Visitor safety and responsibilities
There are a number of safety-related aspects of traveling in Kakadu National Park:
- Crocodiles
- Swimming in pools and gorges
- Disease-carrying insects
- Large feral animals
- Dehydration
- Lost or injured group members
- Wildfires
- Flash flooding
- Emergency telephone numbers
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.
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.
Swimming in plunge pools and gorges
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.
Please read the crocodile warning signs and consider their information carefully.
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 4 and 8 litres of water a day. A minimum of 2 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