Joint media release: New platform opens for crocodile viewing at Kakadu

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari

Kakadu National Park’s Cahills Crossing Viewing Area will re-open today following a $3 million upgrade at the site.

Straddling the East Alligator River, Cahills Crossing is one of Australia’s best known crocodile spotting sites and a major tourist attraction.

The upgrade, which includes a new picnic area and three new viewing platforms linked by a new rainforest walk, will provide visitors a safe vantage point to view crocodiles in Kakadu.

The Cahills Crossing site upgrades are part of the Government’s $276 million investment into upgrading infrastructure in the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

The infrastructure was designed in close collaboration with the region’s Traditional Owners to showcase and protect the unique environmental and cultural values at the site.

Kakadu National Park is home to more than 10,000 crocodiles, and Cahills Crossing boasts one of the highest densities of crocodiles anywhere in the park.

The biggest crocodiles at Cahills Crossing are between 4.5 and 5-metres long and can weigh up to 700 kilograms.

The main viewing platform looks directly over Cahills Crossing and gives visitors a spectacular vantage point to safely watch up to 40 crocodiles feeding during the Spring high-tides.

This investment comes after years of inadequate investment in the Park by the previous Government and reflects much improved relations with Traditional Owners of the Park.

Quotes from the Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

“One of my first trips as Minister for the Environment and Water was to Kakadu National Park to listen and learn from Traditional Owners who play a vital role in the management of the Park.

“The construction of the new Cahills Crossing viewing platform, picnic area and walking trail will give visitors to Kakadu National Park an unforgettable wildlife experience while keeping them safe.

“Importantly, this project was co-designed with Traditional Owners from Kakadu to ensure the natural and cultural values of the site are protected.

Quotes from Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:

“The co-design process between Parks Australia, Traditional Owners and local architects for the renewal of the Cahills Crossing site, ensures the protection of the area’s natural and cultural values.

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to roll out infrastructure at Kakadu National Park in close consultation with Traditional Owners and this project demonstrates that commitment.”