Central Valley campsites to open this dry season

Territorians can soon explore more areas of Litchfield National Park, with new campsites to open this dry season.

UPDATE: A SNEAK preview of Litchfield’s newest camping bucket-list destinations includes serene cascades, thermal pools and secluded camping grounds.

The new campgrounds in Litchfield’s Central Valley hope to bring an extra 30,000 people through the park each year, on top of the 330,000 who visit the national park annually.

Parks and Wildlife NT Northern Australian Parks director Lincoln Wilson said the camping spots would suit smaller groups looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

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“It’s about having space, being right on the waters edge, everyone having their own access to water, it’s about ruing to be able to appreciate the nature to yourself, not having camp sites too close to each other,” he said.

“What our vision is and the way we’ve gotten the contractors to work, it’s going very well.”

The 10 sites at each of the three camp grounds, which are about 10 sqm each, will fit about 4 people to a site, built around a two parent/two children sized group.

“We’ve done this layout to make sure you can back your 4wd in, back your camper trailer in,” Mr Wilson said.

Parks and Wildlife NT Northern Australian Parks director Lincoln Wilson at one of the new campsites in Litchfield. Picture: Will Zwar

One of the new swimming spots tourists and residents will be able to access by the end of the Dry Season. Picture: Will Zwar

“We want people to park in there and be able to drive off so it’s about space. Buley and Florence used to be pretty bad there with people jumping in on top of each other … it’s about staying here a few nights and exploring the area.”

Naming of the sites has been put on hold with a naming process in place to determine the most appropriate agreed names with Indigenous groups.

While the first campground is complete, access is expected to be finished and booking systems open before the end of the dry season.

EARLIER: Territorians can soon explore new areas of Litchfield National Park, with Central Valley campsites to open this dry season.

Work on the $17.5 million Turbo Charging Tourism project is progressing, with 10 campsites in the northern section of the development now complete.

The area will allow visitors direct access to swim in and enjoy the spring-fed creeks.

Ostojic Group is carrying out construction for Stage 3 of the project, which includes building:

10 campsites within campground one, with drop toilets and an information shelter

A 4WD access track

A loop road to the campsites.

The campsites are just one part of this exciting project, which will open up more visitor experiences for people travelling through Litchfield National Park.

Work on Stage 4 has commenced which includes the staging and lookout area over the escarpment into Central Valley, and associated road works.

Stage 4 will also include construction of two additional campgrounds and two recreational areas, fitting about 60 people and are expected to be completed by the end of the dry season.

Stage 5 will begin in May, which includes the construction of bike and walk trails connecting Lost City, Central Valley and Litchfield Park Road.

Once complete, Central Valley will add 32 new campsites across three separate campgrounds to Litchfield National Park.

The project has created more than 96 jobs during construction so far.

Parks and Ranges Minister Selena Uibo said it was crucial to invest in the Top End’s natural treasures.

“Creating new areas to explore is exciting for visitors – but it’s also exciting for the local economy because of the positive flow-on benefits it has,” she said.

“This government is committed to protecting and conserving our parks, and these upgrades will ease overcrowding with new camping, swimming and walking spots to please visitors of all ages.”

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Originally published as Central Valley campsites to open this dry season