Dear tourism industry colleagues
Parks Australia advises that the Jim Jim and Twin Falls area will remain closed in 2026 while critical road and infrastructure upgrades are delivered.
Kakadu has been impacted by cyclones resulting in substantial damage to roads in the area. Following engagement with Traditional Owners for the area and detailed site assessments, Traditional Owners expressed their concerns for the safety of visitors to their Country and have requested that the area remain closed until all road and infrastructure projects are completed. Parks Australia respects and supports this decision.
The closure includes all sites in the area including Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls gorge and escarpment walk, and Karnamarr campground.
All other major visitor sites in Kakadu will be accessible and open in 2026.
Road and infrastructure upgrade works in the Jim Jim area are scheduled to commence in June 2026 and are expected to be completed by December 2026.
These projects include:
- Jim Jim Falls Road: Upgrades for a 19.25 km section of Jim Jim Falls Road to gravel standard which will improve the safety and amenity of this roadway.
- Secondary and tertiary road upgrades in the Jim Jim area include upgrades to several floodways and natural spring crossings along the 4WD tracks between Karnamarr Campground, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls (Jim Jim Falls 4WD track, and the Twin Falls 4WD track).
We appreciate this will be disappointing news and will have an impact on tourism operations.
To support the tourism industry, temporary CTO permits for other areas of Kakadu are being considered with further updates to be provided as details are confirmed.
We will continue to provide updates throughout the year as milestones in the infrastructure projects are reached. If you have any questions or would like to discuss, please contact kakaduexperiences@dcceew.gov.au.
Other site access updates
A number of sites have now opened:
- Yellow Water Boat Ramp opened on Friday 29 May.
- Mamukala Wetlands Walk opened on Saturday 30 May.
Repairs to the Yurmikmik toilet block have been completed. The toilet block and both car parks are now accessible.
Good progress on roadworks and repairs to the amenities block is being made at Gunlom and the site is now on track for opening in late June.
