Douglas River / Daly River Esplanade Conservation Area
Overview
This Conservation Area protects part of the Douglas River and its riverine wildlife. Along the river, springs bubble to the surface from underlying groundwater aquifers forming quiet, shady pools, rushing cascades, thermal pools, sandy beaches and unusual limestone formations.
How to Get There
If you are travelling south from Darwin, take the Old Stuart Highway scenic route from Adelaide River. If travelling north, take the scenic route just north of Hayes Creek, then take the Oolloo Road until you reach the Douglas Daly Park.
The Conservation Area is around 140km from Katherine and 200km from Darwin. Once in the Conservation Area a dirt track provides Dry Season access for all vehicles (from May to September).
When to Visit
The most comfortable time to visit is in the Dry Season (from May to September). Heavy rains during the Wet Season (October to April) may cause road closures.
What to See and Do
Follow the creekline along the Douglas River and explore the riverine habitat and enjoy the quiet pools, sandy beaches and cascades.
Visitor Facilties
This area is managed by the Douglas Daly Park. Visitors are requested to check in at the office where you will be allocated camp sites. Camping fees apply.
More information is available at the Douglas Daly Park Store on phone (08) 8978 2479.
Please Remember
- Use fuel stoves if possible.
- Take care with fire and keep campfires small.
- Light fires only in fireplaces provided, and collect fallen timber only.
- Camp in numbered sites only, remembering that each site has a maximum capacity.
- Please do not clear vegetation to make your camp.
- Some sites are closed each year to allow revegetation.
Recreational Activities
Recreational activities and facilities within the Area include:
- 4 x 4 Driving
- Accommodation
- Camping Permitted
- Caravans Permitted
- Fishing
- Kiosk
- Picnic Tables
- Walking Tracks
Fact Sheet
- Download Fact Sheet (pdf 604Kb)
Plants and Animals
The permanent water and large variety of trees attract many birds, fish and other animals.