NT parks to open, but no word on Kakadu and Uluru opening dates

PARKS and reserves across the NT will reopen from June 5 as level three restrictions ease

The morning light bounces across the water as it creeps over the rock walls on the Katherine Gorge. Picture: Justin Kennedy

PARKS and reserves across the NT will reopen from June 5 as level three restrictions ease.

But it is not yet clear when Kakadu National Park and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park will reopen.

The decision to open those two sites lies with Traditional Owners and Parks Australia.

Minister Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss said now was the time for people to get out and tick those Territory experiences off their bucket list.

MORE TOP NT NEWS

Chief Minister Michael Gunner finally hints at NT borders reopening date, but tourism sector sceptical

Claire Hockridge: Alice Springs woman who died ‘camping’ revealed as outback drug smuggler

Lola’s Pergola fighting to overturn $5.5k fine for not abiding by COVID-19 rules

“We know that the tourism industry in the NT, indeed across Australia has been decimated because of COVID-19 so it is critical that if you have a spare dollar to spend if you’ve got an opportunity to get out and explore places, explore your backyard,” Ms Moss said.

She expects some businesses not to survive through the tough times.

“We will have a domestic campaign out as soon as we can drive those people who might want to escape a down south winter up to enjoy our local parks and businesses,” she said.

Tourism minister Lauren Moss is announcing the opening of parks and reserves across the NT

Posted by The NT News on Tuesday, 26 May 2020

Ms Moss, however, could not say if borders will open before the end of the Dry season to allow tourism operators to catch the coat tails of the high season.

”As this stage I couldn’t say whether or not the borders will be open for part of the Dry season.

“I think we’ve been working to a scenario that our tourism recovery may well be in the Wet season, which is the low season for the industry up here.

“But we will be ready to move as soon as we can.”

NW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

Parks people will now be able to visit include:

In the Katherine region, Territorians will be able to enjoy key spots in Nitmiluk National Park even earlier, with the following places open from noon this Friday 29 May:

Southern Rockhole – walk and swimming.

Leliyn (Edith Falls) – camping and swimming.

All southern walks.

However some sections of Nitmiluk remain closed for now:

Boat tours, canoeing and swimming at Nitmiluk Gorge will recommence from 5 June.

Jatbula Trail remains closed due to normal seasonal closures.

Baruwei Loop Walk remains closed until 9 June due to construction.

Elsey National Park remains closed until 5 June with the exception of the Mataranka Thermal Pool.

For the Barkly region, the following locations are now accessible to Tennant Creek residents:

Tingkkarli / Lake Mary Ann.

Tennant Creek Golf Club.

Tennant Creek Gun Club.

Tennant Creek Speedway.