They are central to our lifestyle, liveability and tourism success. They are where visitors travel thousands of kilometres to experience iconic landscapes, and where Territorians return time and again to swim, camp, walk and connect with nature. 

Behind every open waterfall, safe swimming hole, maintained walking trail and welcoming campground is a Parks and Wildlife team working tirelessly. These are the unsung heroes of the visitor economy, responsible for protecting and managing 85 parks, reserves, conservation and hunting areas, including 33 jointly managed with Aboriginal Traditional Owners. 

For the tourism industry, parks are not simply an attraction — they are the product. Nature-based experiences are a cornerstone of the Territory’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 and remain one of the key reasons visitors choose the Territory over other destinations. 

A well-maintained park estate supports private investment, strengthens regional economies and enhances the Territory’s reputation as a world-class nature destination. Recognising this, the NT Government has committed $10 million in capital works over the next two years and $5 million in operational funding to ensure parks continue to meet visitor expectations while protecting natural and cultural values. 

The Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 and the Territory Lifestyle Strategy provide a roadmap for the future of park management. Together, they guide investment in infrastructure, access, conservation and visitor experiences while supporting partnerships with Traditional Owners, communities and industry. 

Priority projects include upgrades to viewing platforms, campgrounds, walking trails, visitor amenities and signage, as well as expanding walking and mountain bike networks and supporting hunting reserves. Ongoing crocodile management across the Territory also remains critical to visitor safety and access. 

Senior Executive Director of Parks and Wildlife Neva McCartney says: “Our rangers are the unsung heroes. Their collective skillset is amazing and when there is work to be done, they organise into a well-oiled machine, going wherever and doing whatever is required. 

“They care deeply about the land, our partners and the people who visit our parks. They make it safe for you to swim, work hard to reopen attractions quickly, maintain facilities and protect park assets.” 

The role of a ranger extends far beyond what most visitors see. Their work includes fire management, weed and feral animal control, flora and fauna conservation, crocodile management, visitor engagement, compliance and education. Rangers also respond to emergencies including bushfires, cyclones, search and rescue operations and dangerous animal incidents. 

Seasonal preparation is a major undertaking. Before attractions can reopen following the wet season, teams inspect roads, campgrounds and walking trails, undertake repairs, conduct crocodile surveys, replace trail markers, maintain emergency equipment and implement planned burn programs. Rangers are often first responders to incidents in remote locations, providing assistance during medical emergencies and vehicle accidents. 

A major recent improvement has been the construction of new accommodation for the crocodile management team, replacing facilities they had occupied for more than 20 years. The upgraded base supports additional staff and assets, strengthening the Territory’s capacity to deliver effective crocodile management both on and off park. 

The 2025–26 wet season brought widespread flooding and storm damage across many parks. Rangers worked around the clock to assess damage and restore access as soon as conditions were safe, often while dealing with impacts in their own communities. Their efforts were supported by volunteers, Friends of Parks groups, the Australian Defence Force, US Marines and Corrections work teams. 

One recent example of collaboration was the upgrade of the Tabletop Track in Litchfield National Park. The rugged 39-kilometre multi-day hiking trail has become increasingly popular with experienced walkers. To improve navigation and enhance the visitor experience, Parks and Wildlife partnered with 65 US Marines to install track marker poles throughout the circuit. The project demonstrated the Territory’s ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver practical improvements for visitors. 

Technology and communication also play an important role in visitor safety. Campaigns such as Be Crocwise and Beat the Heat, alongside GPS-enabled mapping tools, online alerts and onsite signage, help visitors make informed decisions while exploring the Territory. 

Today, the Territory Government employs more than 180 Parks and Wildlife staff, including about 136 rangers. They are supported by specialists in visitor engagement, planning, interpretation, joint management, land information and administration. Together, they ensure parks remain open, safe and enjoyable. 

Looking ahead, Parks and Wildlife remain focused on protecting the values that make the Territory unique while continuing to improve visitor experiences. As a public asset, the park estate is deeply valued by communities, industry and visitors. Investment and careful management are essential to ensure future generations can enjoy these places just as we do today. 

A strong and resilient park estate enhances the Territory’s destination brand, supports tourism growth and gives operators the confidence to invest. Most importantly, it preserves the places that inspire adventure, connection and discovery. With the right investment, strategy and people, Northern Territory parks will continue to be one of our greatest assets for generations to come. TQ