Grey nomads heading to the NT who are looking forward to visiting Kakadu this dry season are being advised that two of its biggest drawcards will be closed.
Parks Australia says Jim Jim and Twin Falls area will not open in 2026 while critical road and infrastructure upgrades are delivered.
Kakadu has been impacted by cyclones resulting in substantial damage to roads in the area.
The closure includes all sites in the area including Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls gorge and escarpment walk, and Karnamarr campground.
Road and infrastructure upgrade works are getting under way this month and are expected to be completed by December 2026, ahead of the area reopening for the 2027 dry season.
Kakadu is hugely popular with grey nomads in the dry season. PIC: Squirrel_photos / Pixabay
These projects include:
Director of National Parks Ricky Archer said while the decision would be disappointing, it reflected a shared commitment to safety, responsible management of Country and delivering long-term improvements that support sustainable access into the future.
“Kakadu National Park is jointly managed, and decisions about visitor access and infrastructure are made in partnership with Traditional Owners to ensure developments respect cultural values and protect the park’s unique natural and cultural heritage,” Mr Archer said. “Importantly, Kakadu remains open, and visitors can continue to experience many of the park’s iconic cultural and natural attractions while these essential works are completed.”
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Constantly doing this at the height of the season.
We went there in 2019 and same same.
It seems that they have difficulty getting off their collective bronzes to properly run the park.
A 500 k round trip to get in there only to be locked out of most of what you go to Kakadu for.
I won’t be bothering again.
Plenty of other places in this country to see and do and the locals are willing to make an effort to encourage the tourist trade that they like the dollars from.
Yes, it’s disappointing but how can they possibly do repairs in the wet season, when the roads are impassable anyway? At least, if one does one’s research, a long, pointless trip can be avoided.
Perhaps you could offer a workable alternative instead of only complaining?
Do it right and do it once. Kaka-don’t bother. There are other places in this great country that are as good or better anyway!
Agree !!! The nickname of “Kakadont” still fits. Much more to see and do in Australia without the inauthentic “cultural” events. Australia for ALL Australians equally.
Wont ever return ,a poorly run and dissapointing expensive experience. A total waste of public money..
Millons of dollars being given to Kakadu each year out of state budget were is this money going. I was their 3 years ago and could not beleive the neglect and lack of maintinance, information centres empty and falling into disrepair,roads Closed untill furture notice, and not a parks representive to be found, miss management and unaçountabillity ,is to blame not cyclon and weather they have and always will be there. were, will the money for these ,upgrades come frome ,out of the money already allacated in there budget or state and fed budget?.