RAAF partners with NT Parks and Wildlife to prepare Nitmiluk walking trails for dry season

Personnel from RAAF Base Tindal cleared debris, installed signage and prepared campgrounds on trails throughout Nitmiluk National Park.

Aviators from RAAF Base Tindal with Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers during the clearing of the Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory. Picture: LACW Mikaela Fernlund / Supplied

Personnel from RAAF Base Tindal have joined rangers in preparing world-class Northern Territory walking trails for the dry season, as part of an ongoing partnership between Defence and NT Parks and Wildlife.

From May 6 to 9, nearly 40 volunteers from RAAF Base Tindal cleared debris, repaired trails, installed signage and prepared campgrounds across Nitmiluk National Park, including the iconic 62 kilometre Jatbula Trail, and the Baruwei and Southern Walks.

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife ranger Phillip Johns briefs Aircraftman Gianmarco Tesolin before clearing the Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory. Picture: LACW Mikaela Fernlund / Supplied

Wing Commander Alex Smith, Senior Australian Defence Force Officer at RAAF Base Tindal said he was proud to continue the tradition started in 2022 by the 75 Squadron’s Commanding Officer.

“As contributing members of the Katherine community, it’s important that the Tindal aviators help play their part,” he said.

“RAAF Tindal has been an integral part of the Katherine community for decades, and it is important our aviators engage regularly with and for the community in a range of activities.”

Corporal Andrew Hermitage said positions for the work filled within a day, and the engagement from the RAAF personnel was “fantastic”.

“It’s a great day out, I myself participated last year and it’s a brilliant opportunity to see parts of the Ranges and Trails that personnel may not necessarily encounter on their own,” Corporal Hermitage said.

Aviators from RAAF Base Tindal and Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers clear the Jatbula Trail, Northern Territory. Picture: LACW Mikaela Fernlund / Supplied

Chief District Ranger Jaco Venter said it was a privilege to have the defence personnel working alongside the Nitmiluk rangers.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in reopening key walking trails in time for the dry season,” Mr Venter said.

Nitmiluk National Park welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually, with Jatbula fully booked already for 2025.

Originally published as RAAF partners with NT Parks and Wildlife to prepare Nitmiluk walking trails for dry season