Davenport Range National Park

Stretching across the rugged spine of the Northern Territory, Davenport Range National Park is a remote outback wilderness that rewards the intrepid traveller with ancient landscapes, Aboriginal rock art, and a profound sense of isolation. This is the Red Centre at its most raw – think ochre-red gorges, spinifex-clad ranges, and waterholes that hold the stories of the Warumungu and Kaytetye peoples. It’s a place for self-sufficient explorers with a 4WD and a thirst for genuine outback adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Frew River Valley – A dramatic, sheer-sided gorge carved through quartzite, offering short walks and lookout points that capture the park’s stark beauty.
• Kurundi Homestead ruins – The remnants of a 19th-century pastoral station, providing a glimpse into the harsh lives of early European settlers.
• Aboriginal rock art sites – Scattered across the range, these ancient galleries (some accessible only with a guide) depict Dreaming stories and local wildlife.
• Waterhole swimming – After a dusty drive, cool off in the clear, permanent rock holes along Davenport Creek – always check local conditions first.
• Birdwatching at Woodforde River – Look for zebra finches, budgerigars, and the rare grey falcon swooping over the river gums.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to drive the main 4WD tracks and complete a few short walks, but two days allow you to camp overnight and truly absorb the silence. Most visitors base themselves in the park for a night or two, exploring the gorges at dawn and dusk when the light paints the cliffs fiery orange. If you’re on a tight schedule, a long day trip from Tennant Creek (2.5 hours east) is possible, but you’ll only scratch the surface.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu) – An iconic cluster of balancing granite boulders, just 100 km north on the Stuart Highway.
• Tennant Creek – The nearest town with fuel, supplies, and the fascinating Battery Hill Mining Centre.
• Kunjarra (The Pebbles) – A sacred Aboriginal site near Tennant Creek with a short walking trail and panoramic views.
• Lake Mary Ann – A peaceful bird-filled lake on the outskirts of Tennant Creek, perfect for a sunset picnic.
• Attack Creek Historical Reserve – A small but poignant site marking the northern limit of explorer John McDouall Stuart’s 1860 expedition.

Please check official sources for current details.