Get a taste of Kakadu

The Mercure Crocodile Hotel is showing modern methods of cooking traditional bush tucker during Discovery Month. PHOTO: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK/FACEBOOK

GET a taste of Kakadu this April as Discovery Month rolls out a host of activities across our very own National Park.

Discovery Month will showcase the premier tourist destination with immersive experiences so visitors can connect with Kakadu.

At the Mercure Crocodile Hotel, resident chef Duane Hately is joining with local Bininj to cook up a native foods storm. How does cinnamon lemon myrtle kangaroo, marinaded Kakadu plums and mango wattle seed ice-cream sound?

Along with The Croc’s bush tucker demonstrations, there are cultural activities at Bowali Visitor Centre, didgeridoo performances at the Escarpment Restaurant, ranger show-and-tell events, guided walks and activities, and a whole lot more. You can learn about seasonal bush foods, participate in painting and weaving demonstrations or enjoy walks with local Bininj/Mungguy.

Kakadu will join with West Arnhem Regional Council to mark the end of Discovery Month with a ‘Thank You’ event at the re-opening of the Jabiru Community Hall. The free community event will feature a Welcome to Country, artists’ markets, food sales, musical performances and more. The Discovery Month Thank You event runs from 11am - 4pm Saturday 30 April.

April will bring visitors close to the uniqueness of Kakadu

In launching Discovery Month,  Minister for Environment Greg Hunt said the new and exciting activities recognised the importance of Kakadu’s environment and a place that Traditional Owners have called home for more than 50,000 years.

“We want Discovery Month to be an annual event that provides meaningful experiences that will both educate and fascinate visitors,” Mr Hunt said.

Bininj/Mungguy people and Park Rangers will share with visitors bush food walks, weaving workshops and art demonstrations along with guided walks in internationally renowned places such as Ubirr and Nourlangie.

Mr Hunt said Kakadu’s Discovery Month gave the Bininj/Mungguy people an opportunity to tell their stories and share what is unique and special about their way of life.

“Visitors will learn how certain environmental changes, like a flower coming into bloom, indicate the start of a certain season," he said.

There will be more opportunities than ever for two-way interaction with those who know Kakadu best.

“Whether that is through explaining a piece of ancient rock art or sharing bush food, April will bring visitors close to the uniqueness of Kakadu,” Mr Hunt said.

“Kakadu’s World Heritage treasures are recognised internationally and are worth celebrating.

“Now is the time to celebrate them.”

For more information visit www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/discovery-month.html.

Artists-in-residence will demonstrate weaving and painting at Bowali Visitor Centre throughout April.