Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, privately-owned Lorella Springs Wilderness Park is a paradise found 15 degrees south of the equator, and fronting the Gulf of Carpentaria.It’s open during the dry season from April to September, with camping and lodging on-site..
A wild, rugged, pristine, and outrageously gorgeous outback setting with every kind of water experience imaginable from ocean frontage to rivers, streams, pools, waterfalls, and thermal springs, all located in a million-acre wilderness sanctuary.
Lorella Springs Wilderness Park is an Outback Australia cattle station surrounded by the Limmen National Park and Aboriginal land. The activities here are as endless as the land itself—from fishing to bushwalking to 4WD adventuring—there’s something here for everyone.
Lorella Thermal Spring Pools
The wilderness park is home to a handful of natural thermal springs; which we share share what makes each a unique experience here in Lorella Springs. Come along as we explore these warm and relaxing free-flowing, natural geothermal sites.
Magical Hot Springs
The crystal clear Magical Hot Springs flow through the Lorella campground. This campground, also called station homestead, is the main site and is home to a communal barbecue area and a natural mineral water swimming pool. Pandanus palm trees line the water’s edge, and the camping sites are grassy and shaded. You can take a late-night soak complete with a bonfire near the pool.
Valley of the Springs
The Valley of the Springs features hot and cold springs and unique and picturesque rock formations.
Helicopter Pool
Helicopter Pool is a compact crystal clear thermal watering hole surrounded by rock cliffs and outcroppings.
Nudie Hot Springs
Nudie Hot Springs is 50ºC (122ºF)—super hot at its source. When the water reaches the pool, it is a comfortable temperature for relaxation. This site is a convenient stop on your way to or from the coast. Pandanus Palms and other flora create a shaded tropical setting no matter what time of year.
Cattle Yard Hot Spring
Cattle Yard is another very hot spring with a private bush camp. Cattle Yard is occasionally closed off at certain times of the year for cattle mustering and is the seasonal home for large flocks of cockatoos.
Watch out for Crocs and Sharks
A word to the wise, pay attention to which areas are safe for swimming and do not enter any water unless you are sure it has been marked safe or told it is safe.
Two species of crocodiles do inhabit this part of Australia. There are saltwater crocodiles or “salties” that sometimes prefer estuaries and freshwater swamps to life at-sea and frequently move inland to breed. The Freshwater Crocodile or Johnstone’s Crocodile lives in rivers, wetlands, and billabongs.
And, there are sharks in the Gulf of Carpentaria; if you plan a visit to the coast, be sure to inquire about your safety while in the ocean.
Camping, Cabin and Lodge Rooms
Lorella Springs offers campsites, tents, air-conditioned cabins, en-suite deluxe rooms, and a caravan park. There is an option for a farm-stay experience too.
Camping – The Homestead Campground is 1 square kilometers of space. The campsites are located on-site at the thermal springs and can be reached by any bush-ready vehicle or caravan during the dry season. All of them are first-come, and first-serve, with plenty of room for everybody, so rest assured, you’ll get a camping space.
In addition to the Homestead Campground, “bush camping” or boon-docking is permitted anywhere in the wilderness park. You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient out here though.
24-hour overnight permits include access to all the 4×4 and bushwalking tracks, sightseeing, access to boats and canoes
Deluxe Bedrooms – There are 16 en-suited bedrooms on-site, each with their own bathrooms, mini-fridge, and a ceiling fan. There are several bed configurations available.
Cabins – Located nearby one of the hot springs, there are air-conditioned cabins that can fit up to 5 people. These also come with private bathrooms, but include kitchen amenities and private BBQ.
Reservations are essential, so plan your stay ahead of time.
Amenities and Dining
The homestead has an office and reception, meals, a coffee shop, a licensed bar, and a shop with the basics, including souvenirs, ice, and ice cream. Also offered at the park are scenic helicopter rides and coastal tours.
Fishing – There is freshwater fishing nearby and a boat launch area on the Rosie River, about 85 km away. It’s catch-and-release only, with no traps or nets.
Getting There
Lorella Springs Station is 29 km (18 miles) north of the Savannah Way, located between Borroloola and Roper Bar in Australia’s Northern Territory. The road with a gravel/dirt surface is maintained by the government and classified as 4WD. Early in the season, in April, you can expect some mud and water crossings. With care, you should be able to get most vehicles and campers to the site. Call ahead for road conditions.
You can also fly into Lorella. There is an airstrip and a crew ready and willing to come pick you up and bring you to the homestead campground.
Details
Address: 29 km off Savannah Way, via Borroloola, NT 0854, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8975 9917
Season: Open only in the Dry Season- April to September
Website: lorellasprings.com.au
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