Easing of COVID-19 restrictions on NT Parks

This is the first significant step in adjusting coronavirus-related restrictions in a steady and staged process, to keep people safe.

This relaxed measure does not apply to Commonwealth managed parks, which are a matter for the Federal Government in consultation with Traditional Owners.

NT managed parks that are in areas designated under the Commonwealth’s Biosecurity Act will start to re-open for people residing in those areas.

While restrictions are being adjusted, Territorians will need to continue to adhere to the current hygiene and physical distancing rules to ensure everyone can stay safe. 

There are parks and reserves currently open in all regions. The below locations are expected to be open from noon Friday 1 May, provided all safety, environmental and, where appropriate, crocodile checks have been conducted and the all clear given:

• Berry Springs – picnic area only, no swimming
• George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens – walks, playground and Visitor Centre
• Howard Springs Nature Park – swimming and playgrounds
• Leaning Tree Lagoon – picnic area only
• Litchfield National Park:
  • Buley Rockhole – swimming and camping permitted
  • Florence Falls – swimming and camping permitted
  • Upper Cascades – swimming permitted
  • Walker Creek – swimming permitted
  • Wangi Falls – picnic area and camping, no swimming permitted
• Manton Dam – open to recreation and water based sporting activities
• Buley Rockhole – swimming and camping permitted
  • Couzens campground
  • Shady Camp campground
• Territory Wildlife Park – open for walking, self-guided tours and picnics
• Tree Point Conservation Area
• Window on the Wetlands

Further decisions around business operations will be considered by the NT Government, as part of a program to ease restrictions.

For now, tourism operators can operate providing hygiene and physical distancing are adhered to. This includes regular hand washing, covering a sneeze or cough with your elbow or a tissue and ensuring maintaining 1.5m distance from everyone other than people from the same household. Tour operators must also ensure less than 10 people, including the operator.

Operators are able to recommence tours with effective hygiene and physical distancing precautions in place.

Accommodation providers are able to accept bookings, providing all guests continue to adhere to the current hygiene and physical distancing rules. 

Further information, including a list of specific requirements for operators and accomodation providers, can be found in our COVID-19 Q&A's.

To check if a Park or Reserve is open, go to nt.gov.au/covid-19-information-for-stakeholders/parks-and-reserves-whats-open