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Kakadu’s Gunlom Falls to reopen after six years
Words Julija Zivanovic and Allison Watt Pics Supplied
After an almost six-year closure, the iconic Gunlom Falls of Kakadu National Park (NT) is set to reopen this month. Read on to discover what’s behind the decision and more.
What an exciting time for travellers heading to the Northern Territory’s Top End, and particularly, one of Australia’s most famed national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kakadu National Park.
Famously featured in the 1986 worldwide hit film Crocodile Dundee starring Paul Hogan, Gunlom Falls is a major attraction of Kakadu, and sadly was closed in 2019 because of damage to the sacred site and subsequent lengthy High Court proceedings.
Since the closure there has been significant investment and infrastructure upgrades to the falls, all to ensure visitor safety and respect to the Traditional Owners’ property.
While flooding in the Top End delayed essential roadworks and infrastructure upgrades, the site is due to reopen on 15 May 2025.
One of Kakadu National Park’s most iconic destinations, Gunlom Falls is known for its cascading waterfall and crystal-clear plunge pool at the top of a short hike to the summit which boasts stunning panoramic and Insta-worthy views of the park. If a hike to the top is not your thing, have a swim beneath the waterfall at the lower pool, with a pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters.
Kakadu National Park staff are currently working to ensure the safety of the site before it reopens to visitors, particularly as water levels remained high following late seasonal rain.
Gunlom Falls is a favourite among Hema staff, so we’re thrilled they’re finally back in action after nearly six long years, especially with the 2025 dry season kicking off right at the same time (best time to visit).
But if you can’t make it this Dry, don’t despair, there’s always the next dry season to plan your epic Top End adventure!
For updates, keep an eye on the Parks Australia website: parksaustralia.gov.au/news/gunlom-update-on-opening-timeframes/
Just in time
The reopening of Gunlom Falls goes hand-in-hand with the release of Hema’s brand-new 1st Edition Top End and Gulf Atlas & Guide, which covers Kakadu National Park where the falls are found.
The guidebook provides extensive and up-to-date information on the whole Top End and Gulf region, including 5 of the TOP 4WD trips and 22 atlas pages. It also features detailed national park and track inset maps — all field checked by the Hema Map Patrol — visitor information, history and culture, all the best campsites, trip planning tips and much more.
This easy-to-use guidebook takes the difficulty out of planning a road trip to this incredible part of our country and we’re thrilled it’s finally here so you can explore with confidence.
The 1st Edition of the Top End and Gulf Atlas & Guide ($59.95) is available now on the Hema Maps website and at leading retail stores.
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