Wetlands Australia National Wetlands Update 2012
Issue No. 20, February 2012
ISSN 1446-4843
Kakadu National Park – a distinctive natural and cultural experience
Parks Australia, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Crocodile at Yellow Water Lagoon in Kakadu National Park, NT (Michelle McAulay & the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)
Internationally famous, World Heritage and Ramsar listed, Kakadu National Park is Australia's largest mainland national park. It is an ancient landscape of exceptional beauty and diversity. Lying at the northern fringe of the Northern Territory, Kakadu is 230 kilometres by road from Darwin, and stretches across 19 804 square kilometres from mangrove-fringed tidal plains in the north to vast floodplains, lowland hills and the sandstone cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment.
The Aboriginal people of Kakadu (known as Bininj in the north and Mungguy in the south) are proud to share their country with visitors. Generations of Bininj/Mungguy have lived on and cared for this country for tens of thousands of years. Art, language, ceremonies, kinship and caring for country are all aspects of cultural responsibility that have passed from one generation to the next, from the Creation time.
Bininj/Mungguy believe that during the Creation time important ancestral beings, known as the first people or Nayuhyunggi, journeyed across the landscape creating the features and landforms, plants, animals and the generations of Bininj/Mungguy who live there today. The land and its people have always been linked. Kakadu has one of the greatest concentrations of rock art sites in the world, and one of the longest historical records of any group of people. Kakadu teems with wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air - the range and concentration of species is seen nowhere else. Combined with the rich Indigenous culture, diverse landscapes and six seasons, tourists can choose from many outstanding and memorable experiences.
Kakadu National Park was declared in 1979, listed under the Ramsar Convention in 1980 and inscribed on the World Heritage List in two stages, 1981 and 1987. It is one of very few places listed for both its cultural and natural values, and features a successful model of joint management between the Aboriginal traditional owners and the Australian Government's Director of National Parks. Through joint management, Bininj/Mungguy work together with park staff to balance the protection of their culture and the places that are important to them with the needs of tourists and other stakeholders. Combining traditional skills and knowledge with contemporary park management enables the park to be looked after in line with world's best management practices.
Kakadu is a key element in Australia's National Landscapes program which promotes the best tourism destinations Australia has to offer for distinctive natural and cultural experiences. As an iconic drawcard for tourism to Australia and the Northern Territory, Kakadu is consistently used to promote the whole of Australia overseas. In 2010-11, Kakadu received 175 423 tourists (56 per cent domestic and 44 per cent international).
The possibilities for tourism experiences are endless in Kakadu. To fully appreciate the breadth and beauty of the park, tourists are advised to stay at least three to five days. Kakadu has six seasons and all year round there are always amazing things to see and do. The park has developed a range of suggested itineraries and the key tourism experiences are summarised below.
Experience ancient art and living culture
Art in Kakadu National Park, NT (Director of National Parks).
Tourists can immerse themselves in Kakadu's rich culture through Aboriginal guides explaining detailed rock art galleries such as Nourlangie, Anbangang and Ubirr. Here, Creation ancestors such as the Rainbow Serpent and Namarrgon (Lightning Man) are etched into the walls. There are opportunities to stay overnight with Aboriginal families and learn traditional weaving, hunting and didgeridoo playing. Other ways to experience culture are through a visit to Warradjan Cultural Centre or by taking a cultural cruise through the waterways and wetlands, spotting an abundance of animals and birds, or on a bush tucker tour.
Experience thriving nature
Kakadu is home to one-third of Australian bird species and is an international tourism attraction for birdwatchers. Spot bird species found nowehere else ,as well as migratory birds (some that fly from as far away as Siberia). Pelicans, egrets, heron, spoonbills, sea eagles, ducks, brolgas and jacanas can be seen on the walk around Mamukala Wetlands and from the bird hide. In the milder Wurrgeng months of June and August, tourists will see magpie geese swarming around shrinking billabongs. A cruise on the famous Yellow Water Wetlands will reveal crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks and the comb-crested jacana birds - known as 'jesus' birds - stepping daintily across the lily pads. Crocodiles and wildlife can also be seen in close proximity on a cruise along the East Alligator River or on a unique night wildlife boat cruise on Djarradjin Billabong. Wallabies, dingoes, termite mounds, bats and fruit bats can be spotted in the woodlands. A quarter of all Australian freshwater fish species can be found in Kakadu and tourists can fish for barramundi from many places, including the East and South Alligator rivers.
Experience diverse landscapes
Tourists can drive or take a 4WD tour to Maguk year round and to Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, and Jarrangbarnmi in the dry season. To truly appreciate Kakadu's grandeur, scenic flights can be taken over the Arnhem Land escarpment and majestic Twin and Jim Jim Falls – this is best experienced during Gudjewg monsoon season from January to March. Many walking trails weave through the wetlands, sandstone cliffs and shady monsoon forests. Tourists can walk to Gubara Pools, experience the rugged sandstone escarpment along the Barrk Walk or ride a bike along the Bowali Track. There are many scenic and relaxing places to camp, including Sandy Billabong, Waldak Irrmbal and Four Mile Hole. May to mid-June, Yegge, is the best time of year to see wetlands covered with water lilies. In the Stone Country tourists can take a walk to the top of Gunlom waterfall and be rewarded with breathtaking views over southern Kakadu.
Appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of Kakadu's unique values are an important component of managing the Ramsar listed World Heritage Area. Bininj/Mungguy are proud to share their country with visitors and welcome tourism opportunities.
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