Katherine’s Nitmiluk National Park has record-breaking year for visitor numbers

FOR years Kakadu has been considered one of the brightest jewels in the Territory’s crown of major tourist attractions, but there’s one gem currently outshining it — Nitmiluk National Park

Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. PICTURE: Tourism NT

FOR years Kakadu has been considered one of the brightest jewels in the Territory’s crown of major tourist attractions, but there’s one gem currently outshining it — Nitmiluk National Park.

Nitmiluk has had more visitors this year than Kakadu, a remarkable achievement considering Kakadu spans a massive 19,804sq km, while Nitmiluk encompasses just 2947sq km.

Parks visitation numbers for the year ended June 2016 were Kakadu 178,899, Nitmiluk 261,283.

A recent report compiled by NT Tourism revealed the number of total overnight visitors in 2015 was 50,000 more than the year before.

In 2010, 250,000 people stayed at least one night in the region, making it the best performing year until now, with a total of 275,000 visitors.

Nitmiluk National Park ranked six out of 15 NT national park destinations, with iconic spots Uluru, Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks ranking in the top 3.

The source of the visitors responsible for the increase is a surprise — Territorians are responsible for the record-breaking year.

Visitors stayed an average of 4.5 nights and Territorians were generally in the middle age bracket, whereas interstate visitors were more mature aged.

This growth coincides with recent investment in Defence infrastructure in the area, as well as the ongoing success of indigenous-owned tourism product Nitmiluk Tours.

Given the region’s proximity, most Territorians were from Darwin.

Interstate visitor numbers have also been growing steadily over the last three years due to more business travel and more friends and family coming to stay.

Numbers have held steady over the last 12 months.

Visitors can enjoy canoeing in Nitmiluk National Park. PICTURE: Tourism NT

International visitors have not traditionally been a large source market for the region; however, key markets are mostly from the Western Hemisphere including Germany, the UK, France and the USA.

Tourism Australia has recognised the spectacular natural assets of the Katherine region and its accessibility as a tourism hub, choosing Katherine Gorge as one of its 12 hero destinations as part of their $45 million coastal and aquatic campaign.

The campaign was launched in January 2016 by treating New Yorkers to immersive ‘virtual reality’ displays and aquatic-themed images projected onto an ice rink at Bryant Park.

Katherine mayor Fay Miller says businesses related to tourism, such as accommodation providers, have certainly noticed the increase in trade.

“I think it’s a result of very good marketing by Nitmiluk Tours and Tourism Top End,” she said.

“Nitmiluk Tours’ profile has been lifted considerably in the last few years under new management and they’ve been recognised by the quality of service they provide.”

The mayor said apart from Nitmiluk National Park the township of Katherine itself has become an attractive tourist destination.

“The town itself is looking amazing since the introduction of Temporary Beat Locations, but in the last two years I can assure you it’s been wonderful to work in an environment that is looking so well,” she said.

“Those repeat visitors are our best marketers and they’re saying we can’t believe it’s the same town.

“We’re continually improving things in Katherine and we’ve got ongoing plans.”

Some of those plans include rejuvenation around the hot springs, which would see a double-tiered grass area along with the addition of a children’s playground.

“The hot springs themselves won’t have much change, but at the top of that we’re making it more family friendly,” Ms Miller said.

“We’re doing some major redevelopment of the Katherine River corridor, including a walking track, a bike track, exercise equipment and drinking fountains.”

One repeat visitor to the area, Irene Trow, said the Katherine region was somewhere every Australian should explore.

“It’s as good, if not better, than Kakadu,” Mrs Trow said.

“Kakadu is quite spread out. It’s far easier to explore Nitmiluk and get around.”

The NT News caught up with Mrs Trow, her husband Grahame and granddaughter Scarlet at Edith Falls, where they were escaping the heat in the bottom pool.

“We love the laidback lifestyle and the real community feel of Katherine,” she said.

“A few years ago we did the Jatbula Trail and it was magnificent … it’s just beautiful to be in nature and look as far as the eye can see, and see no signs of civilisation,” she said.

Tourist numbers in Katherine are well up from the previous year. Edith Falls campground kiosk manager Lisa Marks thinks that Nitmiluk Tours has done a wonderful job promoting the area. PICTURE: Helen Orr

For Edith Falls campground and kiosk manager Lisa Marks the increase in visitors hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The 53 campsites at the park were virtually fully booked during the whole of the Dry.

“Nitmiluk Tours do a great job promoting the area and I think some of the initiatives they’ve been involved in would help explain the increase (of tourists),” she said.

Ms Marks has recently expanded the kitchen of the kiosk and is investigating the possibility of putting cabins in.

Apart from the work Nitmiluk Tours has done in promoting the region, Tourism NT has also delivered a number of innovative domestic marketing campaigns over the past 12 months that have helped significantly raise awareness of the destinations and experiences on offer in the region.

Some of these include: promoting the Million Dollar Fish competition fishing destinations in the Katherine region, specialised bird watching, walking trails and WWII heritage sites.

They have also promoted the region with innovative social media campaigns.

Department of Tourism and Culture chief executive Alastair Shields said visitors to the region were “spoilt for choice”.

“We’re really pleased with the increase in visitors to the Katherine region and in particular Nitmiluk National Park,” he said.

“Tourism NT and the tourism operators and businesses in the region have worked really hard to increase visitation, with visitors spoilt for choice in this aquatic adventure natural paradise.

“Where else can you heli-picnic by a private waterhole, share stories with local indigenous guides, kayak down a fascinating and rugged river, and explore ancient rock art alongside stunning gorges?

“The 2016 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards recognised the efforts of the operators in the region with Cicada Lodge winning Luxury Accommodation, and Nitmiluk Tours General Manager Tony Clementson receiving the George Dunne Award for Contribution by an Individual. Nitmiluk Tours also received a Highly Commended Award for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism.”