Arabic version: وزيرة الإقليم الشمالي تنتقد هيئة حدائق أستراليا بشأن إغلاقات شلالات كاكادو
Northern Territory Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby has issued a stern warning to Parks Australia over the continued closure of high-profile waterfall sites in Kakadu National Park, including Jim Jim and Twin Falls. The minister and local tourism operators say the closures are occurring during the territory’s peak tourism season and are damaging the NT’s reputation.
According to ABC News, Ms Boothby criticised the Commonwealth agency for its inability to open key sites, saying “it’s not good enough” and that “Parks Australia are running out of excuses, Territorians are running out of patience, [tourism] operators are running out of time.” Tourism officials say visitors expecting to see the renowned sites are instead confronted by road closure signs.
Parks Australia has attributed the closures to infrastructure damage, such as roads, caused by a destructive wet season. In response to industry outcry, the agency said it has reduced Kakadu park pass fees to wet season pricing, extended Commercial Tourism Operator permit agreements for one year at no extra cost and waived Commercial Tourism Operator licence fees for the 2026 tour season. Parks Australia also said authorised contractors, personnel and Kakadu rangers have been accessing closed sites to undertake infrastructure upgrades and land management activities. A federal government spokesperson noted that 43 sites are currently open and 14 are being prepared for opening.
Tourism operators and industry representatives described tangible impacts on visitation and itineraries. Samantha Bennett, general manager of Tourism Top End, said the closures are causing reputational damage and have contributed to a fall in visitation, alongside a massive wet season and the global fuel crisis that affected the drive market. Bennett and others reported travellers diverting west from Katherine towards the Kimberley and Western Australia where more attractions are open. Visitors such as regional New South Wales residents Margaret and Darrell Martin expressed disappointment at finding multiple closures on their trip to Darwin.
This story matters because the closures coincide with peak season and are reported to reduce visitor numbers, alter travel itineraries and put additional pressure on a sector already affected by recent wet weather and fuel-driven changes in the drive market. What happens next: tourism operators will hold a roundtable discussion in Darwin to try to prevent future tourism seasons from being impacted by Kakadu site closures.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Northern Territory | General | Economy/اقتصاد | New South Wales
