Territorians gear up for a getaway as national parks reopen at noon

TERRITORY campers are hitting the road to pitch a tent and crack open a cold one in the Top End’s famous national parks, which officially open at midday today.

Territory campers Emma Ellis and Brookie Pedersen are taking advantage of the relaxed coronavirus restrictions this weekend. Picture: Che Chorley

TERRITORY campers are hitting the road to pitch a tent and crack open a cold one in the Top End’s famous national parks, which officially open at noon today.

Happy campers Emma Ellis and Brookie Pedersen are looking forward to their first night under canvas for the year, and are thankful the Territory has stayed relatively free from coronavirus.

“The Territory is always the best place to be. With what’s been going on in the world at the moment the Territory still allows us to be outdoors trying to catch some fish while sinking a few tinnies,” Ms Ellis said.

“Pretty excited, sites have been shut for a few months now and opening back up just in time for the dry season. It will be good to get out and about.”

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The friends are looking forward to fishing together, with previous rules allowing fishing with only family or housemates.

But with crowds expected to flock to Litchfield, Berry Springs and all of the NT’s hidden gems from today, Ms Ellis said they would comply with social distancing rules.

A Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture spokeswoman said measures would be in place to help people comply with social distancing protocols.

There will be limits for accessing parks and reserves.

“Numbers of vehicles in carparks and people in swimming holes might be capped, meaning people may get turned away from popular locations,” she said.

“The dry season is just beginning so there is plenty of time to enjoy what the Territory has to offer.”

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She said Territorians had to make sure they didn’t spoil the opportunity for some freedom.

“Easing restrictions will actually increase responsibility on all Territorians to keep doing the right thing,” she said.

“We ask Territorians to do the right thing, abide by physical distancing rules, adhere to appropriate hygiene, if the carpark is full, go elsewhere and/or come back at a later time (and) respect rangers and NT Police.”