Territorians are invited to join a Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) ranger at this month’s first ever ‘Take a Hike!’ information session at Simpsons Gap.

Simpsons Gap (Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park) PWCNT ranger Kath Hastie said now is the best time for inexperienced hikers to get useful information before they venture out to some of the world’s best parks and reserves.

“It’s the start of the walking season and visitors from all over Australia and overseas are heading to central Australia to take a hike on one of our beautiful trails,” Ms Hastie said.

“For many people who live in and around Alice Springs, they might not know too much about these trails on our back doorstep.

“That’s why the Parks and Wildlife Commission NT is providing Territorians with the opportunity to start a love of hiking from the very beginning.

“Sometimes the hardest part is literally taking the first step and the ‘Take a Hike!’ information session will give people the chance to ask questions and find out where the best walking tracks in central Australian parks and reserves are, as well as differing hiking options from short walks to multi-day hikes.

“First timers might be concerned about dangerous animals, being isolated, what to do in an emergency, or simply where to walk.

“So whether you’re new to town or have been around for a while but haven’t taken the steps towards starting a hike in our amazing parks and reserves, this is your chance to come along, ask questions and see what it’s all about.”

The ‘Take a Hike!’ information session at Simpsons Gap starts at 4pm on Saturday 16 May.

The activity is free but bookings are essential as numbers are limited.

Bookings can be made by calling the Alice Springs PWCNT office on 8951 8247 or emailing community engagement officer Susie Pendle at susie.pendle@nt.gov.au

Simpsons Gap is 18km west of Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive.

For more information about Simpsons Gap, Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park, or any of the Parks and Reserves administered by PWCNT visit www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au or like PWCNT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParksandWildlifeNT

Ends

Media note – For further information/interviews please contact ranger Kath Hastie on 89550310, or community engagement officer Susie Pendle on 89518247.