Both Uluru‐Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks will reopen to visitors on Friday, June 19, Parks Australia has announced. Dr James Findlay, director of national parks, has assured the treasured destinations and cultural landmarks will reopen gradually to ensure visitor safety, in addition to that of the community.
At this stage, Kakadu National Park will reopen for day use only. Boat ramps will be opened to enable some of the Top End’s best fishing, while the Mamukala Wetlands, Mangarre Rainforest, Bardedjilidji, Gungural, the Yurmikmik area and the Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) region will also open, “allowing for some stunning walks and access to Kakadu’s wildlife and world‐class rock art,” Dr Findlay has said.
Overnight camping is still off-limits, however, guests to the region are welcome to seek out accommodations in Jabiru, Cooinda and Mary River.
Over at Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park, the walking tracks plus sunrise and viewing areas will be opened to bring breathtaking views to visitors. Hikes, including those to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, the base of Uluru and those to Kata Tjuta, will present the opportunity to visitors to spot unique wildlife and become immersed in the historic landscape.
For now, group tours and activities will not be able to go ahead, while The Cultural Centre will remain closed to the public. And throughout all experiences, guests will be asked to maintain social distancing and prioritise good hygiene practices.
“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 said in a press release.
As for when Australia will be allowed to cross borders into the Northern Territory will depend on a number of factors. Right now, July 20 is reportedly being favoured as the day of reopening, according to NT News.
There are currently no active cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory, and there has been no community transmission. All 30 of NT’s positive patients had been returning travellers.
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