LITCHFIELD ALIVE
Ziplining, abseiling part of park’s new action-packed plan
ZIPLINING, abseiling and luxury camping are all under consideration under a bold new plan to breathe new life into Litchfield National Park.
The park’s management plan, tabled in Parliament last week, outlines ways to capitalise on the region’s potential.
It examines ways to diversify the park’s current tourism offerings, most of which are based around its spectacular waterways.
“Developing new activities can alleviate pressure on the primary sites, while providing visitors with exciting and unique experiences,” it reads.
According to the report, visitors now expect adventure activities such as ziplining, abseiling and rope courses.
Litchfield provides “the perfect setting” for those activities, it says.
Also on the agenda is luxury glamping-style accommodation for the cashed-up traveller looking to rough it in style.
“The aim is to attract investors seeking to develop unique niche tourist accommodation, which meets high environmental standards and delivers an immersive and memorable experience for guests,” the report reads.
“Litchfield National Park is an ideal location for this form of accommodation, which would be operated by commercial operators.”
It points to South Africa’s “Golden Kudu” luxury lodge accreditation as the gold standard in the industry.
Under the plan, one business would be allowed to offer commercial luxury accommodation in the park, giving its guests “exclusive access” to the sites.
“This type of accommodation will attract national and international attention and become a drawcard for the Territory more broadly.
“It will provide … an econ- omic injection, additional jobs and stimulate the development of complementary tourism products and experiences.”
To make it easier for investors flush with cash to step in, the Territory Government is investigating suitable locations and “pre-preparing sites”.
Other ideas include a proposal to install a swing bridge or glass walkway at Tolmer Falls out from the existing viewing platform.