The Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality (NT), Media Release, 7 May 2026
In an historic move, the Finocchiaro CLP Government last year purchased the 30,000 hectare Silkwood property near Litchfield National Park – the single-biggest expansion to the Territory parks estate in a generation.
This year, a landmark $10 million investment into park upgrades will see places like Silkwood begin to take shape, as infrastructure upgrades unlock new opportunities for everyday Territorians and visitors to explore and unwind.
$1.2 million in targeted works at Silkwood will see new safety, directional and interpretive signage installed to guide visitors along soon-to-be upgraded trails. Clearly defined campground areas will also ensure visitors can explore with confidence, while protecting habitats and wildlife. It’s yet another reason for visitors to get out and visit the Territory’s breathtaking parks and regions.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said that opening up Silkwood was another tangible example of the government’s progress on rebuilding the economy and restoring our lifestyle, saying it represented a monumental opportunity investment.
“Last year, we put the private Silkwood estate in the hands of everyday Territorians. Now, we’re transforming the site into a space which is easier to navigate and better equipped for public use.”
“Silkwood is an example of the central role parks play in our unique Territory lifestyle, offering visitors the chance to encounter that one-of-a-kind outdoor experience for themselves – from waterfalls and unique wildlife, to hunting and world-renowned hikes.”
“At the same time, the Territory’s parks and reserves, including the 85 managed by the Northern Territory Government, are a key component of our tourism offering and our visitor economy, elevating our profile and attracting visitors to our regions.”
“This $10 million investment across our parks network – and particularly here in Silkwood – is about backing local businesses, supporting local jobs, and reclaiming parks for Territorians to enjoy for many years to come.”
Enabling infrastructure works will continue across 2026 as Silkwood is progressively opened up. It comes on top of the additional $5 million earmarked for parks maintenance.
In March 2026, the government launched its Visitor Economy Strategy, aiming to grow the Territory’s visitor economy to $3 billion by 2032. Improving access and movement and growing the experiences available to visitors is an important element of that strategy.
“In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we’ll continue to build on the progress we’ve made to position the Territory as the best place to live, work, visit and invest.”
