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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Tour operators brace for Kakadu site closures 'like COVID all over again'

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Popular Kakadu National Park attractions, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, will close for the rest of the dry season due to critical road and infrastructure upgrades.
  • The closures, which include the Twin Falls gorge and Karnamarr campground, are expected to be completed by December.
  • Tour operators express concern, with one reporting a 70% drop in bookings, fearing the closures will severely impact businesses during the peak tourism season.

Parks Australia has announced that two of Kakadu National Park's most popular attractions, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, will remain closed for the remainder of the dry season. The closures are necessary for "critical road and infrastructure upgrades," including repairs to roads damaged by cyclones. The works are scheduled to be completed by December, encompassing the peak tourism period for the Top End.

Traditional owners expressed their concerns for the safety of visitors to their country and have requested that the area remain closed until all road upgrade projects are completed.

— Ricky ArcherDirector of National Parks explaining the decision to close attractions.

The decision was made in consultation with Kakadu's traditional owners, who raised safety concerns for visitors to their country. Director of National Parks Ricky Archer stated that Parks Australia respects and supports the traditional owners' request for the area to remain closed until upgrades are finished. The closure affects the Twin Falls gorge and escarpment walk, as well as the Karnamarr campground. Nearly 20 kilometers of Jim Jim Falls Road will be upgraded to gravel standard, alongside improvements to four-wheel-drive tracks.

Parks Australia respects and supports this decision.

— Ricky ArcherDirector of National Parks on respecting the traditional owners' request.

While acknowledging the need for upgrades, some tour operators are concerned about the economic impact. Sean "Chizo" Chisholm, owner of Never Never Safari Tours, noted that his bookings are already down 70 percent. He expressed disappointment that the upgrades, which he understands are necessary for safety and accessibility, were not completed sooner, especially given the dry conditions. Chisholm fears the extended closure will further damage businesses already struggling during a tough dry season. Parks Australia emphasizes that the park remains open, offering access to many other attractions while these essential works are underway.

I fully respect the traditional owners and understand the safety for guests and tourists and accessibility for our guides and cars.

— Sean "Chizo" ChisholmTour operator on respecting the decision while expressing disappointment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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