How to get to Douglas Hot Springs Park

Site accessibility: 4WD

The thermal hot springs at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs is this park's biggest drawcard. You can experience a natural thermal hot springs treatment or head up or downstream for cooler pools. The park is on the traditional lands of the Wagiman people and contains sacred sites. The Wagiman women care for and work with Parks and Wildlife to manage the park and continue to perform ceremonies on the land. They ask that men do not go near the sacred site. Do not enter areas of the park closed for cultural and conservation reasons.

Nearest hub: Darwin
Driving distance from Darwin to Tjuwaliyn - Douglas Hot Springs Park Campground is Travel 200km south along the Stuart Highway from Darwin - see below

How to get from Darwin to Tjuwaliyn: Travel 200km south along the Stuart Highway from Darwin, or 150km north from Katherine. Take the Dorat and then Oolloo Roads. Follow the signs to the park. The last 7km is unsealed road, though you can usually tow caravans and trailers. Opening hours: All year round, but roads may close during the Wet Season from October to April. Contact Phone: (08) 8976 0282

Located 150 kilometres north of Katherine, these hot springs are surrounded by tropical woodlands and hold water up to 60 degrees Celsius. Swimming is only recommended downstream where warm and cooler waters converge. There's plenty of wildlife in the area and visitors are catered for in a large camping area with basic facilities. Just east of the Daly River is the area known as the Douglas Daly. It is home to the popular Douglas Hot Springs. In certain parts, the springs bubble at temperatures reaching 60 degrees Celsius and swimming is recommended in cooler pools downstream. There are plenty of camping and caravan facilities in the region, including the Douglas Daly Tourist Park where you can swim through The Arches, an amazing natural formation, into a waterhole that’s safe for swimming.

What to see and do Tjuwaliyn - Douglas Hot Springs Park
You can do all of the following activities at the park: •swimming – in designated areas only •camping •bushwalking.

Walking in Tjuwaliyn Douglas Hot Springs
• Walking: Follow the creekline along the Douglas River and explore the riverine habitat and enjoy the quiet pools, sandy beaches and cascades.
• When to visit Tjuwaliyn Douglas Hot Springs
• The most comfortable time to visit is in the dry season (May - September).
• Heavy rains during the wet season (October - April) may cause road closures.

When visiting the park remember all of the following: •men are not permitted near the sacred site •glass is not permitted in or near the river •put your rubbish in the bin or take it with you •stay on designated tracks and roads •all cultural items and wildlife are protected •pets are not permitted •nets, traps and firearms are not permitted •be careful with fire and light fires only in fireplaces provided •use wood provided sparingly •do not use soaps or detergents in the river bed •camp only in designated areas •generators are provided •check that your vehicle is not transporting pests like weeds and cane toads.

Safety: You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs by doing all of the following: •be aware that some parts of the river are very hot •observe park safety signs •carry and drink plenty of water •wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent •wear suitable clothing and footwear •carry a first aid kit •avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day •make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped •beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables.

Douglas River Esplanade, Douglas Daly Region
The river starts where the Katherine and Flora Rivers meet encompassing the areas of the Douglas Daly and Daly River regions. Famed for its large barramundi, the Daly is one of the more popular waterways for recreational fishing, with two major fishing competitions held annually, the Barra Classic and the Barra Nationals. 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. 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). Follow the creekline along the Douglas River and explore the riverine habitat and enjoy the quiet pools, sandy beaches and cascades. 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. Restrictions: No swimming due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles.

Campgrounds - stay and camp at Tjuwaliyn - Douglas Hot Springs Park camping area - 4wd unsealed road - off road access.

Tjuwaliyn - Douglas Hot Springs Park Campground

Type of camping: Managed campsite

Camping:
• There is a large camping area and nine well spaced bush camp sites along the river offering a variety of bush camping experiences.
• This area is managed by Douglas Daly Park.
• Visitors are requested to check in at the office where you will be allocated camp sites.
• Camping fees apply. More information available at the Douglas Daly Park Store, telephone 8978 2479.
• Camping is permitted, and caravan access is usually possible depending on seasonal conditions.
• Swimming is available in some areas of the Park, but it is important to test the temperature of the water before entering.

Facilities Tjuwaliyn Hot Springs has all of the following facilities: •information signs •fire pits •public toilets •picnic area •barbecues.

Facilities
• : Public Toilets
• : Picnic area (barbecues)
• : Fire pit

Suitable for
• : Tents
• : Camper trailers
• : Caravans

Nearest hub
Darwin

Amenities at hub
• : Park Information
• : Fuel
• : General store
• : Meals
• : Restaurant
• : Bar

• The map is copyright and credit: NTTC

• Be Crocwise: Fishing, boating and swimming safety tips for vistors to Darwin, Kakadu and the Top End
• Also see other campgrounds and camping in Kakadu
• Kakadu Campground Photo Credits: Parks Australia

Where can I hire a 4wd in Darwin
• Darwin 4wd rentals oneway hire and return hire minimum 5 day's rentals

4wd camper rentals selections departing from Darwin the capital of Northern Territory:
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