It’s time to go for a bushwalk! Lace up those boots, grab your hat and head on out as part of the Department of Tourism and Culture’s Walk in the Park program.

Administered by the Northern Territory Parks Wildlife and Heritage division, the Walk in the Park program will again take place over the cooler months of April to August, with walks in parks and reserves including Cassia Hill Simpsons Gap, Stuart Hill Walk Telegraph Station, Hat Hill Saddle Simpsons Gap, Woodland Trail Simpsons Gap, Chain of Ponds Trephina Gorge Nature Park, and Pound Walk Ormiston Gorge.

Department of Tourism and Culture Parks, Wildlife and Heritage Community Engagement Officer for the Alice Springs Region, Jennifer Kreusser, said the popular program is a free, fun and first-time-walker friendly opportunity explore the incredible tracks and trails in some of the Territory’s most stunning parks and reserves.

“We know that some people might find bushwalking a bit daunting, but our Walk in the Park program aims to break down these barriers while encouraging people to enjoy our parks and reserves safely and responsibly. Joining a Walk in the Park gives people all the support and encouragement they need to take that first big step.

“Also on offer is the chance to discover amazing plants, spend time watching the birds, gaze out at incredible views and float in some of the best swimming holes in the NT all while making new friends along the way,” said Ms Kreusser.

The Walk in the Park program ranges from an evening stroll of 1.8km around Cassia Hill, or a long 8.2km morning Pound Walk, Ormiston Gorge.

“All our walks this year take in amazing views, great photo opportunities or stunning swimming spots.”

 “Active recreation has many proven health benefits and taking a walk in the park is a great way to de-stress from the week before and reset for the week ahead,” Ms Kreusser said.

The series of walks are suitable for beginners and will run from April through to August, taking advantage of the Territory’s cooler months.

All participants need to be fit enough to walk a minimum of three kilometres over an uneven track and carry their own drinks and snacks for the duration of the walk.

For the full walk in the Park program visit the events section of the NT Parks and Wildlife Facebook page.

Numbers are limited to ten participants per event. Bookings are essential and can be made by sending an email to the NT Parks Wildlife and Heritage Community Engagement Ranger Jennifer Kreusser at Jennifer.kreusser@nt.gov.au.

ENDS