Kakadu National Park entry | justwendles

Park safety and road access information

There are a number of safety-related aspects of traveling in Kakadu National Park:

Crocodiles

Two types of crocodiles inhabit Kakadu - estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles:

Estuarine crocodiles
Estuarine crocodiles live in fresh, estuarine and saltwater environments, such as floodplains, billabongs, rivers and coastal waters. They are aggressive and dangerous and have attacked and killed people in Kakadu.

Swimming in the park: some visitors choose to swim at their own risk, in selected natural plunge pools and gorge areas such as Gubara, Maguk, Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) and in creeks on the plateau above Twin Falls and Gunlom. These areas are surveyed for estuarine crocodiles prior to opening each dry season. There remains some risk that estuarine crocodiles may move into gorges and plunge pools during the dry season.

Freshwater crocodiles
Freshwater crocodiles generally inhabit the upper reaches of freshwater creeks and rivers. They are usually shy animals but can become aggressive if disturbed, particularly during the breeding season (September and October).

Your safety

Look out for crocodile signs
Obey 'no swimming' warnings
Remove rubbish from your campsite: it can attract crocodiles
Scale and clean fish at least 50m away from the water's edge
When camping in areas near water bodies, set up the tents at least 50 metres from the water's edge
Do not approach freshwater or estuarine crocodiles.

Roads and walking track access

See the current road access report

Road conditions in Kakadu National Park vary according to the season. During the wet season there is widespread flooding, so you should inquire about road conditions before you depart. Road conditions and walking track access in the park are monitored daily. The latest information about road and walking track conditions, openings and closures is available from the Bowali Visitor Centre, phone (08) 8938 1121, or you can download todays report here.

Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway
These are sealed roads and generally stay open throughout the year. Wet season flooding can sometimes cause temporary closures.
Nourlangie Road
This is a sealed road and generally stays open throughout the year. Wet season flooding can sometimes prevent access for several days.
Ubirr Road
This is a sealed road but is often flooded at Magela Creek during the wet season. The Magela Creek crossing is often impassable or restricted to four-wheel-drives.
Jim Jim / Twin Falls Road
This is a four-wheel-drive track and is closed when flooded during the wet season. The road re-opens depending on the length of the wet season, the road's condition and visitor safety related to estuarine crocodiles.
Gunlom Road
This is an unsealed road and is often closed due to wet season flooding.
Gubara Road
This is an unsealed road. Access changes to four-wheel-drives only during the wet season. During the dry season, the road is open for two-wheel drives.

Vehicle weight restrictions

Vehicles over 6000 kg Gross Vehicle Mass are NOT permitted on the following roads and tracks at any time of year:

Jim Jim Falls / Twin Falls Road
Road to Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Road to Graveside Gorge
Road to Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) Gorge
Road to Rockhole
West Alligator Head Road (2 Mile Hole and 4 Mile Hole)
Gubara Road

Disease-carrying insects

Insects such as mosquitoes can carry and transmit very debilitating viruses - the Ross River virus is an example - so always cover up and if necessary use a repellent.

Large feral animals

Large animals such as buffaloes and pigs can be dangerous. If you see them, keep at a safe distance and do not to approach them.

Dehydration

Throughout the year, daytime temperatures in Kakadu are consistently warm to hot. September to December is extremely hot and humid.

Prevention
Make sure your are suitably dressed in loose-fitting clothing that is cool but provides protection against sunburn.
Your must have plenty of drinking water with you, wherever you go. In a climate such as Kakadu's, most people need between four and eight litres of water a day. A minimum of two litres per person should be carried for short walks.

Dehydration symptoms
Among the early symptoms of dehydration are feeling thirsty, headache, dizziness and nausea. If the symptoms continue, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death can be the result. Children are at particular risk.

First aid

Lie the person in a cool, shaded area.
Give them water gradually.
If the person cannot keep the water down or does not recover quickly, seek medical assistance without delay.

Lost or injured group members

If a member of your group becomes lost or injured it is important to stay calm and pay attention to your own safety.

If a member of your group becomes lost in an isolated area, gather together the rest of your group. Search the immediate area, but do not get involved in a major search by yourself: this could lead to other members of your group becoming lost. Collect your group and walk out. Contact a ranger or make sure that a message is delivered to staff at park headquarters. Give the rangers or police detailed information about the person's last known location.
If a member of your group becomes injured in an isolated area try, if possible, to leave at least two responsible group members with the injured person while you and the others seek help. If the injured person can walk, and the return route is straightforward, one or two people should remain behind to help the injured person walk out slowly while you and the others go for help. Don't take short cuts. Give the rangers or police detailed information about the injured person. List of emergency telephone numbers.

Reducing the risk of wildfires

Please help prevent wildfires. Make sure your cigarette butts and matches are out and put them in rubbish bins, not on the ground. Use the fireplaces provided and, especially where no fireplace facilities are provided, ensure that you clear the area around your campfire. Always put your fire out before you leave.

Flash flooding

Frolicking in the rock pools above and below the waterfalls can be a highlight on a trip to Kakadu for many visitors. However, there is potential hazard here during the months of October to April. Flash flooding can happen suddenly and without warning in the gorges, creeks and streams in the stone country. It is possible for a flash flood to be generated by a heavy rainstorm that occurred many kilometres upstream and more than a day earlier.

Please be aware of possible sudden rises in the water levels of waterways, which can quickly cut off the return route from the top of waterfalls such as Gunlom and Jim Jim. Fast flowing water contained within a flash flood can be deceptively strong, causing strong currents when crossing waterways and dangerous swimming conditions.

When walking on trails or entering/swimming in rock pools above and below the waterfalls during these months, watch for rising water levels and flood debris. Be mindful of the possible dangers of sudden and unexpected flooding.

Emergency Numbers
Life threatening emergency	000
Police - Jabiru Police	(08) 8979 2122
Medical - Jabiru Health Clinic	(08) 8979 2018
Poisons Information Centre	13 1126
NRMA - Road side service	13 1111
Park Headquarters	(08) 8938 1100 (during business hours)

Ranger Stations
South Alligator ranger station (near the Kakadu Resort)	(08) 8979 0194
East Alligator ranger station (near the Border Store)	(08) 8979 2291
Jim Jim ranger station (near the Yellow Water turn-off)	(08) 8979 2038
Mary River ranger station (6km north of the Wirnwirnmila Mary River Roadhouse)	(08) 8975 4578

Emergency call devices

Emergency call devices are to be used in emergencies only. Follow the instructions located on the devices. Emergency call devices can be found at:

West Alligator Head
Jim Jim Falls
Twin Falls
Graveside Gorge
Maguk
Gunlom
Koolpin

Parks Australia

Kakadu National Park