Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
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Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Nathan River Road Gulf Region, Borroloola, Northern Territory 0854 Australia
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Lorella Springs Wilderness Park is located on the Savannah Way in Australia's Northern Territory. Natural hot springs, safe swimming holes and waterfalls, bird watching, bush walking, 4WD tracks, fishing at billabongs, creeks or at the coast. Scenic helicopter flights and coastal tours to the Gulf coast. Choice of accommodation from camping, en-suite Deluxe rooms or air-conditioned cabins. "Remote", "untouched", "peaceful" and "friendly" are some of the words described by our guests about Lorella. Come and check it out for yourself!
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Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Self-serve laundry
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Great View
Family
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Nathan River Road Gulf Region, Borroloola, Northern Territory 0854 Australia
127Reviews3Q+A25Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We visited Lorella Springs in 2013 after seeing it on 4WD Action. It is absolutely beautiful, such a relaxing place. We stayed a week and enjoyed the various waterholes. Lots of wildlife around to admire. The hosts are lovely people who made us feel very welcome. We drove up to the Gulf and camped there for a night. We had a camper trailer which also made it to the Gulf. It was amazing. The amenities were clean - just be ready to see cane toads if you shower at night! They were harmless with us and tended to scamper away, but can give you a bit of a fright if you don't expect them to be there! Note: this area is very remote, so be prepared. Ensure you have adequate supplies and that your vehicle is in good condition.
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Date of stay: September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RhettWalker, Owner at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Responded 10 Feb 2016
Thank you for your review of our wilderness park. We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your holidays at Lorella and especially happy to read that you made the most by trying some remote camping at the coast. Since then we have opened up a few more tracks in the area so make sure you visit us again! (you might have found the place a bit dry when coming in September so next time if possible try right after the wet - it's the best time to see Lorella!)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had read many reviews over a period of time and decided this was the place to go. Turning off toward Lorrella Springs from the rough part of many kms of road.
Oh, we looked forward to camping at Lorella and the promises of the signs along the road, the promises of Bakery, Meals, Fuel (yes we could do with a top up)
Yes, the Bar (it was open) the socialising and meeting with new friends helped to make us see the funny side of things.
Alas!
A) it took 1 hr to do 29km, because of their road conditions to The Station.
B) I did need Bread, great! What I got was a Woolies Homebrand loaf, quite squashed at that! Ahh beggars can't be choosers but at $6 a loaf?!?
C) Asked about fuel, Sorry no fuel!
D) As for meals; Sorry can't give you meals, we're expecting a bus load of people, (hey what about your paying customers in the park? four of us).
We wanted to stay 10 days, we left after 3.
Should have listened to the guy who pulled us up outside the gate who warned us 'not worth it mate'
At $20 per head. (sites are unpowered).etc
Most folks are reasonable, the Brochures of beautiful scenery produced by and for Lorrella Springs are genuine I'm sure, but mostly accsessible by Helicopter (to those who can afford) alternatively want to travel for hours on pretty rough road. Park the car and walk for another 1.5km.
By the way, folk were advised the cost of vehicle recovery is $500 if they break down, to give you an idea of the track conditions if you want to see some of the features you saw advertised.
Suggestion; go see Litchfield Park or the Katherine Gorge instead, or stay at Towns River, just off the Savanna Way, catch a fish on the bank,beautiful spot. Your Van is parked and good toilet facility and only $3.65 @
Minister for Tourism needs to be updated.
Oh, we looked forward to camping at Lorella and the promises of the signs along the road, the promises of Bakery, Meals, Fuel (yes we could do with a top up)
Yes, the Bar (it was open) the socialising and meeting with new friends helped to make us see the funny side of things.
Alas!
A) it took 1 hr to do 29km, because of their road conditions to The Station.
B) I did need Bread, great! What I got was a Woolies Homebrand loaf, quite squashed at that! Ahh beggars can't be choosers but at $6 a loaf?!?
C) Asked about fuel, Sorry no fuel!
D) As for meals; Sorry can't give you meals, we're expecting a bus load of people, (hey what about your paying customers in the park? four of us).
We wanted to stay 10 days, we left after 3.
Should have listened to the guy who pulled us up outside the gate who warned us 'not worth it mate'
At $20 per head. (sites are unpowered).etc
Most folks are reasonable, the Brochures of beautiful scenery produced by and for Lorrella Springs are genuine I'm sure, but mostly accsessible by Helicopter (to those who can afford) alternatively want to travel for hours on pretty rough road. Park the car and walk for another 1.5km.
By the way, folk were advised the cost of vehicle recovery is $500 if they break down, to give you an idea of the track conditions if you want to see some of the features you saw advertised.
Suggestion; go see Litchfield Park or the Katherine Gorge instead, or stay at Towns River, just off the Savanna Way, catch a fish on the bank,beautiful spot. Your Van is parked and good toilet facility and only $3.65 @
Minister for Tourism needs to be updated.
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Date of stay: September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LorellaSpringsNT, Owner at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Responded 30 Oct 2015
Thank you for your review and we are sorry to read that you did not enjoy your stay. yes we are located at the end of a dirt road - a public access road which we do not own or have control over. After owning the property for over 30 years, as you can imagine we have traveled on that road more times than anyone else so we fully understand your feeling about it, and any help you would like to provide by sharing your feedback to the NT Road and Transport Department directly would be greatly appreciated. At the homestead we do have fuel, but as an emergency, and emergency only. The first and main reason we store fuel here is for our machinery. We do not advertise or promote fuel so this was certainly not something you would have seen on our signs or brochure. I am also sorry to read that you did not enjoy the uniqueness and privilege of Nanny's Retreat and did not try to make it there, as it has been the number one favorite spot on Lorella for the last three years (out of over 50 attractions and destinations across the property). yes we have a recovery charge to cover for the expense that we incur when we have to recover people who do not follow our rule of not getting out of the tracks and end up getting bogged on the salt flats - the only recoveries we have had to do this year. It is such a shame you did not do more research about Lorella before visiting our property, as you would have seen on our website, brochure, FAQ booklet or heard from us over a telephone call that our property is probably up there with some of the most remote places on the planet. That is the very reason why people come to lorella in the first place, and over 85% of our customers return every year, along with the fact that our property is so untouched, raw, pristine and probably one of the only properties in the region allowing self drive over a thousand kilometers of 4WD tracks, so that you can explore and enjoy it all on your own and at your own pace. You are allowed to camp anywhere on Lorella, and often people comment that they feel like they have the whole one-million acres to themselves. However, once again we are very remote, and anyone travelling through this part of the world should be well prepared with food, water and fuel, and any extra available at Lorella should only be seen as a bonus, not something to rely on. Once again we thank you for your feedback, however I fear that you may have missed the whole point of Lorella. Ours is not a caravan park by the highway and your $20 per person per night hardly makes up for the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to keep the park open every year.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had travelled from Melbourne to the Gulf towing a 4.2m tinny to do some fishing. We had been fishing up the road from Lorella and were driving past and decided to drop in to have a look. The staff were extremely friendly and the hot spa was great so we decided to stay and have a look around.
At the bar that night we met a guy called John who said there was some good fishing on the property. The next day we headed down to the secret fishing spot (young John came too) for 5 days and boy did we have a ball.
To the right of where the river meets the sea are a number of small creeks as well as a shallow reef. We spent our days sneaking down these systems and fishing off the reef.
The fishing was great, we caught heaps of jacks, 100's of queenies, trevally, barracuda, cod, and even a couple of Barra.
The place is great and the people there are extremely helpful. A couple hints though; watch the tides as the water is shallow and there appears to be only one tide a day. Also, try take you own fuel as fuel at the station is expensive.
Regards
Nick J
At the bar that night we met a guy called John who said there was some good fishing on the property. The next day we headed down to the secret fishing spot (young John came too) for 5 days and boy did we have a ball.
To the right of where the river meets the sea are a number of small creeks as well as a shallow reef. We spent our days sneaking down these systems and fishing off the reef.
The fishing was great, we caught heaps of jacks, 100's of queenies, trevally, barracuda, cod, and even a couple of Barra.
The place is great and the people there are extremely helpful. A couple hints though; watch the tides as the water is shallow and there appears to be only one tide a day. Also, try take you own fuel as fuel at the station is expensive.
Regards
Nick J
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Date of stay: June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 11 days and still didn't see everything they had to offer. 4 days at Rosie creek camp fishing and the rest we stayed at the homestead. Swam in the beautiful magical spring every day and grabbed a drink at the bar after we spent the day sightseeing. The highlight for me were the arches, nannies retreat and a helicopter flight over the homestead. Amazing!! Staff were very friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend it to everyone and we will defiantly come back again.
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Date of stay: June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have just returned from a road trip with my two children 7 and 5 and my mother 72. I had read an article on Lorella Springs in a 4wd Action magazine and had decided I wanted to check it out for myself.
We arrived late afternoon and were greeted with a cold beer to wash down the dust while filling out some booking paperwork, and then were left to set up camp. What followed was a week of fun filled adventure, Rock Art, Look outs, Hot and Cold springs, Waterfalls, Water-slides, Swimming holes, Lagoons and billabongs. The kids loved bouncing around in the ute,talking on the Two-way opening gates and spotting wildlife. Nanny loved the many cups of tea made via a billy on the side of the road everywhere we went. The bar at happy hour was a wealth of information and the attitude of the staff was fantastic. It is truely great to see so many people with a real sense of pride in where they live and work. Nothing was to hard and we felt right at home from the get go. As a parent, holidays can always be a challenge with the kids and keeping them happy and occupied is not that easy, but at Lorella the Kids entertained themselves, played with the other kids at the main camp site and really looked forward to each days adventure, in short they had a ball and that made it so much more enjoyable for all. The four of us camped at Lorella 6 nights for about $300 including a couple of beers, ice creams and soft drinks for the kids. Considering that all we done was included in the one price I think great family value and we will certainly be back. Lorella is a beautiful part of the country and I give my sincere thanks to Rhett and the staff for allowing us to share it with them. Brendon A
We arrived late afternoon and were greeted with a cold beer to wash down the dust while filling out some booking paperwork, and then were left to set up camp. What followed was a week of fun filled adventure, Rock Art, Look outs, Hot and Cold springs, Waterfalls, Water-slides, Swimming holes, Lagoons and billabongs. The kids loved bouncing around in the ute,talking on the Two-way opening gates and spotting wildlife. Nanny loved the many cups of tea made via a billy on the side of the road everywhere we went. The bar at happy hour was a wealth of information and the attitude of the staff was fantastic. It is truely great to see so many people with a real sense of pride in where they live and work. Nothing was to hard and we felt right at home from the get go. As a parent, holidays can always be a challenge with the kids and keeping them happy and occupied is not that easy, but at Lorella the Kids entertained themselves, played with the other kids at the main camp site and really looked forward to each days adventure, in short they had a ball and that made it so much more enjoyable for all. The four of us camped at Lorella 6 nights for about $300 including a couple of beers, ice creams and soft drinks for the kids. Considering that all we done was included in the one price I think great family value and we will certainly be back. Lorella is a beautiful part of the country and I give my sincere thanks to Rhett and the staff for allowing us to share it with them. Brendon A
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Date of stay: July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We pulled into Lorella Springs and were greeted with a hearty handshake by Marie, a very friendly French girl working at Lorella for 3 months to extend her visa. She gave us a complete rundown of what to do and where to go, so we jumped back in the car and managed to get our large off road van across the creek without any damage.
We were travelling late in the season so there wasn’t any grass in this section, but we did manage to find a tiny piece to put our camp chairs on. Many of the sites had taps so we had plenty of good water and there were ablution blocks scattered around.
Rhett and his boys love their million acres, and their enthusiasm about their property is contagious. We spent our days driving out to different waterholes and to the newest discovery “Nanna’s Retreat”. Rhett, the boys and some willing campers recently bush bashed a new track to this paradise and we spent the day on our own swimming, scrambling over rocks and exploring the surrounding area.
We didn’t attempt the 80 km (4 hour) track to the ocean as we knew we couldn’t swim (crocs) and it was way too hot to just sit around enjoying the scenery. Because we’d come so late in the season many of the waterholes had dried up or weren’t flowing, but there was always the hot springs in the main camp area to jump into.
They now also have Crusty Dicks Bakehouse - delicious bread baked in a wood fired oven ready for you by happy hour, which by the way happens each day at the outdoor bar/reception area. It’s a great place to meet fellow travellers and swap stories.
We can’t wait to come back, but a little earlier in the season next time.
We were travelling late in the season so there wasn’t any grass in this section, but we did manage to find a tiny piece to put our camp chairs on. Many of the sites had taps so we had plenty of good water and there were ablution blocks scattered around.
Rhett and his boys love their million acres, and their enthusiasm about their property is contagious. We spent our days driving out to different waterholes and to the newest discovery “Nanna’s Retreat”. Rhett, the boys and some willing campers recently bush bashed a new track to this paradise and we spent the day on our own swimming, scrambling over rocks and exploring the surrounding area.
We didn’t attempt the 80 km (4 hour) track to the ocean as we knew we couldn’t swim (crocs) and it was way too hot to just sit around enjoying the scenery. Because we’d come so late in the season many of the waterholes had dried up or weren’t flowing, but there was always the hot springs in the main camp area to jump into.
They now also have Crusty Dicks Bakehouse - delicious bread baked in a wood fired oven ready for you by happy hour, which by the way happens each day at the outdoor bar/reception area. It’s a great place to meet fellow travellers and swap stories.
We can’t wait to come back, but a little earlier in the season next time.
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Date of stay: September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We camped here in June this year....what an amazing place! The family running this homestead are very helpful and always looking for ways to make your stay enjoyable. There are plenty of things to do on the station (fishing, 4WDing, bird watching or just relaxing) and the Thermal Pool was a great way to end the day after a day driving in the car to get there! the facilities were great and the open air showers (under the stars) were definately something to remember. we will definately come back and stay again one day!
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Date of stay: June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from lorellaDarwin, Owner at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Responded 1 Aug 2013
Thanks Christine for your feedback and glad you enjoyed your stay with us. we look forward to seeing you again soon at Lorella!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My Brother and I also made the decision to go Lorella Springs and was not disappointed at all. We first met Nancy and her two awsome dogs, the dogs greet you when you pull up in the car and the place at first seemed different in it's own way. We where intended to go further to the fishing camp but Nancy was nice enough to persuade us to stay near the station and relax as we had just drove a long way. This was the best idea of all and the 'Magical Springs' just felt so refreshing.
The Camping area is set out very nice with big shady trees and the toilets and showers are very clean also. It was a shame that we had to keep moving the next day other wise it's a place you could stay there for at least for a few days just relaxing.
I finally met Rhett, Nancy's son and he also is very nice bloke and also a keen fisher.
We'll be certainly back with the family one day!
Michael and Nick
The Camping area is set out very nice with big shady trees and the toilets and showers are very clean also. It was a shame that we had to keep moving the next day other wise it's a place you could stay there for at least for a few days just relaxing.
I finally met Rhett, Nancy's son and he also is very nice bloke and also a keen fisher.
We'll be certainly back with the family one day!
Michael and Nick
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Date of stay: September 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just had the most amazing time here at Lorella Springs! We spent 10 nights exploring the property and met some of the best people we have ever come across on the road. You are so spoilt for experiences at this property! You can 4wd, fish, swim, bushwalk, birdwatch and so much more. We did all of the above and we also just relaxed at the Homestead Hot Spring and enjoyed some cold beers with fellow roast rippers!! Great spot! You need to check this out. WOW!
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Date of stay: August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road into property can be very corrugated and stony, 4x4 required. While camping ground is spacious and grassy, facilities are very basic. Directions to swimming holes, etc are inadequate with no warnings on the state of 4x4 tracks which can be very rough and deep sand. We got bogged in deep sand but fortunately were able to get ourselves our as there is a $500 recovery fee.
This could be a great location with improved trails, better explanation from reception, improved amenities and as it has been a dry season cold water swimming holes are a long way from the camping ground.
Fishing could be great on the coast but we did not venture there. No fishing trips or 4x4 tag long tours offered.
This could be a great location with improved trails, better explanation from reception, improved amenities and as it has been a dry season cold water swimming holes are a long way from the camping ground.
Fishing could be great on the coast but we did not venture there. No fishing trips or 4x4 tag long tours offered.
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Date of stay: May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rhett W, Manager at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park
Responded 5 June 2016
Thank you for your feedback, we are sorry to read that your stay did not meet your expectations. I have checked with the team in reception and they have advised that they know about the exact spot and track where you got bogged and we are since then warning guests against bull dust. However I was also informed that your car was not adequate or prepared for 4WD bush tracks. We are grateful for your feedback which is a reminder that Lorella is one of the most remote places or earth, and everyone should come prepared as per our warnings on our website, and signs all around the property. We also insist, at check in and when giving directions, on the variation of 4WD tracks we have on Lorella - from the easily accessible tracks through to the very extreme ones. Indeed Lorella is 4WD and self drive only, however we believe this is the very reason why people come to us, we like to think that there are guests out there who enjoy having the place to themselves and not be forced to be part of a group or charter. We do offer tag alongs at the beginning of the year when we first reopen our tracks for FREE, however by May most of our tracks are already reopen and we let people enjoy Lorella at their own pace. Once again, thank you for your valued feedback and we do hope to see you again here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You would need a 4 wheel drive high clearance 4wd. The road from Darwin across to Boorooloola gets graded at the start of the Tourist season. By August the weather is lovely but the road is corrugated. The creek crossings are tidal.
The tracks at Lorella Springs are sandy and there are creek crossings. Quite an adventure.
It is 900 kilometres from Darwin & probably 500 on unmade roads. There are creek crossings, some subject to tides.
Too far for 4 days. Large family groups do go there. I suggest you ring for costings & the closing date as wet season approaches.
My suggestion is to go when you have more time. You can make the trip a worthwhile adventure.
Hi Sue
I took my dog there when camping with my boys. We took him everywhere with us, although had to carry him over some of the rocks at times. We had him on a lead at times and at times he just trotted along beside us. Also, there is plenty of space to camp away from others if you need to.
I have been living in the Top End for over 10 years now and thought the prices there were very reasonable for my 2 sons and I - there are costs in transport and storage in remote areas that are not issues elsewhere.
"You need to be up for an adventure and rough roads. A typical caravan park this is not, which is the whole point. If you can go early"Read full review
LOCATION
AustraliaNorthern TerritoryTop EndBorroloola
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
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