Uluru and Kakadu National Park set to reopen

Parks Australia has announced that the Uluru‐Kata Tjuta and the Kakadu National Parks will reopen to local visitors as of this Friday - 19th June.

With only Northern Territory residents able to visit, the reopenings are symbolic, but nonetheless send a message that Australian tourism is beginning to emerge from its lockdown.

Director of National Parks, Dr James Findlay said access will be restricted to some areas of the national parks while at Uluru “the Cultural Centre and associated businesses will remain closed, will organised group activities and tours.

“However there will be plenty of opportunity to seek recreation and relaxation.

“At Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park, walking tracks and sunrise and sunset viewing areas will be open.

“Visitors can take a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, hike around the base of Uluru or explore Kata Tjuta’s breathtaking views.

“We ask visitors to continue maintaining social distancing. We’ll be conducting additional cleaning of high contact areas and extra hand wash stations will be set up at key high‐contact locations throughout the parks.

“Some paths or areas may be one‐directional or have other health and safety restrictions related to COVID‐19, so we request visitors please observe arrows and signs.”

Dr Findlay added “Kakadu National Park will be open for day use only, between 8 am and 5 pm. Most boat ramps will be open, and visitors will once again be able to enjoy some of the Top End’s best fishing.

“Mamukala Wetlands, Mangarre Rainforest, Bardedjilidji, Gungural, the Yurmikmik area and the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region will also be open, allowing for some stunning walks and access to Kakadu’s wildlife and world‐class rock art.

“Overnight camping will not be permitted in Kakadu during the first stage of re‐opening, however there are many accommodation options for visitors at Jabiru, Cooinda and Mary River.”

Part of the Federal Government's environment portfolio, Parks Australia manages six Commonwealth national parks that protect some of the country’s most stunning natural areas and Aboriginal heritage - Christmas Island and Pulu Keeling far out in the Indian Ocean to Norfolk Island in the Pacific, Booderee on the NSW south coast and World Heritage-listed Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks in the Northern Territory.

It support the Director of National Parks who has responsibility under Australian environment law for six Commonwealth national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Australian Marine Parks.