBillabongwalk

Bowali Visitor Centre 45 km

Jabiru 50 km

YellowWaterwalk

Yellow Water

Warradjan AborginalCultural Centre

AirstripGagudjuLodge Cooinda

K A K A D U

H I G H W

A Y

J i m J i m C r e

e k

0 .5

B i l l a b o n g

Ranger Station(Emergency information only)

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SERVICES Gagudju Lodge Cooinda store: Sells petrol, diesel,ood and souvenirs, and takes bookings orcommercial tours.

ACCOMMODATION Gagudju Lodge Cooinda: Motel rooms, budgetaccommodation, tent sites, powered van sites,

bistro, restaurant, pool, store and internet caé.Reservations recommended. Tel: (08) 8979 0145Managed Camping Area: $10 ee (adults) collected onsite. Mardugal has showers, toilets and is a generator

zone. Check seasonal access.Note: Water not suitable or drinking.Bush Camping Areas: $5 ee (adults) collection box.Basic toilet acilities available at Jim Jim Billabong.Check seasonal access.Drinking water not available.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Yellow Water Wetlands: (Check wet season access.) Yellow Water is part o the South Alligator Riveroodplain. A boardwalk provides good views o

Yellow Water’s wildlie. When the waters recede,a 2.6 km return walk takes you across the oodplainsto a viewing platorm on Home Billabong. The Yellow Water boat cruise operates throughout the year andprovides a marvellous opportunity to see the varied

birdlie o Kakadu’s World Heritage wetlands.See page 29 or booking inormation.Warradjan (Warr-ar-jarn) Aboriginal CulturalCentre: The circular design o this cultural centrerepresents a warradjan (pig-nosed turtle). Thecentre’s large display, developed by Bininj/Mungguy,provides detailed inormation about Aboriginalculture in Kakadu. There is also a video room and a gallery that sells Aboriginal arts and crats, booksand cards. Open daily: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.Tel: (08) 8979 0051


Mardugal (Mar-doo-garl)Billabong walk: (Dry season only.)

A 1 km return walk ollows the edgeo Mardugal Billabong. Allow 30 minutes.Gun-gardun (Goong-gar-doon)

walk: Starts near the entrance o the Mardugal Camping Area andeatures a 2 km circular walkthrough woodlands, Kakadu’s most widespread habitat. Allow 1 hour.Boating: Boat ramps are located atJim Jim Billabong, Yellow Waterand Mardugal Billabong (see page31 or more boating inormation).

Pease ea te ccefmat page 48.Scenic fights provide the only means o seeing the spectacularJim Jim and Twin Falls during the wet season when they are in ood.Scenic ights depart rom Cooinda Airstrip. See page 29 or booking inormation.

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Ngurrungurrudjba– Yellow Water

Andem – Water lily

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4544

Jim Jim Falls and TwinFalls Gorge region

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4 W D O N L

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Budjmi Walk

G a r n a m a r r

Kakadu Highway 50 km

Twin Falls(Access to falls by boatand walking track)


Picnic area

J i m

J i m

C r e

e k

Jim Jim Falls(1 km walk over rocksto base of falls)

(DR SEASON, 4WD ON). Spectacular all year - seethis area from the ground in the dry season, and fromthe air in the wet season.

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ACCOMMODATION

Managed Camping Area: $10 ee (adults) collected onsite. Showers, toilets. No generators at GarnamarrCamping Area. Check seasonal access.

If you have MoRe tIMe... Budjmi (Booj-me) Lookout:

(Dry season only.) A moderately steep 1 km return walk to the topo a rocky outcrop, which p rovidesgreat views o the escarpmentclis. Allow 45 minutes.Plateau above Twin Falls: A steep6 km return walk to the plateau, withgood views and pools along TwinFalls Creek above the alls. Forurther inormation contact BowaliVisitor Centre.Barrk Marlam Bushwalk: Thismarked day walk branches o theJim Jim Falls Plunge Pool track. It isa very steep, difcult 6 km return walk through the rugged stonecountry typical o the Arnhem LandPlateau. Allow 4 to 6 hours.Commercial tours and fights: 4WDtours are available in the area during the dry season. During the wetseason Jim Jim and Twin Falls can be viewed via a scenic ight. Seepage 29 or booking inormation.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool: (Dry season only, 4WD.)Turn east o the Kakadu Highway 43 km south o theBowali Centre. Engage 4WD, travel 50 km. Allow 2 hours one-way. Please adhere to speed limits anddrive saely. The last 10 km o track includes areas o sot sand. Features a 2 km return walk throughmonsoon orest and over boulders to a deep plungepool surrounded by spectacular 150 m high clis.During the dry season the waterall stops owing.

Allow 1 to 2 hours. Estae cces ae bee t me t te Jm Jm Fas aea. Pease eate cce fmat page 48.Twin Falls Gorge: ( Dry season only, high clearance4WD, snorkel recommended.) From Garnamarr travel

8 km towards Jim Jim Falls, turn right and travel a urther 11 km to Twin Falls. Engage 4WD. The lastsection involves a deep water crossing at Jim Jim Creek.

Allow hal an hour rom Jim Jim Falls, one way. Pleaseadhere to speed limits and drive saely. Access to TwinFalls is by a boat shuttle service and a walking trackover boulders and sand, and a boardwalk. Tickets orthe boat shuttle can be purchased at the Bowali VisitorCentre, Twin Falls or commercial outlets.

Allow 2 hours. Smmg s pbte T Fas Gge asestae cces ma cc ee.

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Jim Jim Falls in ull wet season ow

Twin Falls Gorge

A our-wheel drive vehicle isessential

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4746

Mary River regionThe awoyn people believe that powerful CreationAncestors rest here and they should not be disturbed.This area offers spectacular bushwalks, with powerfulwaterfalls in the wet and sparkling waterholes in the dry.

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Pine Creek 59 kmKatherine 149 km

Darwin 285 km


Goymarr Interpretive Centre(Mary River Roadhouse)

Information Bayand Ranger Station

Bukbukluk

Jarrangbarnmi(Permit required}

Gunlom (Waterfall Creek)

MagukGungurul

Yellow Water 53 km

R I V E R

M A R Y

G e r o w i e

K a m b

o l g i e

C r e e k

A l l i g

a t o r

F i s h e r

C r e e k

K o o l p

i n

C r e e

k

S o u t h

K A

K A D U

H I G H W

A Y4 W D O N L Y

Ford

C r e e k

YurmikmikWalks

Guratba(Coronation Hill)

GimbatPicnic Area

4 W D O N L Y

Kambolgie

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Maguk (Mar-gook) Plunge Pool*: (Gravel road, dry season only, 4WDrecommended.) A 2 km return walkthrough monsoon orest and along a sandy and rocky creek leads to a small waterall and clear plunge pool. Allow 1 to 2 hours.*Estae cces ae bee t me t Mag. Peaseea te cce fmat

page 48.Bukbukluk Lookout: Picnic tablesand a 400 m return walk to a lookout with views over the old Goodparla Station.Jarrangbarnmi:(Dry season only,4WD.) Bush camping beside KoolpinCreek. Access by permit only.Permits can be organised throughthe Permits Ofcer, Kakadu NationalPark (08) 8938 1140.

Pease ea te cce fmat page 48.Gimbat picnic area: (Dry seasononly, 4WD.) A shady picnic area situated near Guratba (CoronationHill) and the South Alligator River.

Gungurul (Goong-u-rool) Picnic andCamping Area: Gungurul isaccessible all year by 2WD vehicles,caravans, campervans and coaches.There are picnic tables and basictoilet acilities. A 4 km return walkleads you to a branch o the South Alligator River and up a moderateclimb to a lookout with views overthe South Alligator Valley. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

ACCOMMODATION Goymarr Interpretive Centre (Mary River Roadhouse): (Just outside Kakadu.) The Mary River Roadhouse isowned by the Werenbun Aboriginal Corporation. Motelrooms, backpacker accommodation, powered van sites andcamping. Telephone (08) 8975 4564 (road house)89754048 (interpretive centre). Managed Camping Area: $10 ee (adults) collected on

site. Showers, toilets and generator zone. BBQs in day use area at Gunlom. Gravel road.Check seasonal access.Bush Camping Areas: $5 ee (adults) collection box.Maguk, Gungurul and Kambolgie. Drinking water isnot available. Check seasonal access or Maguk andKambolgie. Basic toilet acilities, BBQ areas and picnictables. Drinking water is not available.

SERVICES Goymarr Interpretive Centre (Mary River Roadhouse): Visitor inormation, ood, stores and uel.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Gunlom (Goon-lom): (Gravel road; check wet seasonaccess). A popular camping area located near a clearplunge pool and waterall.

A 2 km return steep climb takes you to the top o the waterall and a lookout with great views oversouthern Kakadu. A 2.5 km return walk leads toMurrill Billabong and South Alligator River rom thecamping area.

Yurmikmik Walks: (Gravel road; check wet seasonaccess.) A series o interconnected walking tracks,

which provide a wonderul wet season experience.The individual walks are: Boulder Creek Walk (2 kmreturn); Yurmikmik Lookout Walk (5 km return);Motor Car Falls (7.5 km return); and Kurrundie CreekWalk (11 km return - permit required ).

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Waterhole at the top o Gunlom



Visitor afetyCROCODIES Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are dangerous.They have attacked and killed people.

They inhabit most areas o water in KakaduNational Park including oodplains, reshwaterbillabongs, creeks, rivers and coastal areas.

In most locations, crocodile warning signs tell younot to enter the water and to keep away rom thewater’s edge. Obey signs warning o crocodiles.

I you do not see a warning sign, assume that

crocodiles are present.

CIFFSClimbing rock ledges and clis and walking orstanding near cli edges can lead to serious injury ordeath, especially when rock suraces are wet.Keep well away rom all cli edges.

WHAT TO WEAR During the heat o the day, you will be mostcomortable in loose covering clothing which iscool but protects you rom sunburn and insect bites.Use sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat andsunglasses. Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as theRoss River virus, so i they are biting, use a repellent.Sunscreen and repellents may pollute our waterwaysso apply ahead o time.

PrEvEnTinG dEhydrATion:Limit your activity to the coolerparts o the day (mornings and lateaternoons) and drink plenty o water. Most people need between4 to 8 litres o water per day sostart drinking water early (coee,tea and alcohol don’t count!). Forevery hour you walk, carry at least1 litre o water per person.

dEhydrATion SiGnS And SyMPToMS: Early symptoms include eeling thirsty, excess sweating,headache, dizziness and nausea.I dehydration continues, it canresult in seizures, a loss o consciousness and even death.

FirST Aid:Lie the person down in a coolshaded area.Give them water in small quantitiesat a time (creek water is alright i you have no other water).I the person cannot keep the waterdown, or does not recover quickly,seek medical assistance.Contact the medical centre atJabiru on (08) 8979 2018.

PlEASE kEEP kAkAdu’S

wildliFE wild.Do not eed or apprach any wildlieas it may become agressive ordisturbed. Observe rom a saedistance and only use camera ash when necessary.

48

PARK AWSKakadu National Park is established and managed

as a Commonwealth Reserve under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Actsets out rules or Commonwealth reserves. For exampleyou must:

– Stay on public roads and marked walking tracks.– Camp only in designated camping areas.

Other park rules and guidelines include:– Stay behind the barriers to protect Aboriginal

rock paintings.– Protect plants — do not use tree branches as y swats.– Do not eed or disturb wildlie.– Light res only in replaces provided or use uel

stoves. Keep use o rewood to a minimum.– Do not bring pets into Kakadu.– Observe rules on Park signs and brochures.

49

DRIVING HINTS Top End roads can be hazardous. Plan ahead andallow sufcient time or travel. Slow down!

Roads can become slippery in the wet. During thedry, dust rom other vehicles can obscure your vision.When using 4WD tracks, put your vehicle into 4WD.Read your vehicle instructions: many vehicles needtheir ront wheel hubs physically locked beoreengaging 4WD rom the driver’s seat. At oodedcrossings read the signs, look at depth markers andobserve how quickly the water is owing, beoredeciding whether to cross. Sometimes it is saer to

wait until the water recedes. Remember, crocodilesmay be present.

In the event o res, make sure you park yourvehicle in cleared areas rather than in ammable long

grass. Use vehicle headlights i driving through heavy smoke, and drive slowly. I stopping, park well o theroad and use hazard lights. Do not park on bridges orcauseways at any time.

Always check road access, by contacting the Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120 or visit www.kakadu.com.au/access.

Watch out or wildlie. Every year, hundreds o ournative animals are killed or injured on our roads.Drive slowly, look well ahead or animals on the road,and try to avoid driving at night. Use your horn toalert wildlie on the road. Look careully or largeeral animals such as horses, pigs and bualo.

FlASh FloodinG:Please be aware o possible suddenrises in the levels o waterways, which can quickly cut o the return

route rom the top o wateralls suchas Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast owing water can be deceptive, creating strong currents and dangerousswimming conditions. Do not enterthe water unless you are sure it issae to do so.

SWIMMING IN KAKADUDue to the risk o estuarine crocodiles in the park,the only public place we recommend you swim is inthe Jabiru swimming pool. Some visitors choose toswim at their own risk, in selected natural plungepools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, JimJim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls, JimJim Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed orestuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season.There remains some risk that estuarine crocodilesmay move into gorges and plunge pools during thedry season. Pease bete cce ag sgs eac pge p a gge aea a cse te

fmat caef.

NFRMAN

EMERGENCCA DEVICES(ECDS)Emergency Call Devices(ECD) are ound inremote locationsthroughout Kakadu.Instructions or use are

written on the ECD.These are or emergency calls only. See maps or

detailed locations.ECDs are located at:Koolpin, Maguk, Jim JimFalls car park and plungepool, Top o Jim Jim Falls,Graveside, Ubirr,Nourlangie, Gunlom,Twin Falls, West AlligatorHead, Northern Inormation Bay, Twin FallsBoat Landing, Top o Twin Falls, Motor CarFalls.

http://www.kakadu.com.au/access








5150 NFRMAN

ItinerariesThe secret to discovering Kakadu is taking your time. With time comes stories,secrets and sights never imagined. It is impossible to appreciate the ull breadthand beauty o the park in a eeting visit – plan to stay at least 3 to 5 days.I you can aord the time, spend a week or more.

DR SEASON

da 1: Mamukala wetlands/Bowali Visitor Centre/ Manngarre rainorest walk/commercial boat cruise/CahillsCrossing picnic area/Ubirr art site and sunset lookout.

da 2: Scenic ight rom Cooinda or Jabiru Airstrips/ Nourlangie art site/Anbangbang Billabong walk/ Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre/commercial boatcruise, cultural tour or guided bush tucker walk.See page 29 or tour booking inormation.

da 3: Gunlom Plunge Pool and Lookout or Jim Jim Fallsand Twin Falls (sel drive or commercial tour).

da 1: Bowali Visitor Centre/Nourlangie art site/ Nawurlandja Lookout walk/Nanguluwur art site walk.

da 2: Mirray Lookout walk/Scenic ights rom Jabiru Airstrip/Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre/ commercial boat cruise.

da 3: Yurmikmik walks or Barrk bushwalk or Gubara Pools walk.

Note: Visitors entering the park rom the south are advised to ollow these itineraries in reverse order. Please check wet season access orsuggested sites.

WET SEASON

Cultural waysBininj/Mungguy culture has its own set of socialbehaviours and customs, which are considered good

manners. Please consider these while you are in Kakadu.– Show respect by not entering restricted areas.

They may be sacred sites, ceremonial sites, burialgrounds or even someone’s home.

– Traditionally, Bininj/Mungguy do not greet eachother every time they meet. However, most Bininj/ Mungguy are used to non-Aboriginal people doing so and may expect a ‘hello’.

– Many Bininj/Mungguy do not use personal namesas reely as non-Aboriginal people do and otenaddress each other by kinship terms.

– Bininj/Mungguy appreciate privacy. It is goodmanners not to enter living areas and notto take photographs o Bininj/Mungguy withoutpermission.

– Some Bininj/Mungguy nd constant eye contactuncomortable.

– In Bininj/Mungguy culture it is important to listen

careully and consider the response careully beoregiving an answer.

– It is polite to say goodbye when leaving.The Bininj/Mungguy word or goodbye is Boh Boh(pronounced bor bor).

– In Bininj/Mungguy culture it is oten notappropriate to use the names or display imageso deceased people.

– Areas in Kakadu may close at short notice orcultural purposes at the request o traditional owners.

Pronouncing Bininj/ Mungguy names: Unlike English, the spelling system used to record local

Aboriginal languages is very consistent. So once youhave learnt the alphabet, itis quite easy to pronounce

words by sounding themout. The AboriginalLanguage Park Note detailsthe Gun-djeihmi alphabet.It is available online at:

www.kakadu.com. In thisguide, Englishapproximations or somenames are given in brackets.

Kakadu is jointly managed:

Kakadu’s traditional ownershave leased their land to theDirector o National Parks to be jointly managed as a national park. Jointmanagement is about Bininjand Balanda working together, solving problems,sharing decision making andexchanging knowledge, skillsand inormation. Overalldirection is provided by theKakadu Board o Management which has an Aboriginal majority representing the traditionalowners.



http://www.environment.gov.

au/parks/kakadu/

Boh boh(goodbye)

Kakadu National Park: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/ Bowali Visitor CentrePO Box 71, Jabiru NT 0886email: [email protected] (08) 8938 1120Fax (08) 8938 1123

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Documents

Kakadu National park - Visitors Guide