Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture
To restrict the spread of COVID-19, the Parks and Wildlife Commission has today confirmed that Territory campgrounds, multi-day walks and high-use day areas that encourage groups to gather, will be closed from 5pm Thursday 26 March 2020.
This decision has been made by the Commission after consultation and approval from the Chief Health Officer and the Commissioner of Police.
In the interests of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the community, areas such as Casuarina Coastal Reserve and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station will remain open so that bushwalking, birdwatching, mountain bike riding and other daytime solo or small-group self-guided activity can occur.
Effective 5pm Thursday 26 March 2020, the following will be closed:
- High-use day use areas including swimming holes and day use areas that have traditionally seen very high numbers over weekends and holidays such as Bitter Springs at Elsey National Park and Buley Rockhole in Litchfield National Park.
- Multiday walks
- All camp grounds
Associated Camp Ground Host, Darwin Junior Ranger and April School Holiday programs will be discontinued for 2020. The NT Parks Alive program will be postponed until July 2020 to be reassessed.
Top End
- The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens will remain open.
- The Territory Wildlife Park will remain open to self-guided visitors.
- Guided activities will be steadily reduced and discontinued.
- The café will remain open as takeaway only.
Central Australia
- The Alice Springs Desert Park will remain open to self-guided visitors.
- Guided activities will be steadily reduced and discontinued.
- Latitude 23 café will be closed.
- Ormiston café and Alice Springs Trail Station café will also be closed.
Some National Parks will be entirely closed to protect nearby remote communities. To check if a Park or Reserve is open, go to https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/plan-your-visit
