Getting Litchfield National Park's Tabletop Track in tip top shape
Hi, I’m Crystal. I recently joined the Northern Australian Parks team as Administration Officer and was offered an opportunity for some field time to help Litchfield National Park rangers prepare the Tabletop Track for visitor season. The track is usually closed at the end of September for the wet season for safety reasons and reopens in the dry season once conditions improve and safety checks have occurred.
I was one of several helpers assisting with safety checks as there is 39 km of track to check! The Tabletop Track takes you through Litchfield National Park woodlands, along creeks and to scenic waterfalls and pools. The 39 km circuit is suited for experienced, fit and well-prepared bushwalkers who can carry supplies. There are minimal facilities along the trail.
I was paired with Toby, one of the Litchfield rangers and we walked 12.8 km from Wangi Falls to Upper Cascades. Our task was to check walking track markers were in place for people to find their way around and replace any missing markers. This meant we needed to reinstate fallen posts and reattach marker plates. Flagging tape was also placed along sight lines to reassure walkers. We also pruned and cleared any overgrowing vegetation away from the track to enhance trail visibility and assist walker safety. To do this, we used a small battery-powered chainsaw and dragged the branches off the track.
Outside of work I love visiting our parks and reserves with my family, and I now have a firsthand appreciation of the work required to open tracks and keep people safe.
For information on the Tabletop Track, visit the Northern Territory Government website.
