Parks and Wildlife open interim track access to Glen Helen Gorge

ACCESS to a popular NT gorge has reopened after the track was cut off last year

• Territory’s iconic Glen Helen Lodge closes down due to COVID pressures

ACCESS to a popular Central Australia swimming spot, Glen Helen Gorge, has reopened after the track was cut off last year when the associated iconic outback lodge closed down.

The owners of Glen Helen Lodge, which was the only accommodation in West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, announced its immediate closure in August 2020, which meant access to the gorge was also affected.

While the future of the Glen Helen Lodge is unknown, NT Parks and Wildlife announced on Wednesday they have created an interim walking track for access to the gorge, which is currently full thanks to recent rain.

MORE NEWS

Corrections officers hospitalised, allegedly attacked with shiv made by Don Dale detainees

Former Labor Party secretary in the Northern Territory Kent Rowe resigned over ‘cocaine sex’ scandal

‘The outcomes from the tourism industry and the broader economy would be catastrophic’: Tourism boss

Senior Director Parks and Wildlife Operations, Chris Day told ABC Alice Springs Parks had been in consultation with traditional owners to come up with an interim arrangement for access to the popular swimming spot.

“There’s no certainty about a reopening date for the lodge,” Mr Day said.

“What we’ve come up with is going in via the Glen Helen Lodge access road which is a public road up until the boundary of the lodge.

“We’ve identified an interim carparking area which is just off the edge of the access road off the eastern side. It will be marked clearly with fencing and there’s a barrier on the road.

“From that point there is a defined walking track that goes around the boundary of the lodge and south into the Finke River.”

Mr Day said Parks and Wildlife intend to find a solution in the future with an access that isn’t designed through the lodge.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

Owners of the Glen Helen Lodge issued a statement last year announcing the business would be placed into care and maintenance due to economic damage as a result of the global pandemic.

“The board and management have worked tirelessly on workable solutions, however the ever-present threat of further COVID-19 outbreaks and significant decrease in patronage also weighs in heavily on our decision, with our long term commitment to the region remaining in place,” it stated.

Follow @jasmineaburke