Litchfield National Park is set to grow by more than 20%, marking its largest expansion in over 25 years.
The Northern Territory government has announced the $7.5 million acquisition of the 30,000-hectare Silkwood property, located just south of Adelaide River and about 120 kilometres from Darwin.
This major expansion will open up a range of new attractions, including waterfalls, hot springs, monsoon rainforests, wetlands, rugged 4WD tracks, and the well-known Robin Falls swimming hole — previously inaccessible to the public. The land has been privately owned for around two decades by Dr John Cooper, a Sydney-based doctor and co-founder of the Fred Hollows Foundation, who has deep ties to the Top End.
The newly added area promises to enhance Litchfield’s already strong reputation as one of the NT’s most iconic natural destinations. Popular sites like Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockhole currently attract over 250,000 visitors each year, and the expansion is expected to further increase these numbers.
Officials believe the move will also bring significant benefits to nearby communities. The regional town of Adelaide River is anticipated to see a rise in visitor traffic, opening doors for new tourism ventures, local services, and broader economic growth.
With the addition of these unique landscapes and natural features, the expansion will not only protect valuable ecosystems but also boost recreational opportunities for both locals and tourists.