Northern Territory Defence and Parks collaborate to reopen Nitmiluk walks

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife has collaborated with personnel from  RAAF Base Tindal, volunteering their time to prepare renowned Nitmiluk walks for reopening this Dry season.

Tourism is one of the Northern Territory’s five key economic pillars, and Nitmiluk National Park being just three hours from Darwin is a major drawcard, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors annually.

This is the fourth year RAAF personnel have supported track preparation, continuing a tradition started by 75 Squadron’s Commanding Officer in 2022.

The collaborative efforts saw the Jatbula Trail, Mountain Bike Trail Network, and Southern Walks included the clearing of debris, repairing trails, preparing campgrounds, and installing signage, ensuring public access to over 40km of trail in time for the peak 2025 dry season.

The Jatbula Trail, a world-class 62km trek between Nitmiluk Gorge and Leliyn (Edith Falls), is already fully booked for 2025, and the Baruwei and Southern Walks, including Smitt Rock and Eighth Gorge, are also popular with both locals and visitors.

From Tuesday 6th May to Friday 9th May, between 30 and 40 personnel from RAAF Base Tindal worked side-by-side with Rangers to conduct the works to trails.

NT Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby noted “The Territory works best when we work together, and this partnership is a brilliant example of what’s possible when our defence forces and park rangers unite to showcase the best of the Top End.

"Nitmiluk is a jewel of the Katherine region, and it’s not just for tourists - it’s a place Territorians love, and we’re proud of the diverse offerings the park has to offer.”

Chief District Ranger Jaco Venter praised the contribution from RAAF Tindal sharing "It has been a privilege to have teams from RAAF Tindal working alongside our Nitmiluk rangers; their efforts have been instrumental in reopening key walking trails in time for the dry season.”

This work highlights the important role Defence plays, not just in national security, but in building, supporting, and connecting with regional communities and key industries such as tourism.

Image top: Aviators from RAAF Base Tindal and Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers clear the Jatbula Trail; image below: Aviators from RAAF Base Tindal with Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers during the clearing of the Jatbula Trail.