Picture this…a 350 million year old riverbed that snakes its way through deep valleys showcasing gorges of red rock and stunning flora and fauna. You’re camped on the banks of the Finke River as Osprey scour the surrounding wetlands for prey. As the sun sets the landscape comes to life shrouding the area in deep oranges and brilliant reds.
This is the magic of Boggy Hole in the Finke Gorge National Park, where nature comes alive in its most breathtaking form. Join us as we explore this incredible destination and all it has to offer.
Want to know all about planning your trip to Boggy Hole? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Getting to Boggy Hole
We had spent the last 5 days exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon and Palm Valley, as avid campers we had heard of Boggy Hole and were keen to seek out something a little different and more remote.
A short drive from our Palm Valley campsite we were met with a gravel road that led us to the sandy entry of the Finke River Track.
Where is Boggy Hole?
Boggy Hole is a secluded waterhole located in the heart of Finke Gorge National Park in the Red Centre of Australia. The park covers an area of over 46,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
Boggy Hole itself is a small, but deep waterhole that is fed by a natural spring. The water in the hole is crystal clear and is surrounded by high red cliffs, which create a picturesque and tranquil setting. Due to the natural spring that feeds it, Boggy Hole has water year-round, making it a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and camping.
Read More: Explore Palm Valley & Boggy Hole
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Track to Boggy Hole
The track to Boggy Hole starts at the park’s main entrance and is approximately 20km long. The track takes you through rocky gorges and red sand dunes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, there are several creek crossings and steep climbs that require careful driving.
Once you reach Boggy Hole, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing waterhole surrounded by high red cliffs. The waterhole is fed by a natural spring that flows year-round, creating a haven for wildlife and vegetation in an otherwise harsh environment.
The 4WD Adventure
At the track entry we aired down our tyres due to the soft sands and rocky river beds that we would soon encounter.
The entry track itself to Boggy Hole had been described as rough and challenging, however with a high clearance 4WD, a good set of tyres, an air compressor and recovery gear, we felt that Boggy Hole was quite accessible.
Sections of soft sand and long winding dry riverbed make up the majority of the track conditions, it’s a stunning drive as you wind your way through ghost gums and across pockets of water.
Camping at Boggy Hole
After we had meandered the tracks for approximately 60 minutes we arrived at a flat area next to the river…Boggy Hole.
We set up our camp for the night, lit the fire, and kicked back with a coldie while we watched a resident osprey fly up and down the river.
Boggy Hole offers a unique camping experience in the heart of Finke Gorge National Park. Accessible only by high-clearance 4WD, this remote waterhole provides a tranquil setting for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Boggy Hole Campground
Location: Along the Finke River, approximately 138 km west of Alice Springs via Giles Road.
Access: Last 16 km follow the sandy bed of the Finke River; suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only.
Facilities: None; campers must be fully self-sufficient.
Fees: Adults $6.60, Children (5–15 years) $3.30, Family (2 adults, 4 children) $15.40. Payable on-site (cash only).
Activities: Swimming (when water levels are high), bushwalking, 4WD trails, and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit: April to September, avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
Note: No rubbish bins provided; take all waste with you.
Read More: Complete Guide to Finke National Park
Are your bags packed? Get excited because you know it’s going to be a good one! We would love your feedback on this page – please comment below if you’ve been to Finke Gorge National Park or visited Boggy Hole?
Norther would like to invite you to explore more about the beauty of Finke Gorge National Park here. And… as always you can get more inspiration for other National Parks & Destinations to visit by following @northerhq or get your Finke Gorge National Park daily fix @finkegorgenationalpark on IG and Finke Gorge National Park on FB
*Cover image is by @the.little.adventurer_ on IG.
Get your daily fix of Northern Territory beauty courtesy of Norther® by following @northerhq. You can also check out more Northern Territory content by following Norther on Facebook. Please sign up here to join our newsletter list to be the first to get travel hints and local recommendations for National Parks and Destinations in the NT.
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
