5 December 2021
The Territory’s world-renowned parks and reserves drew in more than 2.2 million visitors from May to September this year.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve attracted the highest number of people, with around 687,700 visitors exploring the area. The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens came in second, with around 248,800 visits.
Nitmiluk National Park saw around 201,000 people enjoy the likes of Leliyn (Edith Falls) and Nitmiluk Gorge, while the month of August saw the opening of 10 new Central Valley campsites, contributing to Litchfield National Park’s 168,000 visitors for the period.
In Central Australia, Karlu Karlu/Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve attracted the highest numbers of visits, with around 106,800 people.
From May to September in 2020 there were 1.4 million visitors through the Territory’s parks and reserves, and around 2.2 million in 2019 and 2018 respectively.
The Territory Labor Government recognises the importance and economic benefits of the Territory’s parks and reserves, and is developing a 30 year Masterplan.
Once finalised the Masterplan will provide a clear vision for the future of the Territory’s parks and reserves from 2022-2052. It will map out ways to enhance visitor enjoyment and community engagement, as well as exploring new business and economic activities.
Parks and Wildlife recently closed public submissions for the Masterplan which will help develop the draft Masterplan. The final Masterplan is on track to be published in November 2022.
Quotes from Minister for Parks and Rangers Selena Uibo:
“Whether it’s cruising out to Berry Springs for a day trip or kayaking up the Nitmiluk Gorge for a few nights of secluded camping, the adventures are endless when it comes to getting out and exploring the Territory.
“We know one of the biggest draw cards for travelling to the Territory is our pristine parks and reserves, and we want to ensure this remains the case for generations to come – and that’s why the Territory Labor Government is developing a 30 year Parks Masterplan.
“This Masterplan builds upon a recommendation of the Territory Economic Reconstruction’s final report, and it will help activate our backyard and maximise new economic opportunities, whilst providing a clear pathway for the future management of Territory parks and reserves.”
Northern Territory Government
