Kakadu Access Report
The Kakadu Access Report provides daily updates on the status of key visitor sites throughout Kakadu National Park.
Take in the big picture on the map and scroll down for more information about sites which interest you.
Please visit the NT Government Road Report for more information about the surrounding region.
To learn more about interpreting this report, take a look at the steps to opening a site below.
Latest news
Seasonal changes
Yurmkimik walks are closed due to the seasonal risk of flash flooding, this inculdes Boulder Creek Falls and Motor Car Falls.
Home billabong boatramp now open for public use.
The Yellow Water cruise operates from Home Billabong behind Cooinda Lodge. For all departures, please use Cooinda carpark as the designated parking location.
Please contact reservations@yellowwater.com.au for all tour bookings and departure times of Yellow Waters cruise.
Oenpelli road now Impassable to all traffic.
Water level at Magela and S bends are at 1 metre and dropping. Road classified as impassable by (DIL) Department of Logistics and Infrastructure.
Seasonal closures in the East Alligator region apply to:
- Ubirr artsite
- Merl campground
- Upstream boatramp
- Downstream boatramp.
Permits
Overnight/ off track bushwalking permits are limited each year, with various locations subjective to monthly capacity, there are currently no permits available for the 2025 season.
Please contact the permits team on kakadu.permits@dcceew.gov.au to be added to the waitlist in the event of a cancellation, email enquiries and permit applications submissions are actioned on a first come first served basis.
For reception and permit queries, please contact Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120 while phone line connections are restored.
Notes:
The NT Parks Pass is not valid in Kakadu National Park. Please purchase your Kakadu Park Pass online or visit the Bowali Visitor Centre.
There are 2 small shopping hubs at Cooinda and Jabiru. There is no shop or fuel at Mary River Roadhouse. The nearest fuel is available at Pine Creek, Cooinda or Jabiru.
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.
Download resources
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. |
More information
For more information about Kakadu National Park, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120.
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