Kakadu Access Report
The Kakadu Access Report provides daily updates on the status of key visitor sites throughout Kakadu National Park.
Take in the big picture on the map and scroll down for more information about sites which interest you.
Please visit the NT Government Road Report for more information about the surrounding region.
To learn more about interpreting this report, take a look at the steps to opening a site below.
Latest news
West Alligator head will remain closed until seasonal opening 2023..
Kakadu has lots of park-run camping areas to enjoy without pre-booking (first come, first served, fees may apply), or you can book into a commercial campground or caravan site at Jabiru or Cooinda. .
Cahill’s Crossing upgrade is now complete, upgrade includes a new picnic area and three new viewing platforms linked by rainforest walk, will provide visitors a safe vantage point to view crocodiles in Kakadu
The Oenpelli Road will remain open for vehicle traffic to and from Arnhem Land during construction. Adhere to all signage in the area and follow rangers’ directions.
No shop or fuel available at Mary River Roadhouse. Nearest fuel stops Jabiru, Cooinda and Pine Creek.
| Visitor site | Status | Comments | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main roads | |||
| Arnhem Highway | Open | ||
| Kakadu Highway | Open | ||
| Old Jim Jim Road | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD access only | |
| South Alligator region | |||
| South Alligator boat ramp and picnic area | Open | ||
| Mamukala wetlands | Open | ||
| Kungarre walk | Open | ||
| Red Lily Billabong (Djunda) | Open | High clearance 4WD | |
| Bucket Billabong (Ngarrababa) | Open | High clearance 4WD | |
| Alligator Billabong (Gurdurunguranjdju) | Open | High clearance 4WD | |
| Two Mile Hole Billabong | Open | 4WD access only | Open since 19 August 2022 |
| Four Mile Hole Billabong | Open | 4WD access only | Open since 12 August 2022 |
| Waldak Irrmbal (West Alligator Head) | Closed | Will remain closed until seasonal opening 2023. | Forecast to open late August |
| Jabiru region | |||
| Bowali Visitor Centre | Open | ||
| Bowali track | Open | ||
| Yilikadjarr walk | Open | ||
| Malabanjbanjdju campground | Open | ||
| Burdulba campground | Open | ||
| East Alligator region | |||
| Ubirr rock art site | Open | ||
| Oenpelli Road (at Magela Creek) | Open | ||
| Cahills Crossing | Open | Open since 28 September 2022 | |
| Manngarre rainforest walk | Open | Short loop open | Open since 17 August 2022 |
| Bardedjilidji walk | Open | ||
| Badbong Wodjmeng sandstone river walk | Closed | Seasonal closure | |
| Merl campground | Open | ||
| Upstream boat ramp | Open | Contact kctres@kakadu.net.au for departure details and to book Guluyambi Cultural Cruise | |
| Downstream boat ramp | Open | ||
| Burrungkuy region | |||
| Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art site | Open | All year access | |
| Nawurlandja lookout walk | Open | All year access | |
| Anbangbang Billabong walk | Open | ||
| Kubara pools walk (Gubara pools walk) | Open | 4WD recommended | |
| Nanguluwurr art site walk | Open | ||
| Barrk sandstone walk | Open | ||
| Djarradjin (Muirella Park) campground | Open | ||
| Sandy Billabong (Djirrilba) campground | Open | 4WD only | |
| Bubba wetlands walk | Open | Partially open, follow track markers. | |
| Mirray (Mirrai) lookout walk | Open | All year access | |
| Yellow Water region | |||
| Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) boardwalk | Open | ||
| Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Boat Cruise | Open | Contact reservations@yellowwater.com.au for departure details and to book | |
| Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) boat ramp | Open | ||
| Home Billabong boat ramp | Open | ||
| Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre | Open | ||
| Mardukal (Mardugal) campground one (caravans) | Open | ||
| Mardukal (Mardugal) campground two (tents) | Open | ||
| Mardukal (Mardugal) Billabong walk | Open | ||
| Mardukal Billabong boat ramp | Open | ||
| Kungardun (Gungardun) walk | Open | ||
| Jim Jim Billabong (Djim Djim Anlabbarl) campground | Open | ||
| Jim Jim Billabong boat ramp | Open | ||
| Jim Jim and Twin Falls region | |||
| Karnamarr (Garnamarr) campground | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Budjmi lookout walk | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Jim Jim Falls (Barrkmallam) | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Barrk Marlam walk | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Twin Falls gorge | Closed | Closed until further notice for infrastructure upgrades | |
| Twin Falls plateau (escarpment) walk | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD only | |
| Mary River region | |||
| Gunlom | Closed | Cultural closure until further notice | |
| Maguk | Open | Unsealed road, 4WD only | |
| Yurmikmik walks | Open | Rough surface, 4WD recommended | |
| Kambolgie campground | Open | Rough surface, 4WD recommended | |
| Bukbukluk lookout | Open | ||
| Gungurul campground | Open | Camping fees apply | |
| Gungurul lookout and river walk | Open | Lookout walk open | |
| Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) | Open | Access by permit only. Currently high clearance 4WD access only | |
| Guratba/Gimbat day use area | Open | Currently high clearance 4WD access only | |
| Igoymarrwa (Ikoymarrawa) rock holes | Open | 4WD essential. Camping prohibited | |
| Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle Springs) | Closed | Seasonal closure | |
Steps to opening a site
At the end of the wet season, there are typically four steps to opening a visitor site, ranging from preliminary site assessment to crocodile trapping and surveys.
Some sites also require infrastructure installation before they can be opened to the public.
Please refer to the table below for details of the work involved at each stage.
| Step | Status | Description | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site temporarily closed | Closed | Site closed due to events beyond Kakadu's control. For example: flooding, bushfires, roadworks or extreme weather. | 0% complete |
| Preliminary site assessment | Closed | Inspect the site and plan upcoming works. Takes one day to complete. | 5% complete |
| Site maintenance works | Closed | Initial cleanup, road repairs, early dry season burning, feral animal and weed control. Takes one to three weeks. | 30% complete |
| Site cleanup | Closed | Cleaning and maintenance of visitor facilities, walking tracks and signage. Takes two weeks. | 60% complete |
| Crocodile trapping and surveys | Closed | Crocodile trap installation and monitoring. Takes two weeks. | 75% complete |
| Infrastructure installation | Closed | Followed by Park Manager approval and site opening. | 90% complete |
| Open, but beware of risks | Open (!) | Possible risks include: road conditions, fire management and ongoing maintenance work. | 100% complete |
| Site open | Open | Conditions are good. Any site specific advice will be noted. | 100% complete |
More information
For more information about Kakadu National Park, contact the Bowali Visitor Centre on (08) 8938 1120.
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