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Kakadu National Park
Category:	Place
Sub Category:	National Park
Place:
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State/Country:	Northern Territory, Australia
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URL:	http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/index.html
Summary Information:
Kakadu National Park is situated within the Alligator Rivers region of the Northern Territory a few hours' drive away from Darwin. It covers an area of 19,804 sq kms. The Park is jointly managed by the Aboriginal owners and the Director of National Parks, which manages other national parks throughout Australia under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (previously under the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975). The physical formations and the culture of Kakadu were shaped by spiritual ancestors of Aboriginal people during the 'Creation Time'. In their journeys across the country the ancestors created land formations, plants, animals and the Aboriginal people themselves. The ancestors brought with them language, ceremonies, kinship rules and ecological knowledge. They taught Aboriginal people 'how to live with the land and look after the country.' 'The name 'Kakadu' comes from an Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju which was one of the languages spoken in the north of the park at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although languages such as Gagudju and Limilngan are no longer regularly spoken, descendants of these language groups are still living in Kakadu. Aboriginal languages used in the Park today include Kunwinjku from the north-eastern region, Gun-djeihmi from the central region and Jawoyn from the southern region.' Kakadu National Park is listed on the World Heritage List in relation to both its cultural and natural significance.