Butterfly Gorge Nature Park

Douglas-Daly, NT

National Parks
4 (2 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: Douglas-Daly NT 0822, Australia How do we get there? Number: 8 8999 4555
Image copyright remains with original owners Attractions in Douglas-Daly All Photo
Suggest edit

About this activity

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park is tucked away at the base of a low sandstone plateau, and is a great way for kids to explore the beauty of the NT Outback! The landscapes are simply stunning. The sheer rock faces, edged by dense vegetation and rocky spinifex country, offer shaded riverine walks and beautiful scenery.

The Wagiman people speak for this land and believe their ancestors are here, giving kids a change to learn about culture and history too. 

It is safe to swim in Butterfly Gorge, and this is a terrific spot for a picnic. A swim across the main pool and through the narrowest of gorges will get you to the upper pools. A little climbing and swimming leads to one of the most beautiful and peaceful gorges in the Northern Territory. The gorge and main swimming area is a 10 minute walk from the carpark. Continue on from the main pool via some rocky sections. More enthusiastic walkers may climb up the rocky slopes to reach the top of the gorge with views of rockpools.

Below the Gorge is an extensive paperbark forest with some trees up to 45 metres tall! That's pretty tall! Large Leichhardt trees also form an enchanting forest along the riverbank. A population of Short-eared Rock Wallabies inhabits the escarpment around Butterfly Gorge. Native birds of many varieties are abundant in the bush around the gorge, and as it's name implies, it is also home to extremely large populations of Common Crow butterflies, which children especially find delightful and makes for excellent family photos.

Please plan your journey independently, the sat nav given is for the closest zip and may not be as helpful as we hope! Keep in mind that the last 17km of the drive isn't suitable for caravans, you will need a 4WD. 

Activity location

Directions

The Park is close to Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park, approximately 130 km from Katherine and 200 km from Darwin along the old Stuart Highway scenic route. The final 17 km into the Park is a four-wheel drive track. Caravans cannot be taken into this Park.

Get directions

How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

Free!

Hilton

Children

Free!

Hilton

Last Updates

2023

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park FAQ’s

There is no kiosk anywhere near here, but it's great territory for a picnic so bring your own food!

Common Crow butterflies come in shades of black and brown so don't lead the kids to expect a riot of colour and variety, but their numbers more than make up for that!

Make sure you take plenty of water

Camping is not allowed at Butterfly Gorge, however you may camp nearby at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park.

What people are saying?

Rate & Write a Review

Your rating *

Review us on Trustpilot

We value your feedback, please take a moment to leave Familydaysout.com a review on Trustpilot.

Leave a Review