The Daly River region, (the “Daly” is it is affectionately known), between Darwin (144 miles to the north east) and Katherine (163 miles to the south east), and about 70 miles west of the Stuart Highway, starts where the Katherine River meets the Flora River and they then flow west towards the Timor Sea.

The Daly River itself is a tidal river, and home to both fresh and saltwater crocodiles (therefore swimming is not permitted in the river!) The region is home to a range of diverse and unique ecosystems, including gorges and hot springs, which combine to make it one of the best places in the area for bushwalks, camping, and because of the large population of barramundi, fishing - the fishing here is so good that the Daly River is home to two major annual barramundi fishing competitions, the Barra Nationals and the Barra Classic. The Daly River Region is home to a number of Aboriginal communities, some of which can be visited by tourists.

Things to do in Daly River

Tjuwaliyn (Douglas Hot Springs): East of the Daly River is a region known as Douglas Daly, where you will find the Douglas Hot Springs, 81 miles from Katherine, a popular day trip for NT residents and visitors alike. There is a bush campground here, or there is also accommodation at the Douglas Daly Tourist Park, 7 miles away. The hot springs in parts reach temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius, but there are cooler pools downstream which are more comfortable for swimming.

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park: Accessible by 4WD vehicle only, the Butterfly Gorge Nature Park is 10 miles further beyond Douglas Hot Springs (125 miles from Katherine) and a popular place to visit. The sheer sandstone rock faces are inhabited by thousands of butterflies seeking shelter in crevices in the rock. There are also quiet pools fringed with paper bark trees, where swimming is permitted. It is not possible to camp here, so this is only suitable as a day trip from Daly River.

Daly River Aboriginal Community: This Aboriginal community, 156 miles north west of Katherine, is home to the Merrepen Arts Centre, where visitors can purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts made by the local people.

Getting to Daly River

To get to Daly River, turn off the Stuart Highway at Adelaide River (71 miles from Darwin) and travel down to Port Keats-Daly River Road, a journey of around 130 miles. The Daly River road is a sealed road, therefore open all year round. You can also get to Daly River via the Litchfield National Park (Dry season only, 4WD vehicle necessary).