Kakadu Access Report
The Kakadu Access Report provides daily updates on the status of key visitor sites throughout Kakadu National Park.
Please visit the NT Government Road Report for more information about the surrounding region.
On this page:
For the most up-to-date information, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120 during operating hours.
The Access Report was last updated on 1 May 2026, 2:20 pm (Darwin local time).
Latest news
Road status - Drive with care
There is road damage including large potholes along sections of the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highways. In particular, there is a large pothole near the northern information bay on the Arnhem Highway. Road users are advised to exercise caution and monitor conditions closely.
Maintenance crews are on site repairing large potholes. Speed reductions are in place.
Road damage on the Kakadu Highway at Nourlangie Creek, Jim Jim Creek Bridge and Mary River Bridge.
Please monitor the Road Report NT and the Kakadu Access Report for the latest updates.
Seasonal updates:
The Yurmikmik walks including Motor Car Falls and Boulder Creek are now open.
Please note that Gimbat Road is currently only suitable for 4WD high-clearance vehicles and some temporary arrangements are in place following damage from flooding:
- Carpark two (Motor Car Falls) is open and is a shared space for tour operators and general visitors
- Access to Motor Car Falls and Boulder Creek is via carpark two only
- Carpark one (Boulder Creek) remains closed
- Toilet facilities at carpark one are closed – there are currently no toilet facilities available on site
Kambolgie campground is open. Access to this site is only suitable for 4WD high-clearance vehicles.
Gunlom is targeted to open in mid-June pending further site assessments and infrastructure repairs.
Magela Creek has been assessed by the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI), as being impassable. Water levels are receding quickly in this area and we are hopeful that the East Alligator region including Ubirr will be accessible in the next week.
Cahills Crossing is currently closed. DLI has closed the road for community and visitor safety.
For latest advice about Magela Creek and Cahills Crossing, please monitor the Road Report NT.
Bowali Visitor Centre Operating Hours
Wet season (November - March): 10 am - 4 pm.
Dry season (April - October): 9 am - 5 pm.
Parks Pass
The NT Parks Visitor Pass is not valid in Kakadu National Park. Please purchase your Kakadu Park Pass online or visit the Bowali Visitor Centre.
Facilities
There is a supermarket in Jabiru and an additional store at Cooinda. There is no shop or fuel at Mary River Roadhouse. Fuel is available at Pine Creek, Cooinda or Jabiru.
Sites open all year
These sites are usually open all year round. They can still be impacted by weather and other events, so please see the list of all open and closed visitor sites for up-to-date status and details:
Park Opening Plan
Throughout the year, Kakadu’s landscapes undergo dramatic seasonal changes. The Park Opening Plan outlines what we do to open visitor sites after the wet season, how we communicate and why we may need to close sites.
Steps to opening a site
At the end of the wet season, there are steps to opening a visitor site, ranging from preliminary site assessment to crocodile trapping and surveys.
Some sites also require infrastructure installation before they can be opened to the public.
Please refer to the table below for details of the work involved at each stage.
| Step | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Site temporarily closed | Closed | Site closed due to events beyond Kakadu's control. For example: flooding, bushfires, roadworks or extreme weather. |
| Preliminary site assessment | Closed | Inspect the site and plan upcoming works. |
| Site maintenance works | Closed | Initial cleanup, road repairs, early dry season burning, feral animal and weed control. |
| Site cleanup | Closed | Cleaning and maintenance of visitor facilities, walking tracks and signage. |
| Crocodile trapping and surveys | Closed | Crocodile trap installation and monitoring. |
| Infrastructure installation | Closed | Followed by Park Manager approval and site opening. |
| Open, but beware of risks | Open* | Possible risks include: road conditions, fire management and ongoing maintenance work. |
| Site open | Open | Conditions are good. Any site specific advice will be noted. |
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