Tucked away in the far north-west of the Northern Territory, Keep River National Park is an outback destination known for its dramatic sandstone formations, ancient Aboriginal sites and rugged landscapes. Located just 3km from the NT and Western Australia border, the park offers a remote opportunity to experience Country on the traditional lands of the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people.
From the striking rock formations at Nigli Gap and Langgerrbi to the Jarnem Walk and Goorrandalng Walk, there are several walking tracks where visitors can discover the park’s natural and cultural highlights. Keep River’s waterways are also home to saltwater crocodiles, so take care around every creek and waterway and never swim.
If you’re planning a trip from Kununurra, Katherine or elsewhere in the Top End, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Keep River National Park, including accommodation, camping, access and seasonal conditions.
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How to Get to Keep River
Keep River National Park is located just 3km east of the Northern Territory and Western Australia border, making it an easy addition to a road trip between Kununurra and the Top End. The park is accessed from the Victoria Highway via an unsealed road.
If you’re travelling from Kununurra, Keep River is only a short drive across the border, while visitors travelling from Katherine can reach the park by heading west along the Victoria Highway. Once you leave the highway, expect unsealed roads within the park and allow extra time for the journey.
Road conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather. The park experiences seasonal closures due to flooding, generally between November and April, so always check whether the park is open and the latest road conditions before setting off.
There is no need for a boat ramp to access Keep River National Park, as the main attractions and walking tracks are reached by road and on foot. The park’s waterways can contain saltwater crocodiles, so never enter the water and follow all crocodile safety advice.
Once you’re inside the park, follow marked roads and tracks to reach sites including Nigli Gap, Langgerrbi, the Jarnem area and Goorrandalng. Allow plenty of time to explore, particularly if you want to experience the park’s Aboriginal rock art and sandstone formations on foot.
Top Things to Do in Keep River National Park
Keep River National Park offers visitors a stunning landscape filled with rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Here are some of the top things to do in Keep River National Park:
Hiking
The park is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails winding through its stunning landscapes.
- Jarnem Loop Walk: This moderate loop trail takes you on a scenic journey through Keep River. Starting from the Jarnem Picnic Area, the trail winds its way through rocky terrain, past ancient rock art sites, and along the banks of the Keep River.
- Gurrandalng Walk: For a shorter hike, the Gurrandalng Walk offers panoramic views of the park’s picturesque landscape. Beginning near the park entrance, this easy trail meanders through open woodlands and past towering sandstone formations, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Homestead Valley Walk: This challenging trail takes you through Homestead Valley, a rugged and remote section of Keep River National Park. Starting from the Homestead Valley Campground, the trail leads through rocky terrain, past hidden waterholes, and along the base of towering cliffs. Hikers can expect steep ascents and descents.
- Lanjan Lookout Walk: For panoramic views of Keep River National Park and beyond, the Lanjan Lookout Walk is a must-do. This moderately challenging trail begins near the park entrance and ascends to a rocky outcrop overlooking the park.
Birdwatching
Keep River National Park is home to more than 150 bird species, including these top spotted avian wonders:
- Spinifex Pigeon
- Double-Barred Finch
- Sandstone Shrikethrush
- Red-chested Buttonquail
- White-quilled Rock Pigeon
- Brolga
- Grey-crowned Babbler
- Blue-winged Kookaburra
- Great Bowerbird
Find a complete list of the species at Keep River National Park here.
Other Activities in Keep River
Canoeing & Fishing –There are even opportunities for canoeing and fishing if you bring the right gear for these activities.
Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive along the Keep River Road, which winds through the park and offers stunning views of the rugged terrain. Be sure to stop at designated viewpoints along the way to take in the scenery.
Camping: Spend the night under the stars at one of the park’s designated camping areas. Camping facilities vary, ranging from basic bush campsites to more developed campgrounds with amenities such as toilets and fire pits.
Sunset Viewing: Experience the magic of a Keep River sunset as the sky is painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Find a scenic vantage point overlooking the park and watch as the sun dips below the horizon.
Best Time to Visit Keep River National Park
Keep River National Park is seasonal and can close due to flooding. The park is generally closed between November and April, so check the latest park status and road conditions before travelling.
If you’re looking to observe its majestic boabs in full bloom, it’s suggested that you visit during the wet season (November to April).
During these months, you’ll witness an impressive spectacle as the boab trees turn bright yellow and orange, displaying their vibrant foliage.
Due to its position in the Top End’s dry season, temperatures remain comfortable, and there’s no risk of intense rainfall or irritating bugs.
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Keep River Accommodation & Campgrounds
There is no conventional accommodation within Keep River National Park, but visitors can stay overnight at designated campgrounds. The main options are Goorrandalng Campground and Jarnem Campground, both of which offer a convenient base for exploring the park’s walking tracks and cultural sites.
Goorrandalng Campground is a Category B campground with 2WD access and a generator area. Caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes are permitted, making it a practical option for travellers exploring the outback by road. Generators are permitted at Goorrandalng between 7:30am and 8:30pm.
Jarnem Campground is also suitable for 2WD vehicles, with sites available for tent camping, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes. Generators aren’t permitted at this campground.
Camping requires an online booking and fee before you arrive, and you must camp only in your booked campsite. A general camping permit isn’t required when staying in a designated campground, although separate permits may be needed for activities such as flying a drone or camping outside designated areas.
Facilities in the park are limited, with toilets, fire pits, picnic areas and limited drinking water available. If you’re camping, come prepared with everything you need for a remote stay, including food, drinking water and appropriate equipment. There is no mains power, so plan accordingly if you’re travelling without a generator.
Boab Trees in Keep River
Standing tall and proud amidst the rugged landscape of Keep River National Park, seeing the park’s iconic boab trees should be at the top of your to do list.
These ancient giants, with their distinctive bulbous trunks and sprawling branches, are among the largest in the world!
Boabs can range in size from small shrubs to massive 30-metre-tall trees weighing up to 50 tons! They get their name from the Aboriginal word “baa,” which means “grandfather.”
Boabs are essential to Aboriginal culture, and many Aboriginal stories and legends surround these unusual trees. They have a deep connection to the land and its natural resources.
Where Can You Find the Boabs?
While you can spot boabs throughout Keep River National Park, there are a few special spots to explore.
Cathedral Boabs: Near the entrance of Keep River National Park, you’ll find a cluster of impressive boab trees known as the Cathedral Boabs. These majestic specimens, with their massive trunks and spreading branches, create a striking contrast against the backdrop of the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Boab Bend: As you explore the park’s network of hiking trails, stop at Boab Bend. Located along the Keep River Road, this picturesque spot offers panoramic views of the landscape, with several prominent boab trees dotting the scene.
Boab Bluff: For a more immersive boab tree experience, venture deeper into the park to discover Boab Bluff. This area features a concentration of boab trees nestled amidst the rocky outcrops and lush vegetation.
Protect The Boabs in Keep River National Park
You can be part of the effort to conserve and protect the boabs in Keep River National Park. Follow the park’s rules, such as:
- Don’t pick or damage the flowers or leaves of any plant.
- Don’t litter.
- Stay on the marked paths to avoid disturbing the animals and plants.
- Help keep our water clean by correctly disposing of your waste.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints!
The boabs take their nutrients from the soil, so we must limit human interference with their environment.
Keep River National Park is a rewarding destination for travellers looking to venture beyond the better-known attractions of the Top End. Its rugged outback landscapes, ancient Aboriginal sites, distinctive sandstone formations and cultural connections to the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people make it a memorable stop near the NT–WA border.
Whether you’re visiting Nigli Gap, walking the Jarnem Walk or exploring the Goorrandalng Walk, allow enough time to experience the park at a relaxed pace. If you’re planning to camp, book your campsite in advance and come prepared for limited facilities.
Most importantly, check park closures and road conditions before travelling, particularly during the wet season when access can be affected by flooding. With some preparation, Keep River offers an incredible chance to explore one of the Northern Territory’s lesser-known national parks and discover a landscape rich in natural and cultural significance.
*Cover image by @nicole_hodgson
You can always get more inspiration for other National Parks to visit by following @northerhq or get your Keep River National Park daily fix @keeprivernationalpark.
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. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers 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.
