The Gulf region is known for its rivers and this is strongly reflected in the drive through Limmen National Park, which crosses four major rivers and follows a fifth, the Roper River, for awhile.
This Park is very popular with anglers and birdwatchers. A diversity of landscapes makes the drive through the Park varied and interesting - passing woodlands, rivers, floodplains and billabongs, while short detours reward visitors with more.
Butterfly Springs, the only place in the Park you can safely swim, is along the Nathan River Road and has a campground set among shady trees. Southern Lost City can be experienced via a two kilometre loop walk among its spectacular leaning sandstone spires. The Western Lost City is reached via a 28 kilometre 4WD track, you will need a key from the Nathan River Ranger Station to get through the gate. Discover the great little Visitor Centre when you collect your key.
Make sure you have plenty of fuel as there is no fuel stop between Roper Bar and Cape Crawford (a distance of 338 kilometres).
There are a variety of camping opportunities across the Park, from the large Munbililla campground to the more remote sites along the rivers. Fees apply and sites must be booked online before you visit.
Travellers’ stories
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Information
Entry cost
Free entry
Facilities
- Barbeque
- Boating Facilities
- Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Campsites
- Carpark
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
Activities
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Fishing
- Four Wheel Driving
- Hiking
- Scenic Drives
- Walks
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Map
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FAQs
Can Limmen National Park be done as a day trip?
Limmen National Park is best done over a few days as a camping trip to allow time to visit the different attractions, discover the extensive wildlife and soak up the remote ambiance of the area.
Do I need any passes or permits to visit Limmen National Park?
Permits are not required to visit the Park, however you will need a code to unlock the access gate (changed weekly) to the Western Lost City, which can be obtained from the Nathan River Ranger Station.
How do I get around Limmen National Park?
A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to safely get around Limmen National Park. Although the main road through the Park is not too challenging, the side access roads to Lost Cities and campgrounds can be sandy and may require a high-clearance four-wheel drive.
How do I get to Limmen National Park?
Limmen National Park is a three hour drive south-east of Katherine along the Stuart Highway via the Roper Highway, (a turnoff 10km south of Mataranka). Alternatively, follow the Savannah Way via Borroloola for a four-wheel drive adventure through the Gulf region.
All roads within the Park are unsealed and a four-wheel drive is recommended.
How far is Limmen National Park from Darwin?
The northern entry to Limmen National Park is approximately a six hour drive from Darwin, via Katherine. Stop, refresh and stock up on provisions at Katherine or at the Roper Bar Store at the entry of the Park before continuing as there are limited supplies within the Park.
What are the major attractions at Limmen National Park?
Limmen National Park is a great place to visit for remote camping, fishing, bird watching and sightseeing. Some popular activities include walking amongst the giant sandstone pillars at the Southern and Western Lost Cities, recreational angling at Roper, Towns and Limmen Bight Rivers and swimming at the base of the naturally formed pool at Butterfly Falls (the only location within the Park considered safe for swimming).
Lorella Springs is also a must-visit while you are in region, a one-million acre outback cattle station which is a retreat of solitude and serenity with 25 kilometers of coastline, plus wetlands, mountain ranges, chasms, gorges and natural springs.
What should I bring with me to Limmen National Park?
Travellers should be self-reliant and bring enough food, water and fuel for their journey. There are no services for 338km between Roper Bar and Cape Crawford. Limited supplies are available from Limmen Bight Fishing Camp and Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. Walking boots are also a ‘must-pack’ to see the striking formations of the Lost Cities.
When is the best time to visit Limmen National Park?
The best time to visit Limmen National Park is when the temperatures are most comfortable between April and August (dry season). Heavier rain generally falls between December and April (wet season) which can cause flooding and road closures in the region.
Where should I go next from Limmen National Park?
After Limmen National Park head back to the Stuart Highway. Just south of Katherine is Elsey National Park which is home to the natural thermal pools of Mataranka and Bitter Springs. Enjoy some tucker at the infamous Daly Waters Pub. Continue further south to discover the Red Centre and iconic outback towns such as Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
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