About the park
NT Parks says Keep River National Park is home to geological wonders and sites that reveal ancient Aboriginal rock art. Its city of striped sandstone structures, likened to the Bungle Bungles in Western Australia, is best seen on the Jarnem Walk.
Tourism NT calls it a small but striking park, with a diversity of landscapes including sandstone ridges and "Bungle Bungle-like" formations. The park's fact sheet says sandstone habitats host notable species like the short-eared rock-wallaby, white-quilled rock-pigeon and sandstone shrike-thrush.
Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng Country
Keep River is on the traditional lands of the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people. The park fact sheet says they've lived here for thousands of years, and sites with evidence of their occupation are scattered through the park:
- Langgerrbi (Nigli Gap). Rock art typical of the area, at Jarnem.
- Ginger's Hill. A stone structure typical of many built by Aboriginal groups in the region. Its purpose is revealed at the top of the hill.
- Jenemoom. Paintings, and a midden containing the remains of many meals over many years, at a site the Miriwoong people used as a wet season shelter.
Cultural items and wildlife are protected.
Walks
| Walk | Distance | Time | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger's Hill Walk | 200 m return | — | Easy |
| Goorrandalng Walk | 2 km | 1 hr | 3 (moderate) |
| Jenemoom Walk | 3 km | 2 hr | 3 (moderate) |
| Langgerrbi (Nigli Gap) Walk | 6 km return | 2 hr | 2 (easy) |
| Jarnem Lookout Walk | 4.6 km return | 2 hr 30 min | 4 (moderate to difficult) |
| Jarnem Loop Walk | 6.5 km loop | 3 hr 30 min | 4 (moderate to difficult) |
These figures come from the park's walking tracks information sheet. NT Parks and Tourism NT describe the Jarnem Walk more generally as a 7 km loop that can be split into two shorter return walks.
Goorrandalng. Tourism NT says the Goorrandalng Walk winds through sculpted sandstone, offering one magnificent view after another.
Jarnem. The walking tracks sheet says the three Jarnem walks start at Jarnem campground and stretch through honeycomb sandstone and conglomerate hills. The Jarnem Loop links the Lookout and Langgerrbi walks and should be walked anticlockwise. The lookout views of the Keep River floodplain and the Jarnem escarpment are especially beautiful in early morning or late afternoon light.
Overnight walks. These are permitted only by prior arrangement with rangers, and a permit is required.
Heat closures. In the hottest months, NT Parks has closed the Jarnem Lookout, Loop and Nigli Gap walks between 10 am and 3 pm, because temperatures on these walks can exceed 40°C. The park status page showed this closure in place until 1 November 2026.
Camping
The two campgrounds are:
- Goorrandalng, 18 km from the park entrance
- Jarnem, 32 km from the entrance.
Tourism NT says both have wood barbecues and water. NT Parks lists limited drinking water among the park's facilities, so bring your own supply.
You must book online and pay a fee before you go. NT Parks says you can't pay at the site, and Tourism NT notes there's no phone signal in the park.
Other rules:
- Campground host. A host site is open in peak season, May to September.
- Generators. Allowed only at Goorrandalng, between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm.
- Fires. Light them only in the fireplaces provided, and collect firewood before you arrive.
- Rubbish. Take it with you, because there are no bins.
- Pets, nets, traps and firearms. None are permitted.
- Drones. You need a permit, obtained before you arrive.
Facilities
NT Parks lists:
- a ranger station
- a visitor centre, open 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
- information signs
- a picnic area and public toilets
- a public payphone in front of the ranger station.
The information centre is near Woorrilbem / Cockatoo Lagoon, which the fact sheet calls a great place to watch birds.
Crocodiles
NT Parks says there are saltwater crocodiles in all waterways in the park. Do not swim, and be Crocwise at all times.
When to go
- Seasonal closures. NT Parks says the park closes seasonally due to flooding from November to April. Tourism NT adds that the unsealed road in can be corrugated and may be inaccessible in that period.
- Most comfortable months. The park fact sheet says May to August, when temperatures range between about 10°C and 35°C.
- The rest of the year. Between November and April the wetlands can be spectacular, the woodlands lush and the campgrounds quieter. The fact sheet notes that roads may be closed then, though.
NT Parks Visitor Pass
Keep River requires an NT Parks Visitor Pass for visitors to the NT. Tourism NT lists these prices:
| Pass | Adult | Child (5–17) | Family | Concession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $10 | $5 | $25 | $8 |
| 3 days | $20 | $10 | $50 | $16 |
| 2 weeks | $30 | $15 | $75 | $24 |
| 1 month | $45 | $22 | $110 | $36 |
| Annual | $60 | $30 | $150 | $48 |
NT residents don't need a pass, but may be asked for proof of residency.
Getting there
The park entrance is 3 km east of the NT–WA border, off the Victoria Highway. Roads in the park are unsealed. The fact sheet puts the park 468 km from Katherine, and its map shows Kununurra 46 km away.
Before you go:
- Road conditions. Check the Road Report NT, or call 1800 246 199.
- Maps. Download the Avenza Maps app while you still have coverage.
- Pests. Check that your vehicle isn't carrying pests like weeds or cane toads.
- Contact. NT Parks is on (08) 8973 8888.
Nearby:
- Mirima National Park and Kununurra on the WA side
- Judbarra/Gregory National Park to the east
- Katherine
- our Savannah Way road trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a parks pass for Keep River National Park?
Yes, if you're visiting the NT. NT Parks says Keep River requires visitors to have an NT Parks Visitor Pass. Tourism NT lists adult passes from $10 for one day to $60 for a year. NT residents are exempt but may need to show proof of residency.
Can you camp at Keep River National Park?
Yes. There are two campgrounds: Goorrandalng, 18 km from the park entrance, and Jarnem, 32 km from the entrance. NT Parks says you must book online and pay before you go, because you can't pay on site. Tourism NT notes there's no phone signal in the park.
Can you swim in Keep River National Park?
No. NT Parks says there are saltwater crocodiles in all waterways in Keep River National Park. Don't swim, and be Crocwise at all times.
How long is the Jarnem walk?
NT Parks describes the Jarnem Walk as 7 km. The park's walking track sheet lists a 6.5 km Jarnem Loop (allow 3.5 hours, Grade 4), the Jarnem Lookout Walk (4.6 km return, 2.5 hours, Grade 4) and the Langgerrbi (Nigli Gap) Walk (6 km return, 2 hours, Grade 2). Walk the loop anticlockwise.
When is Keep River National Park open?
NT Parks says the park has seasonal closures due to flooding from November to April. In hot months, the Jarnem walks have been closed between 10 am and 3 pm because temperatures can exceed 40°C. Check the park status page and road conditions before you go.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Keep River National Park — Northern Territory Government
- Keep River National Park — Tourism NT
- Keep River National Park fact sheet (PDF) — Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
- Keep River walking tracks information sheet (PDF) — Northern Territory Government
