Litchfield National Park’s Wangi Falls to get a new crocodile fence

Free read: A significant safety upgrade is coming to one of the NT’s most popular swimming spots, with authorities working to protect visitors and staff.

Wangi Falls was full of people on July 10, when a man was attacked by a crocodile. Picture: Darren Dans

A new crocodile deterrent fence will be installed at Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, boosting visitor safety at one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic swimming spots.

A public tender has been issued for the supply, delivery, and installation of the fence, which will replace the current system that requires annual removal and reinstallation by park rangers.

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality said the upgrade will not only improve safety for visitors but also enhance efficiency and reduce risks for staff.

“The new fence will complement other crocodile management actions throughout Litchfield National Park designed to keep visitors safe,” a spokesperson said.

The decision to install the upgraded barrier now is due to seasonal conditions, with Dry season installation ensuring minimal disruption to visitors.

While the final cost is yet to be determined, the contract is expected to commence in early April.

Rangers caught a 3.5m saltwater crocodile at Wangi Falls. Picture: Supplied

Officials have assured the public that swimming access will be granted as soon as conditions are deemed safe, even if works are still underway.

The new fence is designed to prevent large saltwater crocodiles from entering the plunge pool from the creek while maintaining the natural beauty of the falls.

It will be removed when water levels rise to prevent damage to the infrastructure.

The fence is part of a broader crocodile management strategy under the NT’s Saltwater Crocodile Risk Management Framework 2021-26.

Wangi Falls is classified under the “barrier and removal zone,” which includes additional safety measures such as night surveys, trapping, detection buoys, and public awareness campaigns like Be Crocwise.

With Litchfield National Park drawing thousands of visitors each year, authorities are taking no chances when it comes to safety, ensuring that Wangi Falls remains a premier and secure destination for swimmers and nature lovers alike.