How does Kakadu National Park protect both natural areas and Aboriginal cultural heritage?

Kakadu National Park protects its diverse natural and cultural landscape through a collaborative management model. The park is jointly administered by the federal government’s Parks Australia North agency and the traditional Aboriginal landowners, ensuring that local Indigenous voices are central to its stewardship.12

This dual approach preserves the region's significant natural resources—which include vast floodplains, diverse mangrove swamps, and a rich array of wildlife—while simultaneously safeguarding profound cultural heritage. The park protects approximately 5,000 identified rock art sites, some dating back 20,000 years, which serve as a testament to one of the earliest sites of human settlement on the continent. By maintaining these sites and recognizing areas of religious and ceremonial significance, the park honors the enduring connection between the land and the Aboriginal peoples who continue to inhabit the region today. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site further reinforces its international importance as a protected area for both nature and culture.12