Parks Australia to close Uluru, Kakadu

Some of Australia's most iconic national parks, including Kakadu and Uluru, will close as the country goes into lockdown due to the coronavirus.

It comes just a week after Parks Australia said it would waive fees to get visitors through the gates following the country's bushfire crisis.

On Tuesday, Parks Australia said the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay as well as Uluru and Kakadu would shut.

The parks will begin closing to visitors and non-essential travellers from Tuesday night for at least two weeks while staff continue their upkeep.

Uluru and Kakadu will shut on Thursday night, with existing bookings to be refunded.

As the country grapples with the coronavirus, Australians are being asked to cut down on non-essential travel and socially distance themselves at home.