Helpful Hints For Park Visitors

Swimming

In the Top End saltwater crocodiles are common. They are found in freshwater as well as saltwater so don't be tricked by the name. Never swim or wade where warning signs are displayed.

Coastal waters offer excellent swimming and diving, but care should be taken as crocodiles, sharks and some species of fish can be dangerous. Box jellyfish are prevalent in NT waters, particularly during October to May. They are lethal and deaths have occurred from stings.

Driving And Camping

The average family car is generally suitable for a Territory touring holiday. However, most parks are far from repair facilities, so your vehicle must be mechanically sound. You should always carry basic spare parts, tools and the workshop manual for your car, particularly in remote areas.

While main roads are mostly sealed, many park roads are gravel-surfaced and may not be in good condition; some are only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles, especially during the Top End wet season (October to April). To check local road conditions before you travel, contact the Northern Territory Emergency Service, Darwin 08 8984 4455 or Alice Springs 08 8952 7111. To prevent environmental damage, please drive only on established roads and tracks.

Dry season nights in the Top End can be cold and winter nights in the Centre are usually very cold. So bring some warm clothing and bedding. It is a good idea to carry a gas stove for all cooking, as firewood is often scarce. We ask you not to collect firewood in parks, as this may disturb wildlife habitats. Please light fires only in the park fireplaces provided, because an accidental bushfire can be disastrous.

Always carry drinking water in your car and on your walks. Piped water in parks (where available) is not treated to meet health standards.

Walking In Territory Parks

To get the most from your visit to Territory parks, come prepared to walk. Each park has features best seen by leaving your car behind, and you'll see and hear so much more travelling on foot. Many parks have marked walking tracks, with walks to suit all interests and times.

Topographic maps of Territory areas are available from the Department of Lands and Housing, Darwin, phone 08 8989 5511.

Consider the following advice and you'll be well-prepared to enjoy walking in the Territory:

• Put your best foot forward. Bring solid footwear with good grip. Thongs or sandals aren't recommended.
• You'll need plenty of water. The average adult walker needs a minimum 4 litres of water per day in warm weather - and walkers from mild climates may need more. Do bring strong water containers that you can easily carry with you on a walk.
• Stay cool. Walking in hot weather can result in heat exhaustion, which can progress to a potentially fatal heat stroke. The sensible approach is to only undertake long walks in cooler weather, and always remember to wear a shady hat, and loose-fitting, light weight clothing that gives maximum skin protection.

Plant and animal identification booklets, and park information fact sheets are available from Conservation Commission offices, bookshops and tour desks throughout the Territory. Take these identification booklets wherever you go in the Territory and you'll get more out of your trip and learn a lot about the plants and animals that live there. They're inexpensive, colourful and packed with interesting information.