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ChrisTaylerDarwinNT
Darwin, Australia

Needed more time!!

4.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 11 Aug 2019via mobile
There was 4 groups in are convoy! We all had campers and young children. We are all from Darwin. We travelled by 4WD total 1800 kilometres. Twelve hundred kilometres return trip from Darwin on the Stuart highway and Carpenteria highway. Followed by four hundred kilometres return trip on rugged, dirt on the very dusty Savannah Way highway, Chicken run road , Rosie Track roads... the other tracks names... dunno!! We only had 10 days I would have liked have had another 3 weeks! We took 2 days to travel to and from the station as we had young children with us. We spent the first night in the camp grounds at Lorella springs before heading out the next day to find a base camp for the final 6 days. We did day trips from our base camp. Nanny's retreat was my favourite as it had an a beautiful spring to cool off in and a small cave to e explore. Nice trek into the area too. The valley of the ghosts was very interesting with ancient Aboriginal rock art. I would have loved to have got to the coast but that would have been another week - maybe next time. The map they give you at check in as brilliant we only saw 20% of what was on the map.
These are only some of my top pick photographs.
Date of stay: August 2019
Trip type: Travelled with family
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Reviewed 4 August 2019 via mobile

We stayed three nights in our camper at the grounds. Such an amazing place. Great for a base to see the Lost cities. So many beautiful spots on the property to adventure to. Including Nanny's retreat. Wonderful staff and great happy hour every day. Great hot springs at the campground or heaps of other swimming spots to explore. Could easily spend a week or two next time. Your fees give you access to so many places to explore. Over the one million acres . Keep up the good work guys.

Date of stay: August 2019
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
1  Thank karenvandalen
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.
Peter L, Grand Dad at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, responded to this reviewResponded 6 August 2019

Thank you so much for your review, karenvandalen.

We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay and shared your review with others.

Many people who come do not realise how huge Lorella's 1 million acres is and how remote we are from all our supplies and how much is involved in keeping the 1,000 km of tracks open for visitors's enjoyment.

We greatly appreciate people who realise that Lorella is not on only an acre of ground, next door to a fuel depot and a super market, and our costs have to reflect that.

Hope to see you for a much longer time, next time ... and we will do our very best to make your stay a Life-Long, wonderful memory.

Cheers.

Pete. :)

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Reviewed 1 August 2019

Two couples staying in the self contained cabins in July. The road in was not nearly as bad as we expected and took only 5 hours from Roper Bar.

For those who moan remember It is a magic part of the world and people need to take into consideration this remoteness and that it is ever changing depending on when the grader last went through which determines the state of the road and when it last rained which determines the state of water holes. We went to Nannies retreat which was just magic and otherwise just enjoyed 4 days to take a break from driving, to pat the animals, swim in the warm spring near the campground and otherwise soak up the atmosphere. For those who complain about the cost, yes it is expensive but remember they only have 7 months to make 12 months living and everything needs to be trucked in. If you can’t afford it be as self contained as possible. Bring your own food and alcohol.
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is I felt some charges were unfair. $10 for a load of washing, then find out it doesn’t include the washing powder and over hearing a couple who had just spent $900 on a helicopter flight be refused a cup of instant powdered coffee while waiting because it wasn’t for campers. Also once we had confirmed our booking our emails didn’t get replied to dispite twice chasing them up.

Room tip: Come self contained to keep down the costs
Date of stay: July 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank IreneR2573
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.
Reviewed 30 July 2019 via mobile

We needed to stay on site . The rooms are small but in a nice spot. The area is beautiful lots of fresh water to swim in and some great walks and sunset vistas. They were mustering while we were there so some cattle mustering action. The staff spent a lot of time helping campers and directing then to numerous sites. This is a family affair with many long term volunteers on staff. The biggest disappointment was the food we ate all our meals there which were basic in ingredients and preparation. It was the toughest meat I have eaten for a long time and expensive

Date of stay: July 2019
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
2  Thank Mark W
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.
Reviewed 28 July 2019

A great place to stay and camp (2 days is minimum stay demanded). Toilet and shower facilities in campground are a bit spartan and rustic but should/could be "tarted up" a little.
A great place to go day trip 4 wheel driving arriving at some great little waterholes and viewing areas. Longer trips are possible using the road system--free camping at it's best.
Bar happy hour was unfortunately not very well patronised during our stay and could be made more appealing with cheaper prices and maybe some nibbles.

Date of stay: June 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank 569wg
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.
Reviewed 22 July 2019 via mobile

We camped with our 6 & 16 yr old children and it cost us $66/night to camp!!! Sadly with the poor wet season, many of the “magical” rock holes and waterfalls were dried up so whilst the 4WD adventures were fun, we were still disappointed.... especially when we got the bill on checkout. 4 ice creams cost us $25! I understand it’s remote and one expects to pay more BUT many other remote places weren’t this inflated.

Date of stay: July 2019
Trip type: Travelled with family
Thank Lisa S
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.
Peter L, Dad at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, responded to this reviewResponded 28 July 2019

Dear Ambassador303131.
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Thank you so much for your honest review of 1 Million Acre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park.
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It is through reviews such as yours that only people that are looking for the unique opportunity that Lorella offers, find what they are looking for, and others find preferred alternatives.
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There are many areas along the Savannah Way that may be used for free overnight stops, if that is all that people are looking for.
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We emphasise to all who contact or research us that Lorella's ONE MILLION ACRES is a DESTINATION, not an overnight stopping off spot. There is so much to see and do.
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We highly suggest that people come here for a minimum of 1 week, or 1 month. (***smiles*** with excellent discounts, if they do.)
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Lorella is larger than many Countries in the World ... and probably the most remote and inaccessible area in Australia. ... But that is what those who come should be looking for.
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As most know, the whole off the Northern Territory had a below average Wet Season. ... However Lorella faired extremely well.
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Not only does Lorella have hundreds of Kilometres of full rivers, creeks and billabongs ... but also numerous perpetual crystal clear thermal and cold water springs that never stop running or dry out. These springs offer wonderful safe swimming, all year around. At the office, everyone is shown where is good and where is unsuitable for their adventures.
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As I said previously, Lorella is probably the most remote and inaccessible place in Australia ... and our prices have to reflect the massive cost of bringing supplies in and keeping the whole place open. Many people who have travelled extensively tell us that we are far below what they expected to pay for where we are and what we provide.
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Even the cost of keeping the 1,000 km of tracks open on 1 million acres is mind boggling.
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In no way can Lorella price-wise compete with a "Big 4" caravan park on a couple acres of ground, on the edge of a town. Or with a super market. But people who come here should expect that and most do welcome the effort that we go to in order to give them convenience.
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We often joke that Lorella is the cheapest camping per square foot in Australia.
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Anyway, once again, I thank you for your honest review of Lorella and hope that this helps others know if Lorella is for them.
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Best Regards and Safe Travels.
.
Pete.



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