Jabiru
Jabiru inflight at Fogg Dam
Is a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It was originally built in 1982 as a closed town to house the community living at Jabiru East near the Ranger Uranium Mine eight kilometres away. Both the mine and the town are completely surrounded by Kakadu National Park.
Overview
Jabiru Township is thirteen square kilometres in size. The town is owned as freehold by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, from which a head lease is held by the Jabiru Town Development Authority (JTDA). The JTDA subleases to the mining company, government agencies and private business. The head lease expires in 2021. The JTDA has delegated local government responsibility to the Jabiru Town Council. The Northern Territory Government is in the process of amalgamating Jabiru Town Council into the West Arnhem Shire in 2008.
Jabiru at the 2001 census had a population of 1,521. Apart from the Ranger mine, Jabiru’s most notable industries are tourism (it is the commercial and accommodation hub of Kakadu National Park), and Aboriginal arts and culture. Jabiru features a small town plaza that includes a video souvenir shop, a supermarket, bank, tackle shop, cafe, hairdresser, post office, news agency, bank and bakery (behind the fire station) as well as government, Northern Land Council offices, Magistrates Courts and emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance). During the Wet season (October to April), Jabiru experiences heavy rain that often results in widespread flooding along the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway. During 2006-07 Jabiru had its biggest wet season cutting both highways. The Arnhem Highway was cut off for several weeks as the West Alligator bridge was severely damaged. Jabiru town services are administered by the West Arnhem Shire Council, whose council chambers are in the town plaza.
Recreation
Recreational facilities include the Jabiru town lake (picnic areas and barbecues), freshwater fishing for barramundi (a local specialty), the Yellow Water cruise, day-trips to Ubirr Rock, Twin Falls and other natural features of Kakadu National Park, as well as a Sports and Social Club, an Olympic-size swimming pool (the only safe place to swim), cricket ovals where cricket and Australian rules football is played. Magela Field in Jabiru is home to the World Famous Jabiru Bushratz RUFC, who are currently celebrating
Bardedjilidji Walk
their 25th year in 2008. There is also a 9-hole golf course which is the only licensed premises for takeaway alcohol; however only members can buy takeaway alcohol there. Visitors can consume alcohol in opened containers on licensed premises.
Bardedjilidji Walk
via Oenpelli Road
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Through layered sandstone outliers, woodlands and wetlands alongside the East Alligator River, this is one of Kakadu’s most interesting short walks which starts at a small carpark 500 metres from the upstream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. You can complete it by yourself or join the guided walk departing the shelter on Mondays. Allow 2 hours for this easy to moderate 2.5 kilometre walk. Please enquire with the Bowali Visitor Centre for accessibility as it is subject to weather conditions and for the availability of guides.
Barrk Sandstone Walk
To enjoy this walk you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required. Guided walks on Mondays only from 8am to 10am.
Barrk Sandstone Walk
via Nourlangie Rock Road
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Experience the beauty of Kakadu’s sandstone country with great lookout points across the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Keep your eyes open for the native black wallaroos and chestnut quilled rock pigeon. Barrk Sandstone Walk is a 12 kilometre marked walk where the start branches off the Nourlangie Rock lookout track, just past the Main Gallery. Making your way back to the car park, the first section of the walk is the most challenging taking in a steep walk to the top of Burrungui / Nourlangie Rock. This is a difficult grade and you should allow 6 to 8 hours to complete it.
To enjoy this walk you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required.
Bowali Visitor Centre
Bowali Visitor Centre
Kakadu Highway
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Before you start exploring Kakadu National Park, get familiarised by exploring the Bowali Visitor Centre. Spend an hour at the interpretive centre where you can watch a 25 minute audio visual presentation to help you gain a greater understanding of Kakadu’s landscape and moods, then take a walk through the interpretive displays.
Videos are shown on the half hour giving different perspectives on Kakadu and its international significance. The habitat based display and library gives you detailed information about the park and how much there is to see and do. Take a look at The Marrawuddi Gallery for Aboriginal arts and crafts, books and gifts, then enjoy a coffee at the cafe. To enjoy Bowali Visitor Centre you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010, a park entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14-day pass applies.
Gubara
Open Daily from 8am to 5pm.
Gubara
via Nourlangie Rock Road
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Gubara is a six kilometre return walk past sandstone cliffs to shady monsoon forest pools. Gubara is found nine kilometres in on the first road to the right after the Nourlangie carpark. It is a pleasant place to spend the heat of the day where the grade is moderate and you should allow four hours to complete. You’ll be delighted by the multitudes of butterflies surrounding the pools and can enjoy a refreshing dip after the walk.
To enjoy this walk you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required.
Gunlom Plunge Pool
Gunlom Plunge Pool
200 kilometres south of Jabiru
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Gunlom, located on Waterfall Creek in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, is the magical combination of waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums cooling the picnic areas. A steep climb to the top of the waterfall provides sweeping views of the southern-most parts of Kakadu National Park while you enjoy a relaxing dip in the crystal clear pools.
To enjoy Gunlom, you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010, an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14-day pass is required. Open Daily, 24 hours.
Jabiru Golf Club
Jabiru Golf Club
Jabiru Drive
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Jabiru Golf Club is located within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, and offers a scenic nine hole layout set amongst the backdrop of stunning rugged escarpments. Golf carts, buggies, clubs are available for hire, with meals and snacks offered from the Bistro during selected times, as well as a range of beverages.
The golf course is open daylight hours with a honour system for green fees. The club house is open Monday to Thursday from 3.30pmto 11pm, Friday 3.30pm to midnight. Saturday and Public Holidays from 10am to midnight and Sundays 1 0am to 9pm.
Jarrangbarnmi / Koolpin Gorge
Jarrangbarnmi Koolpin Gorge
Kakadu National Park
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Kakadu National Park’s Jarrangbarnmi / Koolpin Gorge is an area of restricted access. Located in the southern part of Kakadu along the Gunlom road, Koolpin is known by some as The Jewel in Kakadu’s Crown and is a very pretty gorge with great views from the top by the waterhole. Take a dip in the plunge pool, stroll through the scenic bush surrounds or enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge. The area is home to a variety of unique native wildlife, including many species of migratory birds.
Access is by permit only. An AUD50.00 refundable security deposit is required for the gate key, which permit holders can collect from Mary River Roadhouse. To enjoy Jarrangbarnmi / Koolpin Gorge, you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 a Park entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14-day pass applies.
Open dry season (May to November), 24 hours.
Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls
60 kilometres south of Jabiru
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Whether the falls are raging with water or the merest trickle, this majestic waterfall is a sight to behold at the end of a challenging four-wheel drive track in the southern escarpment country of Kakadu National Park. Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, it is worth the 900 metre walk across rocks to appreciate this special area. Jim Jim Falls has graced many calendars, books and television programs and is a must see for all visitors to Kakadu National Park.
To enjoy Jiim Jim Falls you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010, an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required. Open Daily 6.30am to 8.30pm.
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park
via Arnhem and Kakadu Highways
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is a place of rugged escarpments, lush wetlands and cascading waterfalls covering over 19,000 square kilometres. Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park and can be entered either from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway or via Pine Creek on the Kakadu Highway. The Nature’s Way tourism drive is a great way to explore the park. The flora and fauna found is diverse, with pockets of rainforest, wetlands rimmed with paperbarks, pandanus and cycads and dotted with lotus lilies. Some of Kakadu’s amazing wildlife includes crocodiles, barramundi, and birds, such as magpie geese, brolgas, jabirus and white-bellied sea eagles. Around 1,000 different plant species, a quarter of all Australian freshwater fish species, and over one third of Australian bird species can be found in the park.
Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by Parks Australia North, an Australian government body, and the park’s traditional Aboriginal owners. A number of Aboriginal clans reside within the boundaries and have for some 50,000 years. Kakadu is home to one of the largest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art in the world with natural galleries of ancient paintings at sites like Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock. Other spectacular landmarks include Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Maguk, Jarrangbarnmi / Koolpin Gorge and Gunlom, which means ‘waterfall creek’ in the Jawoyn Aboriginal language. Kakadu National Park also offers several established walking tracks and camp grounds.
At the centre of the park is the small mining township of Jabiru, which offers a range of services and accommodation and serves as a touring centre. Another settlement, Cooinda, also offers accommodation and is located on the banks of Yellow Water, a billabong teeming with migratory birds, saltwater crocodiles and other wildlife. Cruises on Yellow Water depart daily. A visit to Kakadu is best started at the Bowali Cultural Centre near Jabiru or the Warradjan Cultural Centre near Cooinda. Each provides visitors with a good appreciation of the park’s traditional owners’ culture and heritage. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14-day pass is required.
Open Daily, 24 hours.
Maguk
Maguk
12 kilometres off the Kakadu Highway
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Located an hour’s drive south from Cooinda, in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, is Maguk a gorge within the Stone Country. A 14 kilometre four-wheel drive trip, followed by a one kilometre walk, leads to a beautiful natural plunge pool at the base of the steep gorge walls. Nearby is the Maguk bush camping area. After resting, take the short but moderatly difficult climb to the top of the waterfall where there sits crystal clear pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip. The panoramic view also makes the hike worth the effort.
Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide
Daily, 24 hours. Closures are likely between November and April.
Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide
Arnhem Highway
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Located on the Arnhem Highway, about two hours drive from Darwin, in Kakadu National Park is Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide. Here you will see the spectacle of thousands of migratory magpie geese congregating to feed. You can watch them from one of the bird hides or amble through the tranquil wetlands during April to October. Walks vary from one to four kilometres in length, with Gu-ngarre Walk only available during the drier months.
To enjoy Mamukala Wetlands you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010, an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14-day pass is required. Daily 24 hours. Possible road closures during the tropical season November to April.
Manngarre Walk
Manngarre Walk
turn off Oenpelli Road
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
The Manngarre Walk is three interconnected loop walks from 600 metres to 1.5 kilometres, through monsoon rainforest with an elevated viewing platform beside the East Alligator River. You can take this walk by yourself or join the guided walk on Fridays, meeting under the information shelter, at the stream boat ramp on the East Alligator River. The grade is easy and you should allow one hour for the longest loop. These walks are subject to weather so they may be closed at some times of the year. Please enquire with Bowali Visitor Centre before venturing out.
To enjoy these walks you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required. Guided walk on Fridays only at 8am to 9am.
Marrawuddi Gallery
Marrawuddi Gallery
Bowali Visitors Centre
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
The Marrawuddi Gallery is a wholly indigenous-owned enterprise operated by the Djabulukgu Association Incorporated. The gallery sells a large variety of arts and craft from the region, including paintings (on paper and bark), woodwork (carvings), fibre work, books and more. Marrawuddi is located at the major public hub of Kakadu National Park in the Bowali Visitors Centre.
They consult, curate and freight, providing a comprehensive service to the artist, collector, galleryist and visitor clientele. Marrawuddi showcases good practice in the fine arts, promoting not just the artists residing within Kakadu but also those of Western Arnhem Land and ANKAAA member Art Centers of the Top End. The Gallery is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm, with differing times for all Public Holidays. Please enquire.
Mirrai Lookout Walk
Mirrai Lookout Walk
Kakadu Highway
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Located along the Kakadu Highway, a short drive from Jabiru, is Mirrai Lookout with views over the escarpments and floodplains of central Kakadu. This is a moderately difficult 3.6 kilometre return walk to an elevated platform lookout on top of Mount Cahill. Although this is a steep climb and you should allow 1.5 hours to complete, the panoroamic views are worth the effort of the climb. To enjoy this walk you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required.
Nanguluwur Rock Art Site and Walk
Nanguluwur Rock Art Site and Walk
via Nourlangie Rock Road
Jabiru
Northern Territory
Australia
Nanguluwur Rock Art Site and Walk is located near Nourlangie Rock in Kakadu National Park. It is a pleasant walk through woodlands leading to a quiet art site with interesting Aboriginal rock art. This is an easy to moderate grade and you should allow two hours for the 3.4 kilometre return walk. Keep a keen eye out for the native and rarely seen white-throated grass wren. To enjoy this walk you must enter Kakadu National Park. As of 1 April 2010 an entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 14 day pass is required.
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