Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
|
Overview
This Park protects a beautiful isolated gorge with steep red cliffs. A creek meanders through the gorge in the early to mid-dry season.
A walking track winds alongside the creek to a large pool with a small sandy beach. The rest of the gorge can only be reached by wading, swimming and rock hopping.
How to Get There
The Park is located about 245 km from Darwin and about 115 km from Katherine. Drive along the Stuart Highway to about 3 km south of Pine Creek. Then turn south west onto an unsealed road. The next 22 km can become very dusty and corrugated. This section contains steep dips and creek crossings. Drive with care.
When to Visit
It is best to visit in the dry season, (May to September) when the river
level has dropped and the gorge is accessible.
Roads - the Park can be reached by all
vehicles in the dry season (May - September). Towing caravans along this road
is not recommended due to the corrugations. During the wet season (October -
April), especially after rain, the road is often closed.
Consult maps and check road conditions on 1800 246 199 prior to your visit.
What to See and Do
Rock climbing/abseiling
Permits must be obtained from the Batchelor or Palmerston Parks and Wildlife Service offices before you arrive in the Park.
Visitor Facilties
The campground has a pit toilet, picnic and barbecue facilities. There is no drinking water provided.
Please Remember
|
Safety and comfort
- Observe park safety signs.
- Swim only where recommended, observe warning signs.
- Carry and drink plenty of water.
- Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Carry a first aid kit.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and equipped.
- Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.
Please remember
- Put your rubbish in the bin or take it away with you.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks.
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Pets are not permitted in this Park.
- Nets, traps and firearms are not permitted.
- Take care with fire, light fires only in fireplaces provided.
- Avoid using soaps and detergent in or near waterways.
- Camp only in designated camping areas.
- Collect firewood before arriving at your picnic or campsite.
- Collect fallen timber only.
- Generators are not permitted in this Park.
- Observe all fishing regulations.
- Check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and Cane Toads.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 957Kb)
Recreational Activities
Rocky pools and small sandy beaches provide beautiful swimming spots, early to mid-Dry Season only. The creek stops flowing late in the Dry Season.
An easy 1km walk leads into the Gorge, but if you want to go further along the creek you will have to swim and rock-hop. There are magnificent views from the cliff-tops.
For rock climbing and abseiling, permits must be obtained from the Batchelor or Palmerston Parks and Wildlife Services offices before you arrive at Umbrawarra.
- Camping Permitted
A small campground with a pit-toilet is only a short distance from the gorge entrance. Water is not provided. Camping fees apply and should be deposited in the honesty box provided. (A 'Park Fees' brochure is available for details on other parks). - Picnic Tables
- Swimming
Rocky pools and small sandy beaches provide beautiful swimming spots, early to mid-dry season only. The creek stops flowing late in the dry season. - Walking Tracks
An easy 1 km walk leads into the gorge but if you want to go further along the creek you will have to swim and rock-hop. There are magnificent views from the cliff tops.
Scenic and Cultural Features
|
The Wagiman people speak for this land. Look carefully
and you'll see Aboriginal art on the gorge walls.
The carpark near the entrance of the gorge was the site of a tin mine in the
early 1900's.
Plants and Animals
Umbrawarra supports significant colonies of the Short-eared Rock-wallaby and the Rock Ringtailed Possum. Keen bushwalkers will almost certainly catch a glimpse of some of these native marsupials
