BUTTERFLY GORGE, NT

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park’s pastel hues. Pic: nt.gov.au

Jeez, they sure do know how to name ‘em up in the NT. This one’s for anyone who has trouble convincing the better half to come camping.

Tell the missus you’re treating her to an overnight getaway at beautiful Butterfly Gorge, a rocky retreat tucked away in the bush just a couple of hours drive out of town.

The kicker? Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs Park is right around the corner. Spend the arvo checking out the gorge and the park’s sites before retiring to the hot springs to relax and soak up the ambience. Remember to pack a bottle of bubbles and you’re in like Flynn.

The gorge is protected by a nature park and is 130 clicks out of Darwin. Access is via the old Stuart Highway scenic route. The access track is 4WD only and is closed through the wet season each year.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: The track to enter the park is heavily corrugated and only accessible for 4WDs. Entry is closed during the dry season due to heavy rain.

SWIMMING: A swim across the main pool and through the narrow gorge leads to the peaceful upper pools.

BUSHWALKING: The gorge is a ten-minute walk from the carpark. Climb further to the top of the gorge for a view of the rockpools. The Lookout Walk takes around half an hour to descend to the main pool, offering pointblank views of the gorge en route.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: 130km from Darwin and 200km from Katherine. Access is via the old Stuart Highway scenic route.

CAMPING: Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs Park as well as at the Douglas River Esplanade Conservation area.

FUEL is available at Darwin and Katherine.

MORE INFO is available at www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

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