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Welcome to Banggereng!
Blue skies and speer grass at Gubara
There's a noticeable change in the air at Kakadu, as we move into Banggerreng or 'knock em down storm' season. Monsoonal conditions make way for clear skies during Banggerreng. Humidity levels are starting to ease and while the days are still warm, evenings bring a hint of cooler things to come.
At this time of year the vast expanses of floodwater start to recede and streams begin to run clear. Spear grass which has grown to over two metres tall during Gudjewg is knocked down by strong winds that come with the occasional ‘knock ‘em down storm'. Wildflowers begin to bloom, plants are fruiting and animals are caring for their young.
Grevillea in flower at Kakadu | Anja Toms
Now is a great time to join a guided tour of the park. Boat tours, scenic flights and guided day trips operate throughout the year. You can enjoy many Kakadu icons at their best. See water still flowing over Jim Jim and Twin Falls before the dry season, or take an exclusive boat tour on Magela Creek or Yellow Water wetlands.
Check our website for a list of the seasonal attractions, and look them up in the Kakadu National Park Visitor Guide for maps and further information.
Just remember - the heavy rains of the wet season have left damage to some roads. Before you depart, check our daily access report so you know which areas are open for business! For more detailed advice call our helpful staff at Bowali Visitor Centre on 08 8938 1120. Find out more about Banggerreng, including what to see and where to go, and learn more about Kakadu's six seasons.
Adventures in croc country
Check out the size of that bite mark!
Crocodiles are part of life at Kakadu - just ask the two fishermen who nearly lost a chunk of their outboard motor last month!
3.5 metre croc attacked their boat in the early hours of Saturday morning, as they were moored at Mud Island, where the South Alligator River meets the sea. The guys felt the croc nudge their boat around midnight, then it came back around 2am and had a go at their outboard motor. Two boats were anchored next to each other when the croc attacked. The bloke in the other boat was snoring loudly at the time...but the noise clearly didn't scare the croc off. Rangers want to remind fishermen to keep perimeter lights on boats at night and avoid keeping anything smelly on board. Read other good tips on staying safe at Kakadu
Hard to resist
As you're wandering through the woodlands or cruising one of Kakadu's stunning waterways, you're bound to see plenty of the local wildlife. It can be tempting to feed them - some like dingos and wallabies can be very persuasive - but it's really important not to!
Feeding native animals can interfere with their digestive and immune systems and can even end up killing them. It can reduce their natural fear of humans and they may become aggressive. They can also lose their wild instincts, become dependent on humans and stop teaching their young to hunt and forage. You can help by cleaning up all food scraps and rubbish before you leave a visitor area and please resist the temptation to feed the animals...no matter how charming they are!
Agile wallaby at Kakadu licks its arms to stay cool | Anne O'Dea
Kakadu in Australia's top three
Friendly staff at Bowali Visitor Centre | Kakadu
Congratulations to Kakadu on another tourism win!
Kakadu took out bronze in Australia's top tourism awards this year, cementing its place as one of the country's top three major attractions. Ryan Baruwei was one of the Aboriginal traditional owners who proudly accepted the award.
“We say to everyone - come and visit us! Our country's moods and landscapes change over our six seasons. Immerse yourself, feel its spirit, hear our stories - you'll have an experience that will stay with you forever.”
Check our website for more ideas on what to see in Kakadu at the moment
Have your say about Kakadu
The management plan for Kakadu is being updated at the moment, and we want your input on the things the new plan should consider. Your views are vital in shaping the future of this World Heritage national park!
What issues do you want considered as the new Kakadu plan is drafted? What types of recreational activities do you want more of? Are there further ways for traditional owners to participate meaningfully in tourism?
We'd love to hear from you by Friday 13 April 2012. Your input doesn't have to be long or complicated, just tell us what you think.
