Aussie national park spot hugely popular with campers reopens to the public after years
After six years of closure and a long-running dispute over cultural site protection, one of the country's most popular waterfalls is again set to open to tourists.
Gunlom Falls, an iconic spot in the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, will officially reopen next month. It has been closed since late 2019, when the construction of a new walkway inadvertently disturbed a site sacred to the Jawoyn people, the traditional custodians of the land.
The Northern Land Council (NLC) described the disturbance as a "deeply disrespectful violation" of Traditional Owners' rights. Parks Australia was later fined $200,000 under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, admitting fault and issuing a public apology in 2021.
After years of negotiations, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed a new lease agreement had been secured between the Commonwealth and Kakadu's traditional owners, allowing the park to move forward.
Gunlom Falls has long been a favourite among campers, offering breathtaking views, natural infinity pools and a serene bush setting perfect for an overnight stay under the stars. The Northern Land Council successfully negotiated an increase in annual rent to $10.7 million, up from previous figures, as part of the new lease terms, the NT News reported.
Traditional Owners will now receive 50 per cent of commercial revenue, including entry fees, permits, camping charges, and licence fees, providing a greater financial return to Indigenous custodians.
Online, Australians were overjoyed to hear the news. "Beautiful place. Please take care of it," a woman said. "How exciting," another wrote. "Please go! This place is truly magic," another commented.
Gunlom Falls, located in Kakadu's rugged southern "stone country" region, is accessible only by 4WD, with the nearest hub being Cooinda, about an hour away, and Darwin, 4.5 hours. The falls have long been a favourite among Territory visitors, famous for their tiered rock pools, panoramic views and emerald-green swimming holes.
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They reach peak flow just after the wet season, making May the ideal time for reopening, with the newly constructed access track about a 15 to 20 minute hike. The reopening is expected to be a major boost for tourism in Kakadu, aligning perfectly with A Taste of Kakadu — a popular festival celebrating Indigenous culture, bush food and local storytelling which runs in late May.
Kakadu Tourism Chair Lauren Ganley called it a "new era", emphasising the need for cultural respect in future park developments. "There is no destination in Australia more culturally unique than Kakadu," she said. "It's essential we present it in a way that respects the heritage and wishes of Traditional Owners.
"The reopening of Gunlom Falls is part of a wider program to upgrade infrastructure to allow visitors to better appreciate Kakadu's natural wonders. Another major attraction — Twin Falls — will reopen next dry season after infrastructure upgrades, and there are plans for significant investment throughout the park to re-establish it as one of the world's leading national parks."
With Qantas resuming direct Darwin-Singapore flights, tourism in Kakadu and the broader Northern Territory is expected to see an upswing. Meanwhile, Cooinda Lodge is upgrading its Outback Retreat glamping tents, with plans to add ensuite facilities to 10 of the 20 air-conditioned tents in preparation for increased visitor numbers.
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