We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Jawoyn Traditional Owners on the re-opening of access to Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park.
Gunlom is a place of profound cultural significance for the Jawoyn People. Since 2019, the site has been closed while Traditional Owners, Parks Australia, the Northern Land Council, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority worked to repair and remediate previous trail works near a Sacred Site.
TRC Tourism is deeply honoured to have walked together with the Jawoyn Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to rehabilitate, re-align, design and build a new trail that respects the cultural significance of Gunlom.
Our collaboration with Traditional Owners and Parks Australia also focused on sharing the rich stories of Gunlom through carefully crafted stories to share on new signs along the trail. These signs honour the Bula Djang Creation, acknowledge the three Jawoyn Clans – Bolmo, Wurrkbarbar, and Matjba, pay respect to the Elders who fought for Native Title and stopped uranium mining on their Country, and educate visitors about the unique natural landscapes, seasons, plants and animals that can be experienced at Gunlom.
We are proud to have played a role in ensuring the trail is culturally appropriate, enjoyable for visitors, protective of Jawoyn Country and resilient to the harsh climate. Our efforts included initial on-country meetings with Jawoyn People to establish an acceptable new trail route, several meetings and workshops to incorporate community views, collaboration with project partners landscape architects Brave and Curious on trail construction details and design and developing a maintenance plan with post-wet season assessments.
We are excited that one of Kakadu’s most iconic locations is once again welcoming visitors, marking a significant moment for the Jawoyn Traditional Owners, the community and Kakadu itself in respectful and culturally appropriate tourism. Gunlom re-opening exemplifies the 2025 NAIDOC theme, demonstrated by the Jawoyn Traditional Owners in protecting their Country, keeping culture strong, honouring the legacy of their Elders and building a bright future for their young people –
‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.
