Gunlom Falls the ‘crown jewel’ of Kakadu set for May reopening
Huge boost for Kakadu tourism as its most famous waterfall and rock pools will reopen in time for this year’s dry season
Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park’s most famous waterfall, will reopen in May, at the same time as a remastered version of Crocodile Dundee – which put Kakadu on the international tourism map – is released globally.
Gunlom Falls was known as ‘Echo Lake’ in Crocodile Dundee*. It’s where Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) aims to impress visiting American journalist Sue Charlton (played by Hogan’s wife to be, Linda Kozlowski) by spearing a barramundi and then displaying his bushtucker skills by BBQing fish and goanna for dinner. They also take a swim in the cool waters.
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The falls feature a lower pool and also an upper set of rock pools which offer panoramic views across Kakadu National Park. A new walkway to the upper level rock pools has been reconfigured after the walkway constructed in 2019 was found to have been built too close to a sacred rock art site.
Kakadu Tourism Chair, Lauren Ganley, said the reopening of Gunlom Falls represented an important new era in Kakadu’s tourism future.
“There is no destination in Australia more culturally unique than Kakadu, and so it is essential that we respect the heritage and culture of Traditional Owners in the way the Park is presented to visitors,” said Ms Ganley.
“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.
“The timing of the reopening announcement is significant because Qantas has just commenced direct flights from Singapore to Darwin which enables far greater access to the Top End from Europe, traditionally the biggest international market for Kakadu. Increased direct international flights from other Asian ports will also enable greater tourism connectivity.
“It is an exciting future for the region, and in anticipation of strong inbound growth Cooinda Lodge is completing an upgrade of its popular Outback Retreat glamping tents, adding ensuite facilities initially to 10 of the 20 stylish, air-conditioned tents.
“We are hoping that the Gunlom reopening will happen in time for one of Kakadu’s most popular events, A Taste of Kakadu from May 23 – 25. It would deliver the ultimate Kakadu experience for visitors.”
Gunlom Falls is in Kakadu National Park’s southern ‘stone country’ region, an hour’s drive (4WD only) from Cooinda and four and a half hours drive from Darwin. The falls were named in the 1960s as UDP Falls, after the Uranium Developing and Prospecting Company, which was searching for rich uranium deposits. It was then known as Waterfall Creek Falls before becoming Gunlom Falls.
The falls from the 85m high cliffs are seasonal, being at their best immediately after the wet season. Underneath the falls is a large emerald coloured billabong that is available for swimming from May to October, depending on conditions.
The new track to the rockpools at the top of the falls is steep and takes about 15-20 minutes but the series of refreshing pools and spectacular views across the south of Kakadu National Park to stone country, woodland, and riverine areas make the climb worthwhile.
Accommodation in Kakadu National Park
Indigenous owned accommodation in Kakadu National Park is available in Jabiru at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, built following the success of Crocodile Dundee, and Cooinda Lodge, which offers luxury villas, glamping tents, hotel rooms and extensive grounds, as well as a range of tours and experiences.
Further information: https://kakadutourism.com/
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