The NT’s iconic Litchfield National Park is to be expanded by 20%, in what is being described as a major boost for tourism in the area.
The Territory government has just announced the acquisition of Silkwood, a 30,000-hectare property bordering the southeast end of the park, unlocking more swimming holes, 4WD tracks, and bush camps.
The NT News reports that the $7.5m purchase meant the land was now open to the public, with expected signage and official infrastructure for the first lot of bush camps, walks and swimming spots will be rolled out within the next two years.
It is understood that high escarpments in the area means it can be enjoyed when most of the Top End’s swimming and camping options shut due to wet weather … particularly for 4WD enthusiasts.
Litchfield National Park is getting ever more popular. PIC: Cizza
The General Manager of Tourism Top End, Samatha Bennett, said the acquisition was great news.
“Having somewhere we can access all year round means that we’re going to address the seasonality problem we’ve got, because tourists visit us all year round,” she told the NT News. “This has been a real priority for our industry – to be able to address our low season – and this will give us the ability to do that.”
Ms Bennett said the waterfalls, the hiking, and the nature-based adventure was going to be a huge drawcard.
About 250,000 people visit Litchfield each year, with that number likely to continue to climb.
Environment Centre NT said Litchfield’s expansion was ‘fantastic news’, but she told the NT News the government needed to go further to protect the Territory from deforestation.
“This purchase is good news for the flying foxes, water monitors, bats and quolls that live in Litchfield,” nature campaigner Amy Russell said. “Expanding one national park is a win, but we need to see more of this across the Territory … currently, thousands of hectares are being approved for bulldozing every week.”
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Bush camping in Kakadu is our favourite, it’s well away from where all of the crime is happening.
Two years should be enough time to walk around and and find all those sacred sites that usually pop up.. After the closing of the rock and then Kakadoo being left to become a rundown over regulated hotspot… Having a new place to visit will be good for the locals who will more than likely be given free entry and camping rites..