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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.

Related Articles

1st June 2020 - Victorian national parks closed after social distancing breaches

6th May 2020 - Tourism businesses in Commonwealth National Parks to receive financial relief

5th May 2020 - Queensland’s reopened national parks attract thousands of visitors

2nd May 2020 - Western Australia reopens national parks for local camping

27th April 2020 - Queensland Government to partially re-open some National Parks

12th April 2020 - Tasmania to restore fire damaged national park infrastructure

5th April 2020 - Uluru resort stands down hundreds of workers due to Coronavirus restrictions and downturn

5th November 2019 - Parks Australia proposes rise in entry fees to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

28th October 2019 - Parks Australia launches new destination branding for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

26th October 2019 - Uluru climb closes as hundreds scale sacred site on final day

4th April 2020 - Kakadu Tourism closes facilities in response to COVID-19

13th February 2020 - Attraction upgrades set to deliver a new era for Kakadu tourism

14th August 2019 - Federal and Northern Territory Governments agree Kakadu National Park and Jabiru initiatives

28th January 2019 - Kakadu National Park has busiest year in a decade

21st June 2019 - Parks Australia’s management of Federal protected areas slammed in National Audit Office report

22nd March 2016 - Parks Australia looks to develop ecotourism concepts on Christmas Island

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