Douglas River Esplanade (The Arches): Douglas Daly
The Arches, Douglas River Esplanade
Douglas River Esplanade Conservation Area (The Arches)
It is a good spot to spend an hour or so exploring the rocks and just enjoying the river. This section of the river has provided us with the odd Barra in the past. This section of the Douglas River has its own thermal pools however these are not as spectacular as Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs.
Douglas River Esplanade is part of Parks and Wildlife NT, although the Douglas Daly Tourist Park situated at the entrance to the area manages it. Get permission at the front desk before going up to the Arches.
“You should always be aware of the risk of a saltwater crocodile attack in all Top End waterways.”
Getting There
Oolloo crossing is located midpoint between Katherine and Darwin and is about 200 km from both Darwin and Katherine. From Stuart Highway take Dorat road (route 23) and then turn onto Oolloo Road. Oolloo Road is initially a sealed road. Douglas Daly Tourist Park is located 34km down Oolloo Road after turning off Dorat Road. The road to the bush camps is a dirt track and may be closed in the wet season. The Douglas River Esplanade is marked with a black line on the map below.
Camping
Nine well-spaced bush campsites line the banks of the Douglas River. These have large shady trees but unfortunately no lawn to camp on; they are after all bush camps. Fires are allowed and the tourist park provides 44-gallon drums cut in half to accommodate your fire. Marked with a black line on the map below.
Camping fees apply.
For further details, check out the NT Parks Board fact sheet.