Parks Australia has confirmed that Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls will remain closed throughout this year’s dry season due to essential road and infrastructure upgrades. This decision follows consultations with the traditional owners of Kakadu, with the completion of the upgrades expected by December.
One local tour operator has expressed concern that this announcement will severely impact businesses, as his bookings have already plummeted by 70 percent.
The closures affect not only Jim Jim Falls but also the Twin Falls gorge and escarpment walk, as well as the Karnamarr campground. Upgrade work is anticipated to commence later this month and should wrap up by December.
Director of National Parks, Ricky Archer, stated that the decision to keep these areas closed was made in collaboration with Kakadu’s traditional owners, who emphasized the need for “critical road and infrastructure upgrades” to ensure visitor safety. Archer noted, “Traditional owners have voiced their concerns for the safety of visitors to their land and have requested the area remain closed until the necessary road improvement projects are finalized.”
Parks Australia is committed to upholding this decision in respect of the traditional owners’ wishes.
Nearly 20 kilometers of the Jim Jim Falls Road will undergo upgrades to a gravel standard to enhance safety and overall visitor experience, alongside enhancements to four-wheel-drive tracks.
Archer remarked that decisions regarding visitor access and infrastructure within the park are made jointly with traditional owners to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of Kakadu. He reassured that while these vital works are underway, Kakadu National Park remains open, allowing visitors to enjoy many of its renowned cultural and natural attractions.
Sean “Chizo” Chisholm, owner of Never Never Safari Tours, which offers four-wheel-drive excursions to Jim Jim Falls, acknowledged the need for improvements on the road but expressed disappointment that the work had not been completed sooner. “I have full respect for the traditional owners and understand the need for safety for our guests and accessibility for our guides and vehicles,” he shared with ABC Radio Darwin. “However, we haven’t seen rain for almost three months, and I question why the upgrades couldn’t have been expedited.”
Chisholm added that the closure will make an already difficult dry season even harder, given his bookings have dropped significantly. “I initially thought the rumors were unfounded, but now that it’s confirmed, it has completely changed the landscape for the season,” he said. “It’s going to be an especially challenging year, reminiscent of the struggles we faced during COVID. I’m now exploring alternative tour options that are still available and are expected to open by the end of June.”
