NT’s Edith Falls is Set to Become More Accessible to People in Wheelchairs

Soon a new mechanical hoist will offer visitors in wheelchairs access to the natural plunge pool at Leliyn/Edith Falls, improving accessibility at one of the Northern Territory’s most popular tourist spots.

A tender has been released to improve disability access at Leliyn/Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, a beloved destination welcoming 120,000 visitors annually. The tender features the installation of a new hoist to offer safe access for visitors in wheelchairs into the lower plunge pool, designed to blend in with the natural landscapes. Additional improvements will also involve extending the existing pathway to enhance overall accessibility to the falls.

Minister for Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit says, ‘It’s fantastic to see the lower plunge pool at Edith Falls will have wheelchair accessibility. This will add to the many parks and reserves across the Territory that already enable disability access’.

The Lower Falls and Plunge Pool at Leliyn/Edith Falls | @amy.eloise

More Planned Upgrades for Nitmiluk National Park

The project is part of NT Parks Masterplan 2023-53, a 30-year strategy focused on enhancing accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for people of all ages, needs, and abilities in high tourism areas of the Top End, while ensuring the ‘diversity and integrity of the Territory’s natural and cultural heritage remain intact’. The plan was developed through joint agreements and negotiations with Traditional Owners to support future joint management plans.

The plan will see more facilities and experiences added to the current offerings at Nitmiluk National Park, some of which will allow greater access to Nitmiluk Gorge during the Top End’s wet season and a new glamping experience along the Jatbula Trail.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge | @theroamingflamingo

‘Attractions, experience and facilities have successfully grown and improved in Nitmuluk National Park, and it continues to be one of the most popular destinations for tourists and Territorians alike’, says Selena Uibo, Minister for Parks and Rangers and Member for Arnhem.

The upgrades and developments will include:

• Development of over 20km of shared walking and mountain bike trails
• Construction of a new jetty to enable ramp access for Nitmiluk Tours so that they could operate longer in the wet season
• Construction of a new Katherine River crossing and upgrades to 17 Mile Valley track to support Nitmiluk Tours’ Biddlecombe Cascades glamping experience, allowing early access in the wet season
• Refurbishment of facilities in Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, including landscaping and interactive displays
• Development of a new car park at the Cultural Touring site

Read more: Glamping Could be on the Jatbula Trail Within 10 Years

Feature image by @amy.eloise