Kakadu National Park
Jabiru, Australia
10.05.2014
The National Park Kakadu – A Journey Through Time and Culture
Australia is a land full of natural wonders and cultural treasures, and one of its most prized possessions is the National Park Kakadu. Located in Jabiru, Northern Territory, the park covers an area of over 19,000 square kilometers and is home to an abundance of flora, fauna, and cultural sites that have been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as a World Heritage Site since 1981.
The history of the National Park Kakadu dates back over 65,000 years, when the land was first inhabited by the Bininj/Mungguy people. These indigenous Australians have a deep connection to the land, which is reflected in the numerous rock art sites found throughout the park. These paintings, some of which are over 20,000 years old, depict stories and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants and offer a glimpse into their way of life.
One of the most iconic sites within the park is the Nourlangie Rock, a sandstone formation that has been a significant site for the Bininj/Mungguy people for thousands of years. The rock is adorned with rock art galleries, including the famous Anbangbang Gallery, which features paintings of animals, spirits, and daily life scenes. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the cultural significance of these ancient artworks.
The National Park Kakadu is also a haven for wildlife, with over 280 bird species and numerous reptiles and mammals living within its borders. One of the most popular inhabitants is the saltwater crocodile, which can be spotted in the park's waterways. The Yellow Water Billabong is a must-visit spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as it offers a chance to see a variety of bird species, as well as crocodiles, in their natural habitat.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park, there are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape. One of the most scenic trails is the Nourlangie Rock Walk, which takes visitors through lush forests and past ancient rock art sites before reaching the top of Nourlangie Rock for breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
Whether you are interested in culture, wildlife, or simply want to experience the beauty of the Australian outback, the National Park Kakadu is a must-visit destination. With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, it truly is a treasure that should be protected for generations to come.
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This unique archaeological and ethnological reserve, located in the Northern Territory, has been inhabited continuously for more than 40,000 years. The cave paintings, rock carvings and archaeological sites record the skills and way of life of the region’s inhabitants, from the hunter-gatherers of prehistoric times to the Aboriginal people still living there. It is a unique example of a complex of ecosystems, including tidal flats, floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, and provides a habitat for a wide range of rare or endemic species of plants and animals.
Kakadu National Park is a protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia, 171 km (106 mi) southeast of Darwin. It is a World Heritage Site. Kakadu is also gazetted as a locality, covering the same area as the national park, with 313 people recorded living there in the 2016 Australian census.
Kakadu National Park is located within the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory, covering an area of 19,804 km2 (7,646 sq mi), extending nearly 200 kilometres (124 mi) from north to south and over 100 kilometres (62 mi) from east to west. It is roughly the size of Wales or one-third the size of Tasmania, and is the second-largest national park in Australia, after the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park. Most of the region is owned by the Aboriginal traditional owners, who have occupied the land for around 60,000 years and, today, manage the park jointly with Parks Australia. It is highly ecologically and biologically diverse, hosting a wide range of habitats and flora and fauna. It also includes a rich heritage of Aboriginal rock art, including highly significant sites, such as Ubirr. Kakadu is fully protected by the EPBC Act.
The Ranger Uranium Mine site, one of the most productive uranium mines in the world until it ceased operations in January 2021, is surrounded by the park.
Domestic Asian water buffalo, which are now an established feral population and invasive environmental pests, were released into the area in the late 19th century. Feral pigs, cats, red foxes and rabbits are further examples of invasive species, all of which compete with and wreak havoc upon the sensitive, unique ecosystems of the Northern Territory, and of the whole of Australia. These species were intentionally brought to the continent by the early settlers, pastoralists, and missionaries. The European presence, albeit less than in more populated regions (on the east and west coasts), was still felt. In Kakadu, missionaries established a mission at Oenpelli (present-day Gunbalanya) in 1925. A few pastoralists, crocodile-hunters and wood cutters also made a living in the area at various times up until the early 20th century. The area was progressively given protected status from the 1970s onward.
