With all campgrounds, swimming spots, multi-day walks and high-use day areas in Territory Parks and Reserves closed to restrict the spread of COVID-19, Territorians are encouraged to instead camp in their own backyard this Easter.
The current advice is clear – stay home, if you can. So why not set up your tent in your yard instead this year?
The Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture encourages you to share your backyard camping set up for your chance to win a prize. To enter, share your photo on @ParksandWildlifeNT Facebook by Monday 13 April.
If you do need some fresh air over the long weekend, some areas remain open so you can visit a park or reserve near you for walking, bike-riding, birdwatching or other solo or small-group activities.
In the Top End, Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Charles Darwin National Park remain open with the mountain bike and shared-use trails a great option to help you stay active over the weekend. Take a walk at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or try your luck at bird-watching at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve.
With the weather getting cooler in Central Australia, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the mountain bike and walking trail network at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. Some areas of Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park remain open so why not ride your bike to Simpson’s Gap, try the Cassia Hill walk or meander down to Simpsons Gap to see if you can spot some frogs.
Only visit Parks and Reserves near you that are open and abide by all mass gathering and physical distancing rules. Stay home if you feel sick and practice good hygiene.
Remember all campgrounds and swimming spots in Parks and Reserves are closed following direction from the Chief Health Officer. Rangers remain on park and will be patrolling. If you are caught accessing spots that are closed, you can be issued a fine.
To check if a Park or Reserve is open, go to https://dtsc.nt.gov.au/covid-19-information-for-stakeholders/parks-and-reserves-whats-open-over-easter
Quotes from Department of Tourism Sport and Culture, Parks and Wildlife Executive Director, Sally Egan
“Easter long weekend is typically an opportunity to enjoy our great outdoors and camp with family and friends.
“Camping is not an option this year with the current advice to stay home, if you can. That’s why we’re encouraging Territorians to camp in their own backyard instead! We want to see your photos. Post them on our Facebook page for your chance to win.
“Some areas of our Parks or Reserves are open so you can exercise or enjoy some fresh air in line with physical distancing measures.
“Please respect closures and the advice of our Rangers – they are following the advice of the Chief Health Officer and doing their job to keep Territorians safe. Remember swimming spots have not had water quality checks or been cleared for crocodiles.
Media contact: Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture 0476 844 832