Visitor infrastructure at two of Central Australia’s best known National Parks has been damaged after substantial rainfall over the weekend.

Central Australian Parks Director Chris Day said Watarrka National Park received 68mm from Friday 6 May while Finke Gorge National Park received over 100mm.

“At Finke Gorge National Park, a raised walkway which was built in 2012 to allow for easy access through a sandy section of Palm Creek has been washed away and substantially damaged,” Mr Day said.

“With some deep water crossings of up to 500mm, access to Palm Valley requires high clearance 4x4 vehicles.

“Walking access to Palm Valley will still be possible but visitors should avoid the area of damaged walkway which will be barricaded.”

Torrential rainfall at Watarrka National Park has triggered a large rock fall from the north wall of Kings Canyon.

“Large boulders have landed on the Creek Walk viewing platform substantially damaging the structure,” Mr Day said.

“The fall appears to have happened overnight so we have been extremely lucky no visitors were on the platform at the time.

“The Creek Walk will remain open as far as the last creek crossing before the viewing platform.

“The viewing platform will need to be assessed by a structural engineer and risk of further rock falls will also need to be assessed.”

Parks and Wildlife Commission NT asks all visitors to please comply with all warning signs and safety fencing when visiting these parks. 

Media Contact - Jordan Raymond-Monro, 8999 4726