Limmen National Park

What to know before you go

NT Parks describes Limmen as a park with many land and water attractions in the Gulf region of the Northern Territory. A community of travellers comes back every year, especially to catch barramundi.

The park needs real preparation:

• Fuel. NT Parks warns that services are limited between Roper Bar Park and Store and Cape Crawford, a distance of 338 km. Tourism NT says there are no fuel stops on that stretch. Limmen Bight Fishing Camp has only very limited supplies.
• Seasonal closures. The park may close due to flooding in the wet season. For road closures and conditions, NT Parks refers you to the Road Report NT.
• Pass and bookings. You need an NT Parks Visitor Pass, unless you're an NT resident. All campsites must be booked and paid for online before your visit, because you can't pay on site.
• Maps. Download the Avenza Maps app before you leave, so you can use free park maps offline.

The Lost City

Southern Lost City. This is open access. Tourism NT says you can explore it on a 2 km loop walk through spectacular leaning sandstone spires.

At the time of writing, NT Parks lists the Southern Lost City day use area as open but without toilets. Its campground is closed, with no overnight camping until toilets are reinstalled.

Western Lost City. This is reached via a 28 km 4WD track, according to Tourism NT. It's day use only, and NT Parks says access is for high-clearance 4WDs only.

You'll need a gate code from the information centre at Nathan River Ranger Station. Tourism NT suggests visiting the small visitor centre while you're there.

Butterfly Falls

NT Parks says swimmers can head to Butterfly Falls to cool off. It's the only place in the park where swimming is permitted. Tourism NT, which calls it Butterfly Springs, says it's on Nathan River Road and has a shady campground.

The falls are seasonal and can stop flowing in the dry season, so you may not be able to swim all year.

Fishing, boating and birdlife

Limmen is popular with anglers and birdwatchers:

• Rivers. Tourism NT says the drive through the park crosses four major rivers and follows the Roper River for a while.
• Landscapes. You'll pass woodlands, rivers, floodplains and billabongs, and short detours reveal even more.
• Birdlife. NT Parks says bird watchers can find extensive birdlife along the rivers and lagoons.

Boat ramp. NT Parks lists the Towns River public boat ramp, at the corner of the Savannah Way, as open.

Fishing rules. Follow NT fishing laws, including possession limits. Nets, traps and firearms aren't permitted.

Camping

NT Parks lists these campgrounds. The status shown is from the park status page at the time of writing:

Tourism NT describes camping options ranging from the large Munbililla campground to more remote riverside sites.

Facilities. NT Parks lists information signs and displays, a ranger station, fire pits, drinking water, public toilets, picnic areas, shelter and walking tracks. You can also volunteer as a campground caretaker.

Park rules

NT Parks asks visitors to:

• put rubbish in bins or take it with you
• protect cultural items and wildlife
• avoid using soaps and detergents near waterways
• light fires only in the fireplaces provided
• camp only in marked camping areas
• collect fallen timber for firewood on the way to your site.

Also note:

• Chainsaws aren't permitted.
• Quad and trail bikes aren't permitted off-road.
• Generators can run only between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm.
• Drones are permitted, but CASA regulations apply.

Pets aren't permitted, with two exceptions:

• overnight stays at Munbililla campground
• the car park at Butterfly Falls (no overnight stays).

Crocodiles and heat

Crocodiles. There are saltwater crocodiles in all waterways other than Butterfly Falls. Be Crocwise at all times.

Heat. NT Parks warns that temperatures across the NT can exceed 40°C between October and April. Its safety advice:

• carry and drink plenty of water
• wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
• carry a first aid kit
• avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day
• stay on marked roads and tracks
• make sure your vehicle is well maintained and carries enough fuel.

Getting there

NT Parks says to reach the park:

• from the NT, via the Stuart and Roper highways
• from Queensland, via the Carpentaria Highway

then follow the Savannah Way into the park. Tourism NT's Savannah Way itinerary allows days 4–6 for Borroloola to Limmen (347 km), and days 7–8 for Limmen to Katherine (375 km).

Contact. NT Parks is on (08) 8973 8888.

Nearby:

• Katherine and Mataranka
• the Gulf Country
• our Savannah Way road trip
• our crocodile safety guide.