News
Statement from Director of National Parks
Wednesday 23 October 2024
Since commencing in the role of Director of National Parks, I have been focused on repairing relationships with Kakadu’s Traditional Owners and rebuilding trust by acknowledging and learning from past mistakes.
World-class guided walk unites Australian icons
Tuesday 22 October 2024
A world-class desert walk between two of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks – Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory, is set to become one of central Australia’s major tourism attractions.
Consultation opens on the draft South-east Marine Parks Network Management Plan
Friday 11 October 2024
The Director of National Parks is inviting comments on a Draft Management Plan for the South-east Marine Parks Network.
Developing a better understanding of Australian Biodiversity with 14 new taxonomy projects announced
Friday 6 September 2024
The Australian Biological Resource Study (ABRS) is pleased to announce 14 successful projects funded through the 2024-25 National Taxonomic Research Grant Program (NTRGP).
Passing of senior Anangu Traditional Owner and respectful closure of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on Friday, 30 August 2024
Friday 9 August 2024
The Director of National Parks, Ricky Archer, acknowledges the passing of Mrs N Patterson, a senior Traditional Owner of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Better protection for Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Parks
Friday 9 August 2024
Globally significant Australian oceans almost the size of NSW will receive better protection through draft management plans released today.
Ghost Nets forum – sharing cultural knowledge
Monday 3 June 2024
From 30 April to 2 May, more than 50 Indigenous rangers across 20 ranger groups came together in Gulkula, Northern Territory to discuss the environmental and social impact of marine debris and ghost nets in Australia’s northern beaches, coastal waters and communities.
Statement from Director of National Parks regarding Gunlom Falls prosecution
Wednesday 29 May 2024
Since commencing in the office of the Director of National Parks in November 2023, I have been committed to resolving the Gunlom Falls matter and repairing relationships with Traditional Owners.
Pilot study on ghost net recycling pathways in Gulf of Carpentaria now complete
Thursday 14 September 2023
A pilot study exploring recycling pathways for ghost nets in the Gulf of Carpentaria is now complete.
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa and Kakadu National Parks Etched in Time
Friday 1 September 2023
Some of Australia’s World-Heritage wonders are officially etched in time, featuring on a brand new coin to celebrate Australia's natural and built heritage.
Stink bug with tusks discovered in Western Australia
Thursday 15 June 2023
Entomologists from the University of New South Wales and Western Australian Museum have made the fascinating discovery.
Grants to tackle ghost nets and marine debris in Australia’s north
Wednesday 24 May 2023
Eleven new ghost net grant projects worth over $3 million are being funded by the Australian Government to help detect, remove or dispose of marine debris in northern Australia.
New South-east Management Plan and proposed expansion of Macquarie Island Marine Park
Monday 20 March 2023
The Director of National Parks is inviting public comment on the intent to prepare a new South-east Marine Parks Network Management Plan and a proposal to expand the Macquarie Island Marine Park.
Bush Blitz Spider Discovery in Australian Alps
Thursday 16 February 2023
An 11-day expedition to discover new species in Australia’s Alpine region has uncovered three new species of spider previously unknown to science.
Ghost Nets Innovative Solutions grants
Monday 10 October 2022
The Director of National Parks launched the Ghost Nets Innovative Solutions grants program on 10 October 2022.
Statement from Director of National Parks, Jody Swirepik
Friday 30 September 2022
Statement from Director of National Parks, Jody Swirepik
Road upgrades in Norfolk Island National Park
Friday 23 September 2022
A $7 million project to improve road safety and visitor access to key tourist sites at Norfolk Island National Park will commence on 30 September 2022.
Seven pseudoscorpion species discovered by Bush Blitz
Saturday 30 July 2022
Australia’s leading species discovery program, Bush Blitz, has discovered seven pseudoscorpion species which are believed to be new to science, during an expedition to Wilinggan Country in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Eastern Bristlebird Translocation Success
Saturday 23 July 2022
The re-establishment of one of Australia’s most threatened bird species is underway after 17 eastern bristlebirds were successfully moved from a source population on the NSW south coast to a new home at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria.
Parks Australia and COVID-19
Friday 8 July 2022
Parks Australia manages national parks and reserves across Australia, with each operating under different State and Territory guidelines for managing COVID-19.
Project Services Support for Parks Australia Infrastructure
Tuesday 29 March 2022
The Director of National Parks is pleased to announce that on 25 March 2022 a decision was made as to the selection of a preferred tenderer for the role of a Project Services Consultant (PSC), following a competitive tender process.
Statement by the Director of National Parks, Jody Swirepik regarding the Senior Advisory Group Advice
Wednesday 9 March 2022
As Director of National Parks, I welcome the Senior Advisory Group’s advice as an important step in affirming the aspirations of Traditional Owners of the Commonwealth’s jointly managed National Parks – Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta.
Finding solutions for ghost nets in northern Australia
Friday 10 December 2021
A needs analysis and feasibility study funded as part of the Ghost Nets Initiative is now complete.
Fresh hope for our native flora with new National Native Seed Strategy
Friday 3 December 2021
One of Australia’s rarest trees was highlighted during the launch of the Strategy for the Australian Native Seed Sector at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in November.
Millions of crabs march on Christmas Island
Thursday 2 December 2021
Tens of millions of red crabs on Christmas Island are on the move from the forest to the coastline in one of the world’s great wildlife migrations.
Parks Australia signs joint statement on climate change and biodiversity loss
Monday 8 November 2021
The Australian Government has today announced a record $233 million investment into Parks Australia to deliver infrastructure upgrades across our national parks and at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
New study sheds light on ghost net hotspots
Tuesday 14 September 2021
A study funded under the Australian Government’s ghost nets initiative has identified Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula and the Northern Territory coastline south of the Gove Peninsula as key hotspots for foreign ghost nets.
GPS tracking trial a success: two ghost nets removed from Torres Strait
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Two discarded foreign fishing nets have been removed from the Torres Strait with the help of a GPS tracking device, as the Australian Government makes new waves in its fight to tackle abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear under the Ghost Nets Initiative.
Statement from Parks Australia regarding Gunlom Prosecution
Friday 30 July 2021
The Director of National Parks (the Director) today indicated a plea of ‘not guilty’ would be made in a legal matter involving the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) and its prosecution of the Director in relation to the Gunlom walking track in Kakadu National Park.
Saving six unique plants in six unique locations
Friday 21 May 2021
This International Day for Biological Diversity, we’re sharing the stories of six plants that have been saved by the conservation work in our amazing national parks. We’re part of the solution #ForNature.
Ghost Nets Initiative launch
Monday 3 May 2021
The Australian Government has launched the Ghost Nets Initiative by making a $14.8 million investment in projects to directly address the challenge of ghost nets and marine debris littering northern Australian waters and beaches.
Passing of Mr M. Na-gangila Bangalang and respectful closure of Ubirr and the East Alligator region
Tuesday 13 April 2021
The Director of National Parks acknowledges the passing of Mr M. Na-gangila Bangalang, prominent and important Senior Murrwan Traditional Owner in the Erre Region and member of the Kakadu National Park Board of Management.
Open letter to CEO of AAPA from the Director of National Parks
Wednesday 7 April 2021
In relation to the ongoing prosecution of the Director of National Parks for constructing a walking track at Gunlom Falls without having obtained an Authority Certificate.
Senior Advisory Group on Joint Management Arrangements for Commonwealth National Parks established
Wednesday 31 March 2021
The focus of the newly established group will be to ensure Traditional Owners are front and centre of discussions and any outcomes related to future joint management arrangements.
Gunlom Falls sacred site protection
Wednesday 31 March 2021
Parks Australia has today reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issues raised by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) in a constructive manner, and to work with the Traditional Owners of Kakadu National Park to ensure their Culture, their heritage and their sacred sites are protected.
Researchers and rangers survey remote uninhabited island for seabirds
Friday 5 February 2021
In 2020 a team of Monash University researchers and Parks Australia staff visited the remote Pulu Keeling National Park, an uninhabited island nature reserve about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka.
Norfolk Island upgrades
Friday 22 January 2021
Norfolk Island National Park has been the recipient of significant capital works funding to undertake crucial projects.
Protecting Lister’s gecko and blue-tailed skinks
Monday 18 January 2021
In 2009 staff member Brendan Tiernan discovered the last remaining Lister’s gecko population which had retreated to the most remote part of the island.
Parks Australia’s ecological time capsule in the Indian Ocean
Saturday 12 December 2020
Twenty-five years ago today one of Australia’s most remote national parks was proclaimed. Happy birthday Pulu Keeling National Park!
Update to Park Passes for entry to national parks from 1 January 2021
Thursday 10 December 2020
The Australian Government’s fee waiver period for Booderee, Kakadu and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Parks is coming to a close on 31 December 2020.
Parks Australia recognises ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ for NAIDOC Week
Monday 9 November 2020
The theme for NAIDOC Week this year is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. Parks Australia recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.
Record $233 million investment in Parks Australia
Sunday 12 July 2020
The Australian Government has today announced a record $233 million investment into Parks Australia to deliver infrastructure upgrades across our national parks and at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Booderee National Park COVID-19 – Frequently asked questions
Friday 22 May 2020
To minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19, Booderee National Park is closed to travellers and other non-essential visitors until 23 June 2020 (inclusive).
Parks Australia Zoom backgrounds
Thursday 21 May 2020
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been asking you to pick the best photos of our national parks on Facebook. Today, we’ve counted the votes, and you will find Australia’s favorite images from each park.
Supporting tourism businesses in Commonwealth National Parks
Wednesday 6 May 2020
Tourism businesses operating in Commonwealth national parks managed by Parks Australia will benefit from a financial relief package.
COVID-19 closure remains in place for Booderee
Thursday 30 April 2020
Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council advise that Booderee National Park will remain closed to the public until 11.59 pm on 23 May 2020.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park COVID-19 – Frequently asked questions
Tuesday 7 April 2020
To mitigate the spread of Covid-19, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is closed to visitors and other non-essential travellers until 11.59 pm 18 June 2020.
Christmas Island COVID-19 – Frequently asked questions
Tuesday 31 March 2020
A travel ban is in place to Christmas Island until further notice. Only residents and essential staff can enter the island. Residents, essential staff and their families returning to the island must self-isolate for two weeks.
Norfolk Island COVID-19 – Frequently asked questions
Tuesday 31 March 2020
On 17 March 2020 a travel ban was put into effect for arrivals to Norfolk Island. Only residents and essential staff can travel to Norfolk Island until further notice, and anyone returning to the island must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Parks Australia announces temporary closures
Tuesday 24 March 2020
Parks Australia has today announced that the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks will be temporarily closed to visitors and other non-essential travellers for a minimum of two weeks.
Waived park entry fees announced
Friday 13 March 2020
The Australian Government has announced that park entry fees will be waived for visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kakadu and Booderee National Parks from 16 March to 31 December 2020.
