In spite of peak tourism season in NT, Kakadu National Park to remain closed

Thursday, April 28, 2022

In Kakadu National Park, Australia, one of the most popular attractions in the country will remain closed once again as the fallout from a prolonged dispute continues.

The ongoing problem means parts of Gunlom Falls, whose natural infinity pool became a major attraction through social media, could now get prohibited for a total of three years to the enthusiasts.

Once the tour operators who depended on the star attraction have asserted that the closures have destroyed the reputation of teh park completely.

“It’s had a major impact on our business. It’s had a major impact on visitation to the park,” tour operator Greig Taylor said.

“As a result, we’ve not taken any bookings for May this year as we normally would, because we’re not able to build a [tourism] program without Gunlom.”

In 2019, the famous waterfall was closed for the first time as the sacred sites watchdog, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority examined whether the new walking track had adversely affected a nearby sacred site or not.

At that time, the issue became a long-running court battle, with AAPA prosecuting the joint management body of the park, for purportedly building the track close to an important feature of the restricted site, against the wishes of traditional custodians.

At present, the case is before the Northern Territory Supreme Court, which is adjudicating on constitutional issues.

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