Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kakadu National Park Brochure
Kakadu National Park Brochure
EAST
Waldak Irrmbal Djidbordu
(West Alligator Head) (Barron Island)
A
LL
IGA
TO
R
RI
VE
R
SO
UT
H
W
WEST
Kakadu ILD Kunbarllanjnja
MA
N (Openpelli)
Magela
NORTHERN
TERRITORY
Kakadu Ubirr
42
Merl
AUSTRALIA Border Store
RIV
National
AL
ER
ALLIG
LIGAT
OR
ATOR
Park
Jabiluka
26
29
RI
RIV
ARNHE M
V
H IGH
ER WAY
ER
7 Mamukala Jabiru East
30 2.5 6.5 4
2.5
nch
36
Resort Nourlangie Uranium Cr
Bra
13 Mine ee
k
LY
Malabanjbanjdju
AY
nch
in W
8
Impa et
HW
Bra
ssable
Bu
HI G
rd
Burdulba
4
u
Information Bay
lb
k
4WD ON
a
HIGHW2AY
30 ee
Red Lily 9 Cr
East
Warradjan
5
Darwin
Cre
an
West
Alligator Billabong Koongarra
133 km m
ild Yellow Aboriginal Mineral Lease
Ea
3
s
W
OLD
t
ek 5.5
9
Lodge Cooinda ADU Mirrai
66 KAK
2
D Mardugal
Br
60
60
an
ON
6.5
m
ch
LY JIM
Jim Jim
West
k Im
D
JIM
tor 35 Billabong
- pas
t
iga Ford
2h sa
All
ON
rs b l e
De
LY
Giyamungkurr Ji
m
ARNHEM
af
g
Nourla
38
ti m
ngie
is 2WD. Ford w
ram
WAY
ay
)
ek
24
und
Add
ROAD er Cre
ie
Cre
HIGH
accommodation providers
Sout
www.kakadu.com.au.
9
12
So
h
k
wie
G ero
ek
Information Gunlom
25
Cre
Accommodation
e i
11
MA
lg
in
bo
k lp
RY
Camping
m
ee Koo
Ka
Cr
Bukbukluk 13 Jarrangbarnmi (Permit required)
Caravan site
8
Information Bay 13
Ford
Gi
Fuel Yurmikmik
m
Ranger Station
ba
Walks
t
5 Kambolgie 4W Cre
Airstrip Fisher ek
D
RI
6
R
LY
Cr
Boat Ramp
ee
k
Katherine 149 km
Telephone Darwin 285 km Ri
ve
r
Aboriginal Rock Art
Emergency Call Device 13
Lowlands Road distances 4WD Track
Sewerage dump point
Stone Country Principle locations Walking Track
Toilet block
Mining Leases Sealed Road Subject to closure:
Wheelchair Access Ford Check with Bowali
Check access on insert maps Escarpment Unsealed Road Visitor Centre
Waldak Irrmbal
(West Alligator Head)
4 regions 5
Kunbarllanjnja
(Openpelli)
Ubirr
Merl
Border Store
:7HM?D
3
A7A7:K
Four Mile Hole
1
2
Mamukala Jabiru East
F_d[9h[[a
Two Mile Hole Bowali Visitor Centre Jabiru
AY Aurora
HW Kakadu
Park Headquarters
HI G
AWj^[h_d[ 7b_Y[Ifh_d]i Resort
Burdulba
WAY
HIGH
Finding your way
ROAD
>?=
M;IJ;HD7KIJH7B?7
Garnamarr
GK;;DIB7D:
>M7
J[ddWdj9h[[a
Wheelchair access 6
KAKADU
1 South Alligator Region 34 Gunlom
Tracks and toilets suitable for
2 Jabiru Region 36 wheelchair access are provided at
the Bowali Visitor Centre and Bukbukluk
Jarrangbarnmi
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural (Permit required)
3 East Alligator Region 38
Centre; Merl, Muirella Park,
Mardugal and Gunlom camping Information Bay Yurmikmik
4 Nourlangie Region 40 Walks
DEHJ>;HD areas; and at Ubirr and Nourlangie Ranger Station
Gimbat Picnic Area
5 Yellow Water Region 42 art sites. Mamukala and Yellow
Culture
The Kakadu National Park logo is a The Rainbow Serpent, is a powerful ancestor,
traditional image used to depict the
Rainbow Serpent. This cultural known by many Aboriginal groups throughout
design was chosen to represent the Australia. The Rainbow Serpent played an important
local Aboriginal traditional owners role in the conception of Bininj/Mungguy and their
and the broader Aboriginal
community. It symbolises cultural cultural obligations to care for country. She is also
unity across many clans and many part of the life cycle of plants and animals and the
languages throughout the region. seasonal changes.
The serpent’s image is a constant
reminder of her power and The many stories and sites associated with the
presence in the landscape. More Rainbow Serpent are often linked to water and places
importantly, she is a reminder to where she travelled across country, leaving behind
Bininj/Mungguy custodians and the
next generations about their features in the landscape. Bininj/Mungguy believe she is
obligations to care for country. still present today, resting, and should never be disturbed.
Along with the Rainbow Serpent, Creation
1 Ancestors came in many different forms. Other
Artwork by Gabriel Maralngurra important beings include Bula (Jawoyn Ancestor),
1
Creation Ancestors feature
prominently at the Ubirr rock
art galleries
Rock art
Mimi spirits were the first of the Creation Ancestors
to paint on rock. They taught some Bininj how to
paint and other Bininj learned by copying Mimi art.
At the end of their journeys, some Creation Ancestors
put themselves on rock walls as paintings and became
djang (dreaming places). Some of these paintings are
andjamun (sacred and dangerous) and can be seen
only by senior men or women; others can be seen by
all people.
Bininj/Mungguy artists continue to paint on bark,
paper, canvas and fabric. In some cases, the act of
painting puts artists in touch with their Creation
Ancestors — a powerful experience.
Kakadu’s rock art (gunbim) represents one of the longest
historical records of any group of people in the world.
More than 5 000 art sites tell of the Creation
Ancestors and the changes in the landscape over
thousands of years. Look for naturalistic paintings of
animals, for traditional x-ray art, and for paintings
of the first European contact.
The act of painting is generally more important
than the painting itself so many older paintings are
covered by younger ones.
Environment
1
The beautiful pink blooms of the
Wurrmarninj lotus lily
2
Galawan Yellow-spotted monitor
seeks refuge from the floodwaters
3
2 Ngalmaykorlo male Gouldian finch
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life - the different plants,
animals, insects and all other life forms and the
ecosystems of which they are a part. Kakadu’s stunning
biodiversity is internationally recognised in its listing as a
World Heritage Area.
Covering nearly 20 000 square kilometres, Kakadu is one of very few places
World Heritage listed for both its cultural and its natural values. Its enduring
natural values stem from its exceptional beauty and unique biodiversity, its variety
of landforms, habitats and wildlife.
The protection and conservation of biodiversity is an important part of the
management of this special place.
Kakadu is home to 68 mammals (almost one-fifth of Australia’s mammals),
more than 120 reptiles, 26 frogs, over 300 tidal and freshwater fish species, more
than 2 000 plants and over 10 000 species of insects. It provides habitat for more
than 290 bird species (over one-third of Australia’s birds). Its internationally
important wetlands are a major staging point for migratory birds.
Some of these species are threatened or endangered. Many are found nowhere 3
else in the world and there are still others yet to be discovered.
The Creation Ancestors gave Bininj/Mungguy a kinship system linking people
to all things and the cultural responsibility to look after them all. They have
always understood the biodiversity of country and their traditional ancestral
knowledge is a vital part of managing Kakadu’s rich environment.
16 ENVIRONMENT “We still hunt our ENVIRONMENT 17
turtle, goanna or
file snake. We used
to swim in the water,
but not this time Freshwater crocodiles
because the croc’s Freshwater crocodiles (Madjarrki), (Crocodylus
johnstoni) are only found in Australia, where they live
everywhere, ginga.” in freshwater rivers, creeks and plunge pools such as
Crocodiles
Maguk and Gunlom. Freshwater crocodiles are
Yvonne MargarulU usually shy animals but can become aggressive if
Mirarr clan.
disturbed, so do not approach them.
1 Savanna woodlands
Woodlands make up nearly 80 per cent of Kakadu.
Appearing to consist mostly of eucalypts and tall
grasses, they may seem lifeless at first glance.
However, the woodlands support a greater variety of
plants and animals than any other habitat in Kakadu.
Monsoon forests
Monsoon forests occur in small, isolated patches.
Fruit-eating birds and flying foxes link the plants in
these isolated pockets by dispersing pollen and seeds
as they move around.
Stone country
The dominant sandstone escarpment of the Arnhem
Land Plateau ranges in height from 30 metres to 300
metres, and includes the rock shelters and outliers of
Ubirr and Nourlangie. In some areas the escarpment
is eroding by up to one metre every thousand years.
Seasons
Yegge:
Cool weather time, May to June
The wetlands are carpeted with
water lilies. Drying winds and
flowering Darwin woolly butt
tell Bininj/Mungguy to patchwork
burn the woodlands to encourage
new growth.
Gurrung:
Hot dry season, August to October
Hunting time for file snakes and
long-necked turtles. White-breasted
wood swallows arrive as
thunderclouds build, signalling the
Banggerreng: return of Gunumeleng.
Harvest time, April
Clear skies prevail. The vast Gunumeleng:
expanses of floodwater recede and Pre-monsoon, October to December
streams start to run clear. Most Streams begin to run, water birds
plants are fruiting and animals are spread out as surface water and new
caring for their young. growth becomes widespread.
Barramundi move from the
Gudjewg: waterholes downstream to the
Monsoon, December to March estuaries to breed.
The heat and humidity generate an
explosion of plant and animal life.
Spear grass grows to over two metres
tall and creates a silvery-green hue
throughout the woodlands.
24 seasons 25
26 Activities 27
Activities Warradjan
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE
The shape of this building represents a Warradjan,
which is a Gun-djeihmi name for pig-nosed turtle. This
cultural centre is on land owned by the Murumburr
clan. Developed by Bininj/Mungguy, the display
provides detailed information about local Aboriginal
culture to help you gain an understanding of the
connection Bininj/Mungguy have with their families
and their land. Traditional owners ask that you do not
take photographs while you are inside Warradjan.
During the dry season, cultural activities are
scheduled here. See the What’s On Guide for details.
The Warradjan Gift Shop has a selection of arts,
crafts, books, clothing, cards and light refreshments.
Warradjan is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.
Bowali
See area map page 5.
1
visitor centre
Bowali (Bor-warl-ee) is a Gun-djeihmi name for
Arts and crafts
the local area and creek on land owned by the Mirrar For Bininj/Mungguy, art is an expression of cultural
clan. The building’s design was inspired by an identity and connection to country. Traditional
Aboriginal rock shelter. 1 paintings with ochres are commonly done on paper
Information staff are available to help you plan and canvas – a more sustainable practice than on
your Kakadu visit. Every half hour, there is an audio- bark, which is used less often now. Didgeridoos, clap
visual presentation, giving different perspectives on sticks, carvings and hunting tools are made from
Kakadu. The habitat display and library have detailed different bush timbers. Women have a long tradition
information about Kakadu and how much there is to of collecting plant fibres and bush dyes which are
see and do. woven into ornaments such as baskets, mats and
The Marrawuddi Gallery promotes Aboriginal fine art jewellery pieces. Another increasingly popular art
by artists from Kakadu and the wider region. form is screen printing traditional and contemporary
Refreshments are available from the Anmak An-me Café. designs onto fabrics.
Bowali Visitor Centre is open from 8.00 am to Visitors can buy arts, crafts and artefacts made
5.00 pm daily. in Kakadu or neighbouring Arnhem Land from a
Tel: 08 8938 1120 number of different outlets within the region.
Email: kakadunationalpark@environment.gov.au 1
Ranger talks Arnhemlander 4WD Tour: Cultural and scenic Arnhem Land day tour.
Tel: 08 8941 9611 Email: info@kakadutours.com.au www.kakadutours.com.au
and cultural tours Guluyambi Cruise: Iconic cultural cruise on the breathtaking East Alligator River.
Tel: 08 8941 9611 Email: info@kakadutours.com.au www.kakadutours.com.au
Kakadu Culture Camp: Aboriginal culture and night wildlife boat cruise. Tel: 1800
Kakadu offers visitors a unique 811 633, Tour operations 0428 792 048 Email: bininj@kakaduculturecamp.com
www.kakaduculturecamp.com
opportunity to connect with Aboriginal
Kakadu Gorge and Waterfall Tours: Spectacular adventure taking you off road to
culture through a range of tours see the best of Kakadu. Tel: 08 8979 0145
designed to enlighten and inform. Email: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au www.gagudju-dreaming.com
Magela Cultural and Heritage Tour: Arnhem Land 4WD day tour including boat
Ranger guided walks AND talks cruise. Tel: 08 8941 9611 Email: info@kakadutours.com.au www.kakadutours.com.au
During the dry season visitors can join rangers for Murdudjurl: A living cultural experience with a local traditional owner family.
free activities throughout Kakadu, including daily art Tel: 08 8979 0145 Email: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au
site talks, walks, cultural activities and slide shows (at Wurrgeng Cultural Walk: Intimate guided walking tours with one of Kakadu’s
night). These activities provide you with a chance to traditional owners. Tel: 08 8979 0145
gain an insight into Kakadu’s diverse natural life and Email: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au
the culture and traditions of Bininj/Mungguy.
Attending talks: Please respect the experiences of Yellow Water Cruise: Nature and culture cruise on Yellow Water wetlands.
Tel: 08 8979 0145 Email: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au
others by moving through or passing by talks very www.gagudju-dreaming.com
quietly. Commercial tours and their clients are most
welcome to join talks; however we would encourage
checking with the ranger guide on site as space is Other tours based in Kakadu
limited at some sites. Kakadu Air: Scenic flights over Kakadu. Tel: 1800 089 113
Email: info@kakadutours.com.au www.kakaduair.com.au
What’s On Guide: To find out more, pick up a
guide from the Bowali Visitor Centre or from Kakadu Fishing Tours: Fishing tours on some of Kakadu’s most breathtaking
Kakadu’s hotels and commercial camping grounds; waterways. Tel: 08 8979 2025 Email: ssummerton@dodo.com.au
from Tourism Top End outlets in Darwin city; or from Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris: Day tours to Arnhem Land and private
services en route to Kakadu on the Arnhem and touring in Kakadu. Tel: 08 8948 2200 Email: lordssafaris@bigpond.com
Kakadu Highways, such as the Bark Hut Inn or the www.lords-safaris.com
Mary River Roadhouse. The Scenic Flight Company: Scenic flights over Kakadu. Tel: 08 8979 3432
Email: info@aaacharter.com.au www.scenicflight.com.au
More information on a variety of subjects including
language, geology, rock art and walks is available Top End Explorer Tours: 4WD day tours to Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls.
in the Kakadu National Park Notes. Park Notes are Tel: 08 8979 3615 Email: explorertours@bigpond.com www.topendexplorertours.com
available from the Bowali Visitor Centre and on the Yellow Water Fishing Safaris: Fishing tours on Yellow Water wetlands.
web at www.kakadu.com.au Tel: 08 8979 0145 Email: reservations@gagudjulodgecooinda.com.au
30 Activities Activities 31
Regions
Accommodation
Aurora Kakadu Resort: Motel rooms, tent sites,
powered and unpowered van sites, restaurant, café,
store and guest pool. Reservations recommended.
Tel: (08) 8979 0166
Bush camping: Check wet season access. Camping
with basic or no toilet facilities is available at Two Mile,
Four Mile Hole, Red Lily Billabong, Bucket Billabong,
Alligator Billabong and Waldak Irrmbal (West Alligator
Head). Drinking water is not available. Rubbish bins
Bowali Visitor Centre 31 km are not provided, so please bring rubbish out with you.
Jabiru 31 km
HW
1
G area: Picnic tables and barbeque
HI
UT
Picnic Bird hide areas near the South Alligator (LPG bottle refills only), diesel, food and souvenirs.
H
Main Attractions
Mamukala walk boat ramp at the northern end of
Aurora the carpark (See page 31 for more
Kakadu 2.5
Resort
Mamukala
Wetands
boating information). Mamukala (Mar-moo-car-lar) wetlands: Check wet
Off the highway: (Dry season only). season access. Mamukala is beautiful all year but at its
Gungarre walk There are two major four-wheel
3.6
drive tracks in the area: the Waldak most dramatic in the late dry season (September –
ALL
M
Anggardabal Irrmbal (West Alligator Head) track October) when thousands of magpie geese congregate
HE Billabong
IGAT
N (which accesses Two Mile Hole, to feed. An observation platform allows you to view
AR and Four Mile Hole) and the Red
OR
Ranger Station Lily Billabong, Bucket Billabong the birdlife and a mural illustrates the seasonal
Darwin 210 km (Emergency
information only) and Alligator Billabong track. Both changes that occur through the year. There is also a
tracks lead to destinations suitable 3 km walk adjacent to the wetlands. Allow 1 to 2 hours
for boating, bird watching and
camping. Please read the crocodile for the full walk.
Cree
e
k information on page 48. Gu-ngarre (Goong-narr-ee) walk: Check wet season
Nourlangi
access. Starts at the large banyan fig tree near the
RIVER
1
Mamukala wetlands
2
1 2
Central to this area is the South Alligator River.
The entire river and its catchment are contained and
protected in Kakadu National Park.
36 regions regions 37
1
Bowali Visitor Centre
1
2
Experience Kakadu from the air
Ubirr,
East Aligator
River 40 km
Accommodation
Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn: Hotel rooms,
ARNHEM HIGHWAY
1.5 Kakadu Lodge (air conditioned), restaurant, gift shop, guest pool
Jabiru East
Darwin 249 km 2 Airport 4.5 km and bookings for commercial tours. Reservations
recommended. Tel: (08) 8979 2800
Lake
Kakadu Lodge: Budget accommodation, cabins,
2.5
Picnic area tent sites, powered van sites, barbeque facilities,
Bowali Visitor Centre 2 camper’s kitchen. Bar/bistro for guests and visitors.
JABIRU
Park Headquarters
Reservations recommended.
Lakeview Tel: (08) 8979 2422
Park
Gagudju Lakeview Park: Bush bungalows, cabins and
AY
Crocodile
HIGHW
Illigadjarr walk 3.8 Crocodile Holiday Inn in Jabiru. newsagent and post office (Commonwealth Bank
A 4 km return rammed earth path
Cree
k
winds through woodlands to the agency), Westpac Bank, travel agent, medical centre
Burdulba
Bowali Visitor Centre. Allow 30 to and chemist (Tel: 08 8979 2018), police, public
Burdbulba 45 minutes each way. telephones, swimming pool, library (internet),
Yellow Water 35 km
Iligadjarr (Illy-gar-jarr) walk
(dry season only) Starts at the hairdresser, golf course, restaurant, café and bakery.
Malabanjbanjdju or Burdulba
Camping Areas and features a
3.8 km circular walk across a
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Bowali (Bor-warl-ee) Visitor Centre: The Bowali
Jabiru region
small grassy floodplain and along
Burdulba Billabong. Allow 2 hours. Visitor Centre contains a wealth of information about
Tours: Several land based tours Kakadu including videos, a library and a display.
depart from Jabiru. Scenic flights,
which depart from both Jabiru Information staff available to help plan your visit.
Open: 8am to 5pm.
Jabiru is the main township in Kakadu, providing a East and Cooinda, provide an
awe-inspiring bird’s eye view of The Marrawuddi Gallery: Stocks Aboriginal
range of essential services for visitors, and a gateway Kakadu and its many and varied
habitats. See page 29 for tour arts and crafts, books and gifts. Refreshments
available from the Anmak An-me Café. Gallery and
to all parts of the park and Arnhem Land. booking information.
café open from 9am to 5pm.
38 regions regions 39
1
View from Ubirr over the Nadab
floodplain in the dry
1
2
1 2
ubirr Guluyambi boat cruise on the
East Alligator River
eAst
3
1.5
If you have time...
Bardedjilidji (Bar-de-jill-eed-gee) Accommodation
downstream 1.2 Manngarre walk walk: (check wet season access). Merl Camping Area: Showers, toilets and generator
boat Ramp Starts at a small carpark 500 m zone. Camping fees (adults only) are collected on site.
from the upstream boat ramp and
0.6
features a 2.5 km walk through Check wet season access.
layered sandstone outliers. One of
border store
Manbiyarra
to Kurnbarllanjnja (oenpelli)
Kakadu’s most interesting short
walks. Allow 2 hours.
SERVICES
Manngarre (Marn-narr-ay) The Border Store: Sells food, fishing gear and
Merl rainforest walk: (dry season only). souvenirs and takes bookings for commercial tours.
aRNheM laNd
0.5 Cahills Crossing
Three circular walks, from 0.6 km to Tel: (08) 8979 2474
Arnhem Land - Permit 1.5 km, through monsoon rainforest
from Northern Land beside the East Alligator River.
1
Council required for entry.
Tel: 08 8938 3000
Allow 1 hour for the 1.5 km walk. MAIN ATTRACTIONS
jabiru 43 km
AL
Lig
Cahills Crossing picnic area: Ubirr (Oo-beerr): (Check wet season access and
upstream Ato (check wet season access). Features
boat Ramp
r riverside picnic tables and a opening times). A 1 km circular track takes you
Ranger station
viewing platform over the East past several fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites.
(emergency information only) Alligator River. A moderately steep, 250 m climb takes you to the top
Sandstone and river bushwalk:
of a rocky lookout that offers superb views over the
riVer
bardedjilidji (dry season only). Starts off the
To residential area
(no public access)
2 walk Bardedjilidji walk and features a Nadab floodplain, particularly beautiful at sunset.
2.5
6.5 km marked circular walk which Allow at least 1 hour. Open April 1 to Nov 30 from
takes you past Catfish Creek,
floodplains, billabongs, sandstone 8.30am – sunset. Dec 1 to March 31 from 2.00pm –
Mawoene woene 6.5 outliers and the East Alligator sunset. During the dry season, rangers provide
(Catfish Creek)
Key: refer to map
River. Allow 4 hours. informative talks about Aboriginal art and culture
inside front cover sandstone and
river bushwalk
several times a day. See the What’s On Guide for details.
East Alligator River: (Check wet season access).
Just east of Merl Camping Area and the Border
Store, a tidal river forms the boundary between
Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The Guluyambi boat
cruise operates during the dry season and on Magela
East Alligator region Creek during the wet season. Guides explain aspects
of local Aboriginal culture while you travel slowly
along the waterways. See page 29 for tour booking
information. Boat ramps are located upstream and
In the shadow of the magnificent Arnhem Land downstream of Cahills Crossing. See page 31 for
escarpment, discover rainforest, stone country, rock art, more boating information.
extensive floodplains and the beautiful East Alligator River.
40 regions regions 41
Accommodation
Muirella Park Camping Area: (Check wet season
access). Has showers, toilets and is a no generator
zone. Camping fees (adults only) are collected on site
during the dry season. Safari camp accommodation
2 and night time spot light boat tour on Djarradjin
Bowali Visitor Centre 19 km
AY
7
Gubara Culture Camp. See page 29 for booking information.
HIG
No
url
an
gie wa
lk Bush Camping Area: (Dry season only, 4WD
7
9
Cr
2
toilet facilities is available beyond Muirella Park
ee
Nanguluwur
KAKADU
Barrk
Bushwalk
at Sandy Billabong.
Cooinda 3.5 Nawurlandja 12 e
Nourlangie s
20 km 5 Lea
ral
4
Bubba
Muirella
Park gar
ra Mi
ne
If you have time... main attractionS
4W
Mirrai
Lookout
6 Billabong walk Park Camping Area, featuring a 3.5 you past an ancient Aboriginal shelter and several
2.5 km circular walk through several outstanding art sites. A moderately steep climb to
O
6
MM
Sandy Billabong A moderately difficult 3.6 km views of Kakadu’s escarpment and Nourlangie. During
ED
return walk to a platform lookout the dry season, rangers provide informative talks
on top of Mount Cahill. A steep several times a day. See the What’s On Guide for
climb. Allow 1.5 hours.
Barrk bushwalk: Branching off the details. Open 8am until sunset.
KEY: refer to map
inside front cover Nourlangie lookout track, just past Anbangbang (Arn-barng-barng) Billabong: (Check wet
the main gallery, this is a difficult season access). A 2.5 km dry season circular walk with
12 km walk through the sandstone
country of Nourlangie, past the Nourlangie forming an impressive backdrop, this is one
Nanguluwur art gallery and back of Kakadu’s most attractive billabongs. Allow 1 hour.
to the Nourlangie car park. See the Nawurlandja (Now-oo-larn-ja) Lookout walk:
Barrk Walk Park Note available
from Bowali Visitor Centre. Allow A 600 m climb up a moderately steep slope offers
6 to 8 hours. views of the escarpment, Nourlangie and Anbangbang
Nourlangie region
Please read the crocodile Billabong. Allow 40 minutes.
information on page 48.
Nanguluwur (Narng-oo-loo-war) art site walk:
1 A 3.4 km return walk through woodlands leads to a
quiet Aboriginal rock art site. Allow 2 hours.
Burrunggui (Boor–oon–goy) is the Gun–djeihmi name for The rock art galleries of Nourlangie
Gubara (Goo-bar-rar) Pools walk: (Check wet season
the upper section of Nourlangie. Anbangbang is the name 2
Nourlangie and Anbangbang
access). A 6 km return walk past sandstone cliffs to
shady monsoon forest pools. A pleasant place to
for the lower section of the rock and surrounding area. Billabong
spend the heat of the day. Allow 4 hours.
42 regions regions 43
Accommodation
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda: Motel rooms, budget
accommodation, tent sites, powered van sites,
Yellow Water bistro, restaurant, pool, store and internet café.
Warradjan Aborginal Reservations recommended. Tel: (08) 8979 0145
2 Cultural Centre If you have more time...
Yellow 1 Mardugal (Mar-doo-garl) Mardugal Camping Area: (Check wet season access).
1.8 Water Billabong walk: (Dry season only). Has showers, toilets and generator zone.
4.5
walk Bowali Visitor Centre 45 km
Gagudju A 1 km return walk follows the edge Camping fees (adults only) are collected on site
Airstrip Jabiru 50 km
Lodge Cooinda of Mardugal Billabong.
Allow 30 minutes. during the dry season.
Gun-gardun (Goong-gar-doon) Bush Camping Areas: (Check wet season access).
walk: Starts near the entrance of Camping with basic toilet facilities is available
the Mardugal Camping Area and
features a 2 km circular walk at Jim Jim Billabong. Drinking water not available.
2.5
AY
through woodlands, Kakadu’s most
W
services
GH
Gun-gardun
Boating: Boat ramps are located at
Mardugal
walk
Jim Jim Billabong, Yellow Water Gagudju Lodge Cooinda store: Sells petrol, LPG gas,
Billabong diesel, food and souvenirs, and takes bookings for
2
1 2
1
Kakadu Highway 60 km Jim Jim Falls in full wet season flow.
2
Twin Falls Gorge.
Jim
3
Jim
4W
A four-wheel drive vehicle is
DO
essential.
NLY
Garna
marr If you have more time... Accommodation
Cree
AY Yellow Water 53 km
GHW
HI
Accommodation
4WD
12
1
ONLY
Gungurul
Goymarr Interpretive Centre (Mary River Roadhouse):
Maguk (Just outside Kakadu). The Mary River Roadhouse is
owned by the Werenben Aboriginal Corporation. Motel
So
rooms, backpacker accommodation, powered van sites
and camping. Telephone (08) 8975 6417
KAKADU
uth
If you have more time...
Maguk (Mar-gook) Plunge Pool*: Gunlom Camping Area: (Gravel road; dry season only).
(Gravel road, dry season only, 4WD Gunlom plunge pool is located nearby. Has showers,
Creek
Gunlom (Waterfall Creek)
32
recommended). A 2 km return walk toilets and generator zone. Camping fees (adults only)
through monsoon forest and along
n a sandy and rocky creek leads to a are collected on site. Gas BBQ in day use area.
lpi
Jarrangbarnmi o Bush Camping Areas: Camping with basic toilet
Ger
11
Ko small waterfall and clear plunge
Cr ie
(Permit required}
lg
ow
ee
m
ie
13
ee
k into Maguk. Please read the Maguk, Gungurul and Kambolgie. Drinking water
13 Al crocodile information on page 48. is not available. Please check wet season access for
8
Swimming in Kakadu
Visitor Safety Due to the risk of estuarine crocodiles in the park,
the only public place we recommend you swim is in
the Jabiru swimming pool. Some visitors choose to
swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge
Crocodiles pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim
Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are dangerous.
They have attacked and killed people. Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge)
They inhabit most areas of water in Kakadu and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls, Jim
National Park including floodplains, freshwater Jim Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for
billabongs, creeks, rivers and coastal areas. estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season.
In most locations, crocodile warning signs tell you There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles
not to enter the water and to keep away from the may move into gorges and plunge pools during the
water’s edge. Obey signs warning of crocodiles. dry season. Please read the crocodile warning signs
If you do not see a warning sign, assume that in each plunge pool and gorge area and consider their
crocodiles are present. Do not enter the water unless information carefully.
you are sure it is safe to do so.
Cultural ways
Bininj/Mungguy culture has its own set of social
Itineraries behaviours and customs, which are considered good
The secret to discovering Kakadu is taking your time. With time come stories,
manners. Please consider these while you are in Kakadu.
secrets and sights never imagined. It is impossible to appreciate the full breadth – Show respect by not entering restricted areas. Pronouncing Bininj/Mungguy
and beauty of the park in a fleeting visit – plan to stay at least three to five days. They may be sacred sites, ceremonial sites, burial names: Unlike English, the spelling
system used to record local
If you can afford the time, spend a week or more. grounds or even someone’s home. Aboriginal languages is very
– Traditionally, Bininj/Mungguy do not greet each consistent. So once you have learnt
dry season other every time they meet. However, most Bininj/ the alphabet, it is quite easy to
pronounce words by sounding them
Mungguy are used to non-Aboriginal people doing out. The Aboriginal Language Park
Day 1: Mamukala wetlands/Bowali Visitor Centre/ so and may expect a ‘hello’. Note details the Gun-djeihmi
Manngarre rainforest walk/commercial boat cruise/ – Many Bininj/Mungguy do not use personal names alphabet. It is available from the
Bowali Visitor Centre. In this guide,
Cahills Crossing picnic area/Ubirr art site and as freely as non-Aboriginal people do and often English approximations for some
sunset lookout. address each other by kinship terms. names are given in brackets.
Day 2: Scenic flight from Cooinda or Jabiru Airstrips/ – Bininj/Mungguy appreciate privacy. It is good Kakadu is jointly managed:
Nourlangie art site/Anbangbang Billabong walk/ manners not to enter living areas and not Kakadu’s traditional owners have
Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre/commercial to take photographs of Bininj/Mungguy without leased their land to the Director of
National Parks to be jointly
boat cruise, cultural tour or guided bush tucker walk. permission. managed as a national park. Joint
See page 29 for tour booking information. – Some Bininj/Mungguy find constant eye contact management is about Bininj and
Day 3: Gunlom Plunge Pool and Lookout or Jim Jim uncomfortable. Balanda working together, solving
problems, sharing decision making
Falls and Twin Falls (self drive or commercial tour). – In Bininj/Mungguy culture it is important to listen and exchanging knowledge, skills
carefully and consider the response carefully before and information. Overall direction
wet season giving an answer. is provided by the Kakadu Board of
Management which has an
– It is polite to say goodbye when leaving. Aboriginal majority representing
Day 1: Bowali Visitor Centre/Nourlangie art site/ The Bininj/Mungguy word for goodbye is Boh Boh the traditional owners.
Nawurlandja Lookout walk/Nanguluwur art site walk. (pronounced bor bor).
Kakadu National Park:
Day 2: Mirrai Lookout walk/Scenic flights from Jabiru – In Bininj/Mungguy culture it is often not www.kakadu.com.au
Airstrip/Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre/ appropriate to use the names or display images Bowali Visitor Centre
commercial boat cruise. of deceased people. PO Box 71, Jabiru NT 0886
Phone (08) 8938 1120
Day 3: Yurmikmik walks or Barrk bushwalk or Gubara – Areas in Kakadu may close at short notice for Fax (08) 8938 1123
Pools walk. cultural purposes at the request of traditional owners.
Note: Visitors entering the park from the south are advised to follow
these itineraries in reverse order. Please check wet season access for
suggested sites.
kakadu.com.au
Boh boh
Designed by Frost*Design, Sydney. www.frostdesign.com.au
Carbon neutral printing by Finsbury Green on Resa 100% recycled paper using vegetable
(good bye)
inks and world’s best practice ISO14001 Environment Management Systems.
© Director of National Parks 2008