Davenport Range National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

The network of permanent waterholes in Davenport Range National Park has provided a refuge for animals and birds and Aboriginal people for thousands of years and is vitally important for the survival of many flora and fauna species in this otherwise arid area of the Barkly Tableland. Despite being bordered by Elkedra, Kurundi, Murray Downs and Singleton cattle stations (and the Anurrete Aboriginal Land Trust), the area refl ects a quiet beauty, which although a little off the beaten track, is well worth the effort to visit. At present, visitors may only go to Whistleduck Creek and the Old Police Station Waterhole. Camping facilities are basic so be well prepared; there are picnic benches, pit toilets and fireplaces. Campsites by the Old Police Station Waterhole are widely spaced and the area is an ideal place to throw a swag down beside a campfire, particularly in the cooler winter months.Aboriginal association with the area is strong and traditional owners who live nearby often visit the park to carry out customary obligations. The Davenport Ranges mark the boundary between the traditional lands of the Warumungu, Alyawarre and Kaytetye people. Europeans settled the area in the early 1900s searching for minerals such as tin and gold and missionaries and pastoralists followed. The stone ruins of an old police station remain on the western side of the waterhole. There are easy walks at Whistleduck Creek and the Old Police Station Waterhole, where it is possible to swim when the water level is high. At least seven species of fish are present in the park’s waterholes, which are isolated from any other river system.

Fact file

Camping

Whistleduck Creek, Old Police Station Waterhole

Location and access

360 km north of Alice Springs via Stuart Hwy then 175 km east via Ali-Curung gravel road; 95 km south of Tennant Creek then east via Bonney Well, Whistleduck Creek and Epenarra

Park Information

• PWCNT (08) 8999 5511
• PWCNT Alice Springs (08) 8951 8788
• Road conditions (08) 8964 1959

Size

1120 sq km

Where to Stay

Barrow Creek (08) 8956 9753 Tennant Creek (08) 8962 3388


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• Campsites

Campsites

Frew River camping area

This isolated spot is on the 4WD rough-and-ready 17 km Frew River Loop, and is recommended for dry weather only. The campsite is 5 km from the Old Police Station Waterhole camping area.... Find out more

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Old Police Station Waterhole camping area

This waterhole is great for swimming if the water levels are up, but beware of submerged logs and rocks. A 4WD is recommended to reach the campsite, and the road may be unsuitable in wet weather. Campsites here are... Find out more

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Whistleduck Creek camping area

A 4WD is not essential but recommended to reach this site, and the road may be unsuitable in wet weather. Camping facilities are limited and you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water. From the... Find out more

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