Parks Australia has announced that the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks are to close to visitors and other non-essential travellers for a minimum of two weeks in view of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra closed on Tuesday; Booderee National Park and Jervis Bay Territory closed on Wednesday, while Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks in the Northern Territory closed yesterday (26 March).
Parks Australia said the varying closure dates reflected the individual requirements of each site and followed consultation with key stakeholders, including traditional owners.
“At Booderee National Park, camping will be cancelled until 1 May, and no forward bookings taken until there is greater clarity on longer-term arrangements,” it said.
“Existing bookings will be refunded.”
Parks Australia said it would continue to facilitate access to Booderee, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks for residents of the parks and surrounding Aboriginal communities, essential services, and those working in the community.
“Key operational staff will continue to work on site in each park to maintain these significant protected natural and cultural environments,” it said.
“These include the living collections and seed collections at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.”
Further details and updates on the availability of parks can be accessed on the Agency’s website www.parksaustralia.gov.au.
