Upgrades, revitalisation key focuses for Kakadu Tourism in 2021
Kakadu is set to undergo major upgrades of its tourism infrastructure and resources, with access to major attractions enhanced, refurbishments to tourism facilities completed, and a new format announced for the region’s showcase culinary festival.
Kakadu National Park has just experienced one of its rainiest wet seasons in a decade, replenishing the region’s landscape and ensuring a memorable tourism experience for visitors during the forthcoming dry seasons, known to the local Indigenous people as Yekke (from May to June) and Wurrkeng (from June to the end of August).
With Darwin now included in the federal government’s 50 per cent airfare discount scheme, Kakadu is anticipating a massive surge in interest from interstate, and the region is ready to welcome visitors with upgraded facilities and touring ideas.
This season, Kakadu Tourism’s Spirit of Kakadu 4WD adventure tours will add Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi), introducing one of Kakadu’s most scenic landscapes to its touring schedules.
Usually only accessible by permit, Kakadu Tourism has negotiated special entry to the region for its premium Spirit of Kakadu adventure tours. Up to two tours per week will be offered, for a maximum of 12 guests.
The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which tells the story of Kakadu’s heritage and culture from the perspective of traditional owners, has re-opened after an extensive renovation, designed to improve visitor comfort and protect the exhibits.
Work is set to commence to raise the Jim Jim Creek Crossing to enable enhanced access to Twin Falls this year. In addition, designs are being prepared for upgrades to the Cahills Crossing viewing area, one of Kakadu’s most popular locations to view crocodiles in the wild.
Upgraded WiFi connectivity at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is also set to be introduced.
The new Marrawuddi Arts Centre has opened in Jabiru, showcasing local Indigenous art. Kakadu Tourism will also launch a new online site promoting Kakadu’s Indigenous artists and weavers, with their works available for sale and transportation to major centres in Australia.
Mimi’s Restaurant at Cooinda Lodge has been upgraded with a contemporary new design. The restaurant specialises in presenting bush-inspired cuisine, as well as bistro staples.
In addition, the Too Deadly fish and chip van will operate at Cooinda Lodge & Camping from April, while A Taste of Kakadu will be staged in a concentrated weekend of activities from Friday 28 May to Sunday 30 May.
Over the remainder of the decade, Kakadu will continue to develop its tourism potential, Kakadu Tourism said, with the federal government’s recently released Kakadu Tourism Master Plan, a 10-year strategy to grow culturally appropriate tourism in the national park.
The master plan was developed in consultation with Kakadu’s traditional owners, Kakadu Tourism’s board of management and the broader tourism industry.
The plan includes a range of proposals to upgrade access to key tourism sites, enhance facilities, establishing new visitor service hubs and revitalising Jabiru as a major tourism centre, with a World Heritage visitor centre to showcase Kakadu’s significant cultural and natural values.
It also contained plans to expand Kakadu’s major events calendar focusing on increasing cultural events with local Indigenous operators, such as the Taste of Kakadu festival.
“With many interstate visitors now able to access half-price airfares to Darwin, there has never been a better time to tick Kakadu off the bucket list,” Kakadu Tourism chair Rick Allert said.
“We have had one of our most successful wet seasons for over a decade, and with extra incentives to visit Kakadu this year, we believe the peak dry season is going to be very popular.
“A holiday in Kakadu offers a remarkable cultural experience, with over 65,000 years of continuous human habitation, set against one of the most dramatic landscapes in Australia.
“Bookings are already significantly higher than in recent years, so we would recommend that potential visitors secure their reservations as soon as possible.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
A Taste of Kakadu Cahills Crossing Cooinda Lodge darwin Jim Jim Creek Crossing kakadu kakadu national park kakadu tourism Kakadu Tourism Master Plan Koolpin Gorge Marrawuddi Arts Centre Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel Mimi’s Restaurant Rick Allert Spirit of Kakadu Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural CentreLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.