Batchelor
Town
Population 477
Established as a large air force base during World War II, Batchelor became prominent with the discovery of uranium at nearby Rum Jungle in 1949. Today Batchelor thrives on tourism, in particular, because of its close proximity to the increasingly popular Litchfield National Park.
Visitor Information
Information booth, Tarkarri Rd; (08) 8976 0536
Nearby national parks
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Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is a gem of a park, encompassing diverse landscapes that take in most Top End habitats. Spring-fed waterfalls flow...more -
Mary River National Park
Mary River National Park protects a part of the Mary River catchment that includes the river, flood plains, billabongs, paperbark forests,...more -
Charles Darwin National Park
Named after the world-famous scientist Charles Darwin, this national park provides stunning views across the mangroves and harbour to the...more
Nearby towns
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Adelaide River
Adelaide River is a small town located midway between Darwin and Pine Creek. A settlement was established here as a base for...more -
Noonamah
Noonamah is a tiny town outside Darwin at the centre of numerous parks and reserves. It is a great base to experience wildlife, native...more -
Pine Creek
The town was named Pine Creek by Overland Telegraph workers because of the prolific pine trees growing along the banks of the tiny...more
In Town
Karlstein Castle Czech immigrant Bernie Havlik worked at Rum Jungle and was a gardener there until his retirement in 1977. As a gardener he had been frustrated by a rocky outcrop that was too large to move and too difficult to keep tidy, so he decided to build over it. Havlik spent 5 years constructing a mini replica of the original Karlstein Castle that still stands in Bohemia. He added finishing touches, despite serious illness, and died just after completion. Rum Jungle Rd.Coomalie Cultural Centre: bush tucker garden plus display of Aboriginal works and culture; Batchelor Institute, cnr Awilla Rd and Nurudina St.
Nearby
Litchfield National Park Sandstone formations and monsoon rainforest feature in this easily accessible park. There are fantastic swimming spots: plunge into the rainforest-fringed pool at Wangi Falls, swim beneath the cascading Florence Falls or relax in the waters of Buley Rockhole. Do not miss the Lost City, a series of windswept formations that eerily resemble the ruins of an ancient civilisation, and the magnetic termite mounds, so-called because they all align north–south. Access is for experienced 4WD only, but there’s always the much more civilised option of a helicopter ride from Cape Crawford. (08) 8976 0282; 20 km W.Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort: this resort has a plethora of birdlife and native fauna that can be enjoyed in the many serene picnic areas. A range of activities are available including abseiling, swimming and barramundi fishing. Dining and accommodation also on-site; Chinner Rd; (08) 8976 0960; 18 km NE. Batchelor Air Charter: scenic flights, parachuting and gliding; Batchelor Aerodrome; 1 km W. Rum Jungle Lake: canoeing, kayaking, diving and swimming; 10 km W.
Fishing spots near town
Manton Dam 24 km
Queensland has received a lot of publicity about stocking lakes with barramundi, but since the mid- 1990s NT Fisheries has been doing similar work. More than 100 000 barramundi have been put into Manton Dam, a... Find out moreDaly River 86 km
The Daly River is one of the most popular barramundi fishing destinations for Darwin anglers. The river is rightly famous for its spectacular runoff fishing at the end of the Wet, but produces barramundi year round. Some... Find out moreShady Camp 98 km
This barrage separates fresh and salt water and is a famous land-based fishing spot. It consists of a free camping area with a reasonably clean toilet block. There is no worry about dogs and cats getting into rubbish... Find out moreTommycut Graveyard 106 km
After seeing so many healthy wetlands in the Territory, Tommycut Graveyard is a shock to the system. In the 1970s this was a thriving freshwater wetland system similar to Kakadu. However, it was all but destroyed by... Find out moreSouth Gutter 113 km
Returning from a barramundi fishing trip in the wilds of Arnhem Land to a reef-fishing session offshore from Darwin is like comparing apples with oranges. Seeing big barra exploding from the water in a mass of spray is... Find out moreSwim Creek 115 km
After a long, hot day fishing for barramundi, the bar and dining area at Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, just north of Mary River National Park, is a magnet for anglers. Thirsts are quenched, meals eaten and fish tales... Find out moreChambers Bay 118 km
The Mary River system is about three hours’ drive east of Darwin. The Mary River breaks up into a system of billabongs and creeks that would be called rivers in southern Australia. Two of the largest waterways are... Find out moreWildman River 140 km
In an untamed land, the name Wildman River is enough to stir the cockles of any adventure- loving angler. Being told the river is inaccessible by road and that it will take about two hours fast running in a boat to get... Find out moreSouth Alligator River 162 km
Adventure is what the NT is about. Be prepared to go home with more than fishing memories. The flora and fauna are full of unexpected excitement too. In this raw environment, anything that swims, walks or flies –... Find out moreJessie River 185 km
The run from Milikapiti to Lethbridge Bay at the entrance to Jessie River is about 40 km, or a little over an hour. The Jessie is a big river and the rock bar near the mouth is famous for producing barramundi and... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve 69 km
This incredible site 70 kilometres east of Darwin is believed to have the highest known biomass of predators and prey of any ecosystem on earth, and is teeming with water pythons and their primary food of choice, dusky... Find out moreCycling around Darwin 70 km
Although the humidity might prevent you from wanting to do any exercise at all, the advantage of cycling is that you get a cool breeze as you go, and Darwin is relatively flat. Join a relaxing, guided three-hour cycle... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Deep within Litchfield National Park, 4 kilometres from picturesque Wangi Falls, this is a terrific place to stop after a day’s ‘waterfall crawl’. There are all kinds of burgers to satisfy the most... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Saffron 71 km
This Indian restaurant in Parap uses biodegradable plates and bowls made from sugarcane fibres, and buys nearly all ingredients locally.... Find out moreCampsites around town
Adelaide River Showground Caravan Park 22 km
On Dorat Rd, about 500 m off the Stuart Hwy and within an easy drive of Litchfield National Park, this caravan park is both dog- and horse-friendly. Make sure you drop into the Adelaide River Hotel to have a drink with... Find out moreFlorence Falls 4WD camping area 27 km
This 4WD trailer area is an extra kilometre up the road from the area for 2WD vehicles. To get here, take the signposted turn-off, 42 km south-west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 05.597 E:130 47.092... Find out moreBuley Rockhole camping area 27 km
Bring your own drinking water to Buley Rockhole. To get here, take the signposted turn-off from Litchfield Park Rd, 42 km south-west of Batchelor towards Florence Falls, and follow it for 2.5 km. GPS S:13 06.761 E:130... Find out moreFlorence Falls 2WD camping area 27 km
Camping for 2WD vehicles is around 4.5 km off Litchfield Park Rd, via the turn-off 42 km south-west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 05.834 E:130 47.094... Find out moreWalker Creek camping area (walk-in camping) 36 km
Suitable only for tents, this walk-in camping area has just 6 sites along Walker Creek. Bring drinking water. It’s just off Litchfield Park Rd, 82 km west of Batchelor and 16 km past Wangi Falls. GPS S:13 04.688... Find out moreTjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls camping area 38 km
This site off the Reynolds River 4WD track is 9 km south of the Litchfield Park road. GPS S:13 15.025 E:130 44.702... Find out moreWangi Falls camping area 40 km
There are quite good facilities at this large campsite, only 1.5 km off Litchfield Park Rd. It’s signposted 66 km west of Batchelor. GPS S:13 09.771 E:130 40.835... Find out moreSurprise Creek Falls camping area 47 km
The most remote of the official campsites in the park, this site without drinking water is off the Reynolds River 4WD track, about 16 km north of Daly River Rd and about 29 km south of the Litchfield Park road. GPS S:13... Find out moreHoward Springs Holiday Park 61 km
With Howard Springs National Park just up the road, and extensive facilities on-site, this 6 ha Big4 Holiday Park is ideal for a relaxing stay in Darwin. It has 3 saltwater pools, 3 spas, squash courts, a TV room, games... Find out moreHidden Valley Tourist Park 69 km
Powered sites with your own ensuite await you at this classy tourist park. Each ensuite has a toilet, shower and handbasin, and most include a water connection. There are also normal powered sites and unpowered sites... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Located west of Batchelor on the road to Litchfield National Park, this is a very convenient park for those exploring the area. The park has a restaurant and good facilities.... Find out more
Mount Bundy Station 22 km
This is a unique riverfront farmstay camping area, 3 km from Adelaide River, with basic but good amenities. The station raises water buffaloes for export. The camping area is grassy and well shaded.... Find out moreCoolalinga Caravan Park 58 km
On the outskirts of Darwin, this is a very convenient park, especially if you are travelling with your dog. Hidden from view behind a service station, it adjoins a shopping precinct and is within easy walking distance of... Find out moreHoward Springs Holiday Park 61 km
The popular park is 23 km from central Darwin, in a quiet position off the main highway. It is close to Palmerston shopping centre and is an easy drive into Darwin. The park is a popular tourist destination and a good... Find out moreDarwin FreeSpirit Resort 66 km
Located on the Stuart Highway 19 km from Darwin, this is a large park with good facilities and a quality licensed restaurant. We find it a good base for exploring Darwin and the surrounding areas. We also had less... Find out moreHidden Valley Tourist Park 69 km
Easily accessible from the Stuart Highway, this is a good quality park about 7 km from Darwin. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreThe Bark Hut Inn 72 km
This popular, convenient tourist complex is roughly midway between Jabiru and Darwin’s suburbs. Pets may be allowed on application.... Find out moreKoa and Malak Caravan Parks 73 km
This is located about 12 km from central Darwin, 5 km from Darwin’s largest shopping plaza, Casuarina Square, and adjacent to Darwin Golf Course. It is a huge park with 327 ensuite sites (no tent sites). On... Find out moreGagudju Lodge Cooinda Caravan Park 163 km
Located close to the famous Yellow Water billabong, this park is just off the Kakadu Highway, 54 km south of Jabiru. It is a great choice, especially if you are planning a cruise on Yellow Water, as the cruise bus... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort
This resort is a great place to stay with a family. There is a choice of accommodation styles, ranging from rooms to cabins, plus there’s a restaurant and bar on-site. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and... Find out moreA short walk from the township of Batchelor, and an ideal place from which to explore Litchfield National Park, these tranquil bungalows are set in lush tropical gardens and bordered by bushland. The six separate cabins... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Darwin Central 68 km
One of the first things you may notice about Darwin Central in comparison to other nearby hotels is its surprisingly small windows – part of its energy-efficient design. It was recently declared one of... Find out moreFeathers Sanctuary 75 km
The owners of this quiet B&B, 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, are wildlife carers and often have injured birds such as jabirus on site. Their dug-out lagoon is also home to a wide range of birds, including... Find out moreKakadu Culture Camp 188 km
This Aboriginal-owned-and-operated camp in the heart of Kakadu is 100 per cent solarpowered, including the bore pump. It has solar hot water and 40 solar panels providing electricity. From May to November you can stay in... Find out moreRest areas around town
Coomalie Creek Park Area 11 km
25 km N of Adelaide River (R) or 88 km S of Darwin (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 00.925 E131 07.347 ... Find out moreManton River Rest Area 26 km
47 km N of Adelaide River (L) or 66 km S of Darwin (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S12 50.240 E131 08.032... Find out moreBridge Creek Rest Area 47 km
23 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 34 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large grassy area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S13 24.060 E131 16.624... Find out moreWetlands Rest Area 54 km
191 km W of Jabiru (L) or 24 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Small area just off the highway with a good view over the wetlands. GPS: S12 38.573 E131 18.583 ... Find out moreMary River Park Area 68 km
141 km W of Jabiru (L) or 74 km E of Stuart Highway (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. NOTE: No sign. GPS: S12 54.489 E131 38.707... Find out moreDouglas Hot Springs Camp Area 91 km
T/O 6 km N of Hayes Creek (L) or 51 km S of Adelaide River (R) Large open campground located 39 kilometres south-west of the highway on the banks of a creek that is fed by the hot springs. Shade is limited. GPS: S13... Find out morePine Creek Park Area 122 km
Middle of town Small parking area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S13 49.344 E131 50.054 ... Find out moreWest Alligator Rest Area 122 km
85 km W of Jabiru (R) or 130 km E of Stuart Highway (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S12 48.062 E132 07.718... Find out moreCopperfield Dam Camp Area 123 km
T/O 86 km N of Katherine (L) or 4 km S of Pine Creek (R) Small campground situated 3 kilometres west of the highway overlooking the dam. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S13 50.56 E131 49.05 ... Find out moreHarriet Creek Rest Area 125 km
28 km NE of Pine Creek (R) or 186 km SW of Jabiru (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S13 40.799 E131 59.138... Find out moreGungurul Camp Area 144 km
T/O 109 km NE of Pine Creek (L) or 105 km SW of Jabiru (R) Small campground surrounded by scrub 1 kilometre west of the highway in Kakadu National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S13 17.401 E132 20.195... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Lingalonga Festival: cultural festival; Aug/Sept.
