One of the Northern Territory’s most popular tourist destinations and one of Kakadu National Park’s most culturally significant sites - Gunlom Falls - has re-opened to the public.
From today, the public can once again access the iconic waterfalls, stunning natural waterholes, walking tracks and campground.
Thousands of visitors to Kakadu are expected to visit Gunlom Falls during the Top End’s peak tourism season.
The lower waterhole remains accessible for viewing, with safety fencing installed around the area due to its potential as crocodile habitat. Visitor safety remains of the highest priority, and visitors should observe signage and barriers in place.
Traditional Owners, Parks Australia staff and the local community will gather at Gunlom today to celebrate the re-opening and acknowledge the significance of the occasion.
Parks Australia has worked closely with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders including the Northern Land Council and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, to prepare the site. This included realignment of the walking track and maintenance of the boardwalk, campground and roadworks as well as crocodile surveys.
Developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, new interpretive signage has been installed throughout the site, sharing information about the cultural, environmental and historic significance of Gunlom.
This site is culturally significant to the Jawoyn people and its closure for the past several years has been deeply felt.
The Albanese Government acknowledges the pain caused by past mistakes and remains committed to working closely with Traditional Owners to manage and care for Gunlom for future generations, in partnership with the Jawoyn people.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Senator for the Northern Territory, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“I’m thrilled to see one of Kakadu’s most iconic and culturally significant sites re-open to the public.
“I express my gratitude to Traditional Owners for their generosity of spirit in sharing this spectacular site with visitors.
“When visitors come to Gunlom, they will learn about the deep, continuing connection the Jawoyn people have to Country and the site’s history and environment, through new signage that was developed with Traditional Owners.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“Our Government will work closely with Traditional Owners to protect this precious Kakadu icon, so it can be enjoyed now and by many future generations.
“Gunlom really is a must-see destination, with pristine landscape, stunning emerald waterholes and views for miles.
“This re-opening is welcome news for the tourism industry as people can once again experience this truly special part of Kakadu National Park.”
Quotes attributable to Senior Jawoyn Traditional Owner and Chair, Kakadu National Park Board of Management, Ryan Barrowei:
“Gunlom is an important place for Jawoyn. This land holds stories about our culture, lore and our history. It is just as important for Jawoyn today as it was in Buwurr times (the Dreamtime). Our most powerful Ancestor, Bula Djang, still resides on Jawoyn Country today.
“We welcome visitors to Gunlom and ask them to come and learn about our Country and show respect while here by staying on marked tracks and following safety directions.
“Our connection to this land is strong and we are happy that Gunlom is reopening. Once again, we will be able to gather here with our families, to share our traditions and keep culture strong.”