Jabiru

About

Jabiru is part of the Kakadu National Park which is a world heritage area. The area is quite picturesque and while initially a mining town, Jabiru has become a focus for tourism as well as a regional service centre for Aboriginal communities in the area. The name Kakadu comes from the Aboriginal floodplain language called Gagudju, which is one of the languages spoken in the north of the park.

Kakadu National Park boasts some of the best fishing locations in the Top End, with the West, East and South Alligator Rivers within the district. Each year there are a number of fishing competitions which attract hundreds of national and international participants.

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The annual Jabiru Mahbilil (or Wind) Festival in early September features displays of European and Aboriginal Culture through live music, dance and workshops.

Facilities and activities include swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, gym, rugby, AFL, Auskick program, junior athletics, bowls, tennis, basketball, camping, bushwalking, and bird watching.

Emergency Response Group

A fire station is located in the township of Jabiru and holds a 3,000 litre water tanker firefighting appliance, a grass fire unit and a rescue vehicle with road crash rescue and hazardous materials equipment. Staff from the fire station also deliver school based fire awareness education and carry out fire safety inspections and fire investigations.

Education

Education includes Jabiru Area School, from pre-school to Year 12 (Years 11 and 12 are through NT Open Education Centre with tutorial support). Charles Darwin University regional centre offers a range of courses.

There is also a child care centre.

Health

There is a health clinic, operated jointly by NT Health and the Kakadu Health Service, with resident doctors, nurses, health workers, and visiting health specialists. An ambulance service is provided.

Nurses are rostered on an after hours call-out service. The nearest hospitals are in Palmerston and Darwin.

Attractions

  • Kakadu National Park
  • Aboriginal Cultural Centre
  • Cooinda Yellow Waters
  • Gunlom waterfall and plunge pool
  • East Alligator River boat cruises
  • Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls Gorge