Attractions

Keep River National Park

Located 468 kilometres west of Katherine and alongside the NT/WA border, Keep River National Park is noted for its striking landforms. Visitors to the Park are provided with excellent opportunities for bushwalking, photography and the chance to learn about geological events that have shaped this landscape.

Access

Entry to the Park is three kilometres east of the NT/WA border on the northern side of the Victoria Highway. Formed gravel roads suitable for 2 - wheel drive vehicles lead to the main attractions. During the wet season roads may be closed due to flooding. All vehicles are restricted to formed roads only.

When To Visit

The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May through to the end of August when temperatures range from 35 degrees C max down to 10 degrees C min.

What To See

• Geology: Past evidence of volcanic activity, massive marine deposits and glaciation are visible in the rocks and landforms of this region. The Department of Mines and Energy have produced an excellent booklet, which is available in Darwin. You can write to GPO Box 2901, Darwin to purchase a copy.
• Sandstone Habitat: From the camping areas, visitors can explore the rugged and dissected terrain of sandstone formations.
  Fauna: Short-eared Rock-wallabies, White-quilled Rock-pigeons and Sandstone Shrike-thrushes are amongst other interesting animals that live in this area.
• Aboriginal Art Sites: The Park falls within the Aboriginal tribal area of the Mirriwung and Gadjerong People. A ten minute walk from the Nganalam car park leads to the Nganalam Art Site.
• Keep River Gorge: Thousands of years of erosion by Keep River has led to the formation of this sandstone gorge which extends for approximately 4 kilometres. The floor of the gorge provides pleasant walking conditions and an opportunity to view an Aboriginal art site at the end of the walk.
  

Visitor Facilities

Two camping areas have been provided: Gurrandalng, located 15 km from the main road and Jarrnarm, located 28 km from the main road. Camping area facilities include tables, barbecues and pit toilets. Drinking water is available at two sites within the park - refer to the map overleaf for locations.

Marked walking tracks are located at each camp ground. Self guiding pamphlets are provided for some of the tracks and are available at the beginning of these walks.

Bushwalkers planning long walks or camping overnight outside the formal camping area must notify a Ranger before setting off. Special conditions apply for those wishing to undertake overnight hikes. You will need drinking water, appropriate footwear and a hat. It is also advisable to have the topographical 1:100000 scale map, No 4766 Keep.

Protecting Our Heritage

• Respect our native plants and animals. They are totally protected in the Park.
• Penalties apply if Aboriginal Art Sites are touched or interfered with.
• Remember your campfire safety, light fires only in areas provided.
• Drive only on the formed roads and tracks as directed.
• Firearms are prohibited in the Park.
• Pets are not allowed in the Park.
  

More Information

Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
PO Box 344, KATHERINE NT 0851
Ph: (08) 8973 8888
Fax: (08) 8973 8899

Keep River National Park Ranger Station
Ph: (08) 91 678 827