Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Litchfield National Park upgrades will see new places open to visitors

Litchfield National Park upgrades will see new places open to visitors
May 28, 2019

Hidden corners of the Northern Territory's popular Litchfield National Park will soon be opened up to visitors as a result of $17.5 million program of road and infrastructure upgrades set to start in July.

The funding aims to connect four-wheel drivers to new campgrounds, swimming spots and mountain bike trails, deep in largely untouched areas of the park.

However, according to the ABC some are questioning whether the anticipated benefits for visitors will be offset by a proposed increase to park and camping fees across the region.

Northern Territory Treasurer Nicole Manison announced in April that park fees were part of the Northern Territory Government's plan to repair it's debt-stricken budget.

While details of these proposed fees have not yet been made public, Northern Territory Tourism Minister Lauren Moss pointed out that collecting fees from park visitors was "common practice".

She advised “collecting fees, which is common practice across the world, recognises their value in terms of conservation and visitation and ensures they can be maintained to a high standard and continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

"We need to look at the different models that might be (put) in place around this."

Litchfield National Park, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors last year, is currently free to access.

By contrast, the nearby Kakadu National Park, which saw 200,577 visitors last year and is managed federally by Parks Australia, charges non-Northern Territorian adults $40 and children $20 for access during the dry season. (Northern Territory residents are not charged to access the Park).

Asked whether potential visitors to Litchfield would be deterred from visiting the new areas if they had to pay, Tourism NT's Tony Quarnby indicated that in some cases it could, commenting “if people value the experiences they'll be willing to pay for them.

"Now because they're traditionally free access, especially for locals, I think it would be problematic to look at charging in the future.

"However, on a logistical basis the cost has to be covered in some way.

"So, it is a multi-faceted question with lots of opinions and lots of different audiences so it is a very difficult one to answer."

Quarnby said the infrastructure upgrades could see the park accommodate an extra 60,000 people annually.

He added “we know for a fact Litchfield has overtaken Kakadu in its visitation numbers and that happened a short while ago.

"This will give us the opportunity to grow it even further."

Darwin's Toyota Landcruiser Club President Stuart Wright, who helped the decide which new areas to open up, believed visitors were certainly "going to love" the new experiences.

He believes that in order to maintain the pristine nature of these sites, a permit system should be implemented, stating “(That way) if they are getting abused (we) can do something about it.”

Minister Moss said permits were not required at Litchfield National Park currently and said broader questions about the system going forward had not yet been decided.

She added that the Northern Territory Government would strive to ensure the new fees did not "disadvantage locals".

Article amended at 10:30am on 28th May 2019 to include that Northern Territory residents are not charged to access Kakadu National Park.

Related Articles

28th January 2019 - Kakadu National Park has busiest year in a decade

5th March 2018 - Five new swimming spots to be created in Litchfield National Park

25th February 2018 - Kakadu to build on Australian Tourism Awards’ success with upgraded infrastructure and major events

16th February 2018 - Northern Territory Government looks to ‘turbocharge’ tourism

9th August 2017 - Australia’s great outdoors needs to be more accessible for nature-based tourism

21st April 2017 - Tourism NT supporting local operators to drive visitation in the Territory

29th September 2016 - 30 years ago this week, America fell in love with Crocodile Dundee and Kakadu

16th April 2014 - Traditional owners uncertain on tourism development around sacred sites and national parks


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

Momentus Technologies

About: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

TicketSearch Pty Ltd

TicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Hydrocare Pool Services

Hydrocare Pool Services Pty Ltd offer 30 years of experience in aquatic industry features, products and water treatment. Hydrocare Pools has undertaken water treatment for aquatic centres and…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Technology

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business