The Northern Territory (NT) government has announced plans to invite private investors to develop tourism facilities in four national parks, including Litchfield National Park and Elsey National Park near Bitter Springs and Mataranka Hot Springs. The government is seeking developers for semi-permanent camping at Litchfield and luxury accommodation at Alice Springs Desert Park and Tennant Creek Telegraph Station.

NT Parks and Wildlife Minister Marie-Clare Boothby stated the developments aim to unlock "tourism potential" and "create new regional jobs." She emphasized the goal to transform day trips into overnight stays, offering unique experiences to encourage visitors to see more, stay longer, and spend more in the regions. The NT parks currently attract over three million visits annually, with the government seeing further potential.

Shelly Haitana, owner and operator of Litchfield Tourist Park, said that if done correctly, accommodation within park boundaries could enhance tourism offerings in the Top End. She noted the potential to increase Litchfield's global visibility, visitation, and improve shoulder seasons. Despite the government's focus on semi-permanent camping, Haitana also supports luxury accommodation development.

However, concerns have been raised about the impact of privatization. A tourism expert warned that opening parks to private investors might reduce accessibility for locals and budget-conscious visitors. Gold Coast-based ecotourism professor Sonya Underdahl criticized the government's job creation claims, citing a "lack of economic evidence". She referenced a similar development around Queensland's Scenic Rim Trail, where promises of 60 new jobs were made in a region with significant employment needs.

The government continues to seek investors to redevelop campgrounds in Elsey National Park near Bitter Springs and Mataranka Hot Springs, aiming to enhance tourism infrastructure while balancing community access.

Sources