The Northern Territory Government has announced plans to construct a new multi-day outback hike in Watarrka National Park on Matutjara Country.

 

The hike will traverse through some of Central Australia’s most stunning scenery, including the dramatic Kings Canyon, which already gets over 250,000 visitors every year!

‘Watarrka is a culturally significant ancient wonderland and that’s why our Government is making it even better and providing more reasons to visit,’ said Minister for Parks and Rangers, Nicole Manison.

The Australian Walking Company has won the bid to construct the track, as well as the $5.6 million in co-funding from the Territory Government for the project.

In Collaboration With Traditional Custodians

Consultation on the hike has been in process since 2017, and The Central Land Council and Watarrka Traditional Owners have played major roles in the planning process so far.

The Australian Walking Company will work closely with NT Parks and Wildlife and the Traditional Custodians throughout the planning and construction of the new track, with first steps involving negotiating the placement and nature of the trail.

‘We look forward to working with the Traditional Owners to design and create a walk that shares the unique heritage and cultural legacies while promoting the environmental conservation and historic preservation of Watarrka National Park.’ – Executive Director of Australian Walking Company, Neil Lynch. 

The new trail will also create jobs in the remote area of the NT, around 330km from Alice Springs, with the potential for many jobs to go to the Traditional Custodians. 

‘The project is a good thing to do for the young people, to give them work’, said Western Arrente-Luritja Traditional Custodian, Hubert Pareroultja. 

We can’t wait to find out more about this exciting new trail in The Red Centre!

 

Feature photo by @conormoorephotography