One of the Northern Territory’s most iconic parks is about to get a whole lot bigger, with new waterfalls, hot springs and rugged 4WD tracks opening up as part of a major expansion.
The NT government said it would acquire a sprawling 30,000-hectare property known as Silkwood, which is just south of Adelaide River and about 120 kilometres from Darwin.
The $7.5 million purchase will increase the size of Litchfield National Park by more than 20 per cent and marks the park’s biggest expansion in more than 25 years.
The property has been owned for about two decades by Sydney-based docrtor John Cooper. He helped establish the Fred Hollows Foundation and has a long history with the Top End.
The newly added land includes the popular Robin Falls swimming hole along with a host of natural features that have, until now, been privately owned and largely inaccessible to the public. Locals and visitors alike will soon be able to explore a host of attractions, including gorges, escarpments, monsoon rainforest, wetlands and hot springs.
Litchfield already gets more than 250,000 visitors each year, with its favourite sites including Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and Florence Falls.
The regional town of Adelaide River is also expected to get a boost in visitor numbers after the purchase, creating new opportunities for local tourism, services, and economic growth.
“This is a huge win for regional development. More tourists through Adelaide River means more support for local businesses and jobs, and that’s central to our plan to rebuild the economy and restore our unique lifestyle across the Territory,” NT Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the acquisition was a major win for tourism and lifestyle in the Top End.
“This is exactly what restoring the Territory lifestyle looks like – protecting our wide-open spaces while making sure Territorians have more places to enjoy the activities we love,” she said.
The government has indicated that the land will be incorporated into Litchfield National Park and made available for public use, although there is no firm timeline for when the area will open. There will be further planning and consultation with traditional owners before any formal infrastructure is built.
NR Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne said the acquisition delivered on the government’s commitment to protect land from large-scale developments and keep it in public hands.
“Thirty thousand hectares of escarpments, woodlands and wetlands are being returned to public hands, protecting Territory ecosystems and wildlife while opening up a range of incredible new recreational opportunities,” he said.
The NT government said it would begin the process of officially incorporating the land into the national park. Future upgrades are likely to include walking trails, signs, visitor facilities and designated campsites.
As the dry season continues, travellers can look forward to even more ways to enjoy the Territory’s wild beauty – and this time, with new waterfalls and hot springs in the mix.
This article first appeared in Australian Traveller. Read the original here
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