Gunlom Falls Reopens After Six-Year Closure, Marking Healing Moment for Traditional Owners
One of Kakadu National Park’s most iconic landmarks, Gunlom Falls, has reopened to the public after a six-year closure sparked by a legal battle over damage to a sacred site.
Situated around four hours’ drive south-east of Darwin, the picturesque falls are renowned for their sweeping views and natural pools. The reopening coincides with the peak of the Northern Territory’s tourism season and has been eagerly awaited by visitors.
The falls had been closed since 2019, following a major dispute over the construction of a walking track that inadvertently disturbed a sacred men’s site. The controversy led to a landmark High Court ruling that found Parks Australia could be held criminally liable under the NT’s sacred site protection laws. The agency later pleaded guilty and was fined $200,000, the largest penalty ever issued under the legislation.
Safety Measures in Place as Crocodile Search Continues
As of 8am today, the top pool and campground at Gunlom Falls are open, while the bottom pool remains closed due to safety concerns. Rangers are actively searching for a large saltwater crocodile, estimated to be over four metres long, still believed to be in the area. A smaller 2-metre crocodile was already removed in the lead-up to the reopening.
“We still haven’t located the bigger croc,” said Bernie Calma, a park ranger and traditional owner from the Jawoyn people’s Matjba clan. “The bottom pool is fenced off for safety. We just ask visitors to be respectful of the land and these safety measures.”
The reopening celebration included traditional dances and family activities such as a jumping castle. Traditional owners camped at the site the night before, marking what Ms Calma described as an “overwhelming” and emotional return to country for many.
A Win for Cultural Respect and Reconciliation
The damage in 2019 occurred when Parks Australia built a new path to the top pools without proper consultation. The route crossed into a sacred area, breaching Indigenous cultural protocols and legal protections.
Initially, the federal agency argued it was immune from NT laws, but the High Court overturned that argument, ruling Parks Australia could be held accountable under territory heritage legislation.
Judge Elizabeth Morris, who oversaw the on-country sentencing, stated that the public expects the federal agency to meet “the highest standards of conduct.”
Ms Calma said the reopening symbolises closure and spiritual healing for her community. “Winning that court case meant everything. It felt like our ancestors were with us. This is about healing the land and ourselves,” she said.
Rebuilding Trust
The dispute strained relations between traditional owners and park management. However, Ms Calma said the relationship had since improved significantly.
“We’ve worked hard to rebuild trust, and it’s going really well now. We’re optimistic about future collaborations with Parks Australia on other sacred sites within Kakadu.”
